Arizona Juvenile Detention Administrator’s Association
Meeting Minutes – August 13, 2009
Members Present:
Paul Gabaldon, Yavapai County
Gloria Dusek, Mohave County
Jolene Hefner, Yuma County
Cindy Reilly, Maricopa County
Grace Arriaga, Maricopa County
Omar Villa, Santa Cruz County
Jennifer Himes, Apache County
Randy Sullivan, Navajo County
Denise Smith, Pinal County
Jim Milligan, Cochise County
Julie Ramirez, Coconino County
Guests:
Mark Koch, AOC
Jon Lindell, ADJC
Dottie Wodraska
Welcome and Introductions
Randy called the meeting to order at 9:55 a.m.
Approval of Minutes/Treasurer’s Report
The meeting minutes and the Treasurers report were approved as submitted.
State Agency Reports
Mark Koch advised that he sent everyone a check list for the new standards. The check list is to be used as a tool to ensure our policies and procedures are in line with the new standards. Mark reminded everyone that detention centers state wide had to be in compliance with the new standards by July 2010. In an attempt to ensure counties are on track with the new standards, he will begin conducting on-site assessments to review our policies and procedures and to address any areas of concerns with the new standards. Mark advised he will begin the on-site assessments with the medium-sized detention centers in a couple of months.
Members discussed the concern they had about the financial impact the new ratio’s is going to impose on the counties. Mark advised that per code, a Standards Committee will have to be established within the next year. Discussion followed regarding the concern that many detention administrators do not have any control over the education policies. Mark said that Dottie sent a copy of the new standards to each county superintendant.
Dottie Wodraski, AJDEAC, reviewed the FY 09 census report and Special Education Census Report. Dottie reviewed the upcoming professional development opportunities and reminded everyone that there are scholarships available for up to $250.00 through ACE.
Jon Lindell, ADJC, advised the group that he is starting on Cycle B of the inspection plan. Jon requested that materials be sent to him in advance of the on-site inspection. Jon said that as a result of a 12% budget reduction, 32 employees were laid off,but no programs or services were cut back.
Discussion Items
Jim Milligan asked if a copy of the curriculum was available for all required training and/or curriculum of the classes taught at the JDO academy. Discussion followed on what training was required. Each county was responsible for their own training program --- no statewide standards for training with the exception of PREA, Handle with Care and Suicide Prevention. Mark stated that AOC purchased software which will allow Education Services to develop their own CBT’s. Mark stated Ed Services is currently developing a PREA presentation for juveniles.
Mark stated that several people attended the PREA train the trainer class in Phoenix and trainers can modify the class as long as they cover PREA objectives. Cindy Reilly agreed to send everyone a copy of the PREA power point presentation they use in Maricopa County.
Sub-Committee Reports
Paul stated the next COPE meeting was scheduled for September 12. Paul advised that the Behavior Management lesson plan was available on the )))))))))) website. Paul said that AOC will continue to offer the JDO Academy; however, in an attempt to cut costs, AOC is considering moving the JDO academy to the CODA facility in Tucson. The facilities would include dormitories, food would be prepared on site, and real-life scenarios could be incorporated into the academy curriculum. The reduction in cost for meals and housing would be significant.
It was determined that the November AJDAA meeting and retreat would be held in Florence rather than in Prescott, Az.
Conclusion and Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 1:18 p.m.