Disability Justice Project

Local Community LiaisonGroup

MeetingMinutes

Date: / Thursday, 14 November 2013
Time:
Venue: / 4pm – 5.20pm
2 Keene Street, Midland
Attendees: / Peter Batini, Executive Director: Disability Justice Service (Chair)
Gail McCahon, Senior Project Support Officer – DJS
Connie Drew
Elizabeth Drew
Jenny Waterhouse
Crystal Andrea D’Silva
Cr Mick Wainwright, Deputy Mayor, City of Swan
Apologies: / Cr David Lucas, City of Swan

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  1. Introductions

Members of the group introduced themselves.

  1. Background

PB gave an overview of his role in the DJC project.

  1. Minutes and actions

It was agreed that minutes need only be key points and that actions need only be noted.

  1. Review of Terms of Reference

PB went through the terms of reference. Members were advised that the group will be given advice and information about the Centres and all views will be considered. If the Chair is unsure about any issue, advice will be sought from DSC or appropriate sources. PB will be the Chair. Minutes will be circulated within one week of the meeting, by email and copied to all members. Once the minutes are finalised they will be placed on the website. PB will distribute the agenda and any papers prior to meetings.

Members were advised they may invite other members to join the group, up to a maximum of 10. Attendance of guest speakers was discussed and the members expressed an interest in having the Forensic Psychologist on the project team attend and also Judge Cock, Chairman of the MIAR Board and the Disability Justice Coordinator. PB advised that he would be available to attend other meetings or discussions suggested by the group.

  1. Review of the Code of Conduct

Members were advised that they were free to express their views in robust terms if they wish.

  1. Review of information provided

Members were provided with an information pack and noted that there was no new information but asked a number of questions including how are individuals selected for the Centre, what are the staffing and security levels and what is the MIAR Board process. Peter explained the difference between cognitive and intellectual disability. Members were advised there were currently 7 individuals in the system that may be eligible for residence at the Centre. Each resident will have an Individual Development Plan (IDP), and the MIAR Board decides on placement.

Members were given an overview of the Frankland Centre by Crystal in response to a query as to why residents couldn’t be placed in Frankland. Information was provided about the proposed staffing roster, supervised release and Leave of Absence orders. Advice was given that residents were not assessed as high risk. Members expressed concern that there was no security rating for the Centre. Members requested case studies from other Centres.

Action: DSC to provide case studies from other jurisdictions.

Members were advised that staff will be highly trained and drawn from a large and experienced base. Members requested a copy of the JDF for Disability Justice Officers (DJO).

Action: DSC to provide the draft JDF at next meeting.

Members also requested that a representative from the Commission address the group on management of residents and, in particular, behavioural issues.

Action: Peter will try to arrange for Judge Cock to address the group as soon as possible and also schedule the Forensic Psychologist to attend at a future meeting.

  1. Means of communication

Members may contact Peter by email or by telephone if necessary.

  1. Contact details:

Disability Justice Team

Peter Batini (Disability Services Commission)

Gail McCahon (Disability Services Commission)

Crystal D’Silva

Mick Wainwright

Connie Drew

Liz Drew

Jenny Waterhouse

  1. Preferred venue

Current venue is preferred.

  1. Frequency of meetings

4.30pm preferred start time and once per month on Thursdays.

  1. Date of the next meeting

19 December 2013 at 4.30pm at the current venue.

Peter will advise Corporate Executive at that he has met with the group who have expressed the view that they agree with the Centres in principle but oppose the location, particularly of two Centres in close proximity to each other and also to schools and homes. Meeting closed at 5.20pm.

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