| Members Present Judge Norman Backes Judge Debbie Kleven Justice Mary Maring Everett Nels Olson Dale Thompson Mary Hall | Staff Greg Wallace |
Judge Backes called the meeting to order. The minutes of the September 13, 2001, meeting were approved as distributed.
Judge Backes brought the Board's attention to Policy 408. This policy would prohibit court officers from signing petitions. The Board was reminded that the policy had been distributed for comment. The Board had asked that the language be added to clarify that a court officer could sign a petition if the court is initiating the proceeding, such as a petition to revoke probation.
After discussion, JUDGE OLSON MOVED, AND JUDGE KLEVEN SECONDED THE MOTION, THAT THE POLICY BE FORWARDED TO THE SUPREME COURT WITH THE RECOMMENDATION THAT IT BE APPROVED. THE MOTION PASSED.
The Board then discussed proposed revisions to Policy 408 - Confidentiality. Greg Wallace explained that the proposed amendments were intended to bring the courts in compliance with federal law relating to drug and alcohol records. Under North Dakota law, juvenile court records are open to inspection or release to several persons including school officials, attorneys, and state's attorneys. Federal law, however, prohibits such release unless a specific release of information is obtained from the child and parents. The court can order the release, but must make certain findings.
After discussion, MARY HALL MOVED AND JUDGE ROMANICK SECONDED A MOTION THAT THE POLICY BE DISTRIBUTED FOR COMMENT. THE MOTION PASSED.
The Board then took up discussion of Policy 409, Juvenile Court Time Standards. This policy, in conjunction with proposed amendments to docket currency standards, puts in place time standards for juvenile court cases. The policy had been distributed for comment. Greg Wallace reported that no substantive comments had been received, only technical comments.
Judge Olson asked why changes in three different policy areas were needed and if there wasn't a simpler approach.
Greg Wallace explained that the changes to AR-12 were necessary to include formal cases under docket currency standards. These changes set the outside limits in disposing of cases while proposed Policy 409 sets interim time standards not dealt with under the docket currency format.
After discussion, JUDGE KLEVEN MOVED AND JUDGE OLSON SECONDED A MOTION THAT THE POLICY BE FORWARDED TO THE SUPREME COURT FOR APPROVAL. THE MOTION PASSED.
Greg Wallace then updated the Board on implementing a risk/needs assessment. He explained that the Risk Assessment Task Force had reviewed several approaches to implement risk assessment and looked at several models. The Task Force had chosen a model developed by the state of Washington. At this point, it looks like training on the instrument will take place this spring with implementation in July 2002.
Greg Wallace reported that he is looking at the week of April 8, 2002, to reschedule the strategic planning session. He needs to coordinate that session with Carla Kolling and the annual juvenile court spring training; and the need for training on the risk assessment. Notice of the meeting will be sent out next week.
Having no further business, the meeting was adjourned.