Court Improvement Project Committee

MinutesGladstone Inn, Jamestown September 12, 2005

Members Present Judge Lee Christofferson, Co-Chair Paul Ronningen, Co-Chair Vince Ament Larry Bernhardt Connie Cleveland Dixie Evans Robert Freed Rita Hannesson Pat Podoll Lanny Serrano Don Snyder Theresa Snyder	Members Absent Krista Andrews Lisa Boxrud Gladys Cairns Joelyn Foote Julie Hoffman Beverly Iron Shield Kate Kenna Sandra Kuntz Dave McGeary Judge William McLees Frank Myrick Marilyn Poitra Michon Sax
Staff Lee Ann Barnhardt Louie Hentzen Tara Muhlhauser

Tara Muhlhauser and Lee Ann Barnhardt were introduced to the members present. Tara holds a new position in the Department of Human Services as Court Improvement Specialist. Lee Ann is the new Education and Special Projects Coordinator for the Supreme Court Administrative Office. Tara and Lee Ann will staff the Court Improvement Committee and prepare grants each year.

The minutes of the May 3, 2005, meeting held at the Gladstone in Jamestown were approved with the correction that it was not held by IVN.

Susan Sisk was not able to attend the meeting, but did provide a financial statement which was furnished to all members present.

The GAL Evaluation Subcommittee was the next topic. Vince Ament reported that Dixie Evans has been looking at other states' satisfaction surveys. Vince reported that data needs to be collected before putting together an evaluation instrument. A student at Minot State has come forward to offer to gather data in a "useful information" format. The Subcommittee endorses the use of the student. Larry Bernhardt moved and Vince Ament seconded the motion to use the student to gather the data. The motion carried unanimously.

Dixie Evans furnished handouts for the GAL report. Some requests were made to provide a breakdown of types of hearings (short term or long term appointments), statistics needed in conjunction with fiscal year, how many hours are GAL working, and how much time is in court, doing paperwork, making contact, etc. Judge Christofferson stated that the UCIS and DHS information systems need to bridge.

Pre and post dispositional appointments of GALs was discussed. Tara pointed out that there are inconsistent practices across the state. Judge Christofferson asked if the CIP Committee should adopt a different model for appointments.

Larry Bernhardt and Tara Muhlhauser reported on the National Court Improvement Project conferences in the Washington, DC, area. Larry reported that the first three days focused on CFSR and the last 1½ days was on CIP. He reported that there was considerable discussion focusing on computer systems being compatible. The IV-E foster care reviews were discussed as well. Some suggestions coming out of the conference were: one judge, one family; interagencies meetings; how to deal with state's attorneys who refuse to do their job; guidelines for attorney/client contact; technical assistance from the ABA; focus on quality training for front-line workers. Tara handed out Kids Count materials and Pew Commission materials.

Paul Ronningen reported that the state passed the recent IV-E review with only one error.

Theresa Snyder reported on the ICWA Subcommittee. She indicated some cases were pulled in the Devils Lake region and that notices were in compliance. But several questions came up - how did case manager know it was a Native American child; were diligent or active efforts employed; were expert witnesses called; how do we really check for compliance; how do we follow-up? The Subcommittee will continue to work.

Don Snyder reported on the CFSR and the recent IV-E audit. The feds are suggesting youth stakeholders meetings, increased father location efforts, collaboration with the courts, family connections and relative searches.

The topic of training for parents lawyers was discussed. Tara and Lee Ann will consult with Susan concerning budget issues and they will work with the bar association.

Membership of the CIP Committee will be discussed at the next meeting.

The next meeting will be December 12, 2005. It is scheduled to be conducted over the IVN system.