FultonCounty Family Violence Task Force Minutes
November 17, 2010
Welcome
Sulaiman Nuriddin, co-chairperson, welcomed everyone and introductions were made. The following agencies were represented: PADV, ANA FVIP, Fulton Co. Behavioral health, FBI, JCS, AVLF, HITC, U4S, Breaking the Chains, Medlock Bridge Counseling Center, Grady nia Project, Raksha, Fulton Co. Solictor’s Office, Grace Growth Counseling, City of John’s Creek, Ga Intervention Alternatives, SADV, JCS, ALA, City of Refuge, Caminar Latino.
The minutes were approved as written.
Motioned by Sandra Williams and seconded by Jenni Stolarski .
Old Business
None
Program Overview
FBI Victim Services presented by Paul Freeman. Paul described his role as a law enforcement victim advocate. Examples of issues he may respond to include: federal violent crimes, bank robberies, kid knapping across state lines, child sexual exploitation, DV (especially when a batterer becomes a fugitive and/or continues to abuse) and child abduction. Persons in his role also assist with addressing crimes and supporting victims (U.S. citizens) of crimes happening to them outside of the country.
-Victim Advocates are available in these cases as soon as the crime scene has been secured.
-There are no federal programs support or housing programs for DV, child abuse, etc. This is why the FBI funds local programs, to ensure that victims have access to services within their community.
Spotlighted Community Resource
Grady Nia Project presented by Telsie Davis. Telsie informed us that the Nia Project was developed out of need. The founder was noticing that such a large number number of African American women were being seen for domestic violence related issues and suicide. The Nia Project allows for continued research of such issues while patients get the support and resources needed.
Nia Project services include assessments, individual or group sessions, assistance with housing referrals. Nia Project staff and attendants are on-call 24hrs by hospital staff. Participants in the Nia Project are compensated for their time.
The Nia project is working to develop an Advisory Board made up of former participants. They are also working to begin a Compassion and Meditation Program for the prevention of suicide.
Committee Reports
Community Outreachpresented by Amanda Planchard.
PSA was completed and it looks great. It includes many Taskforce members. It ran on Fulton Co. Government TV. Permission was granted to the Taskforce to allow all member agencies to make copies and upload on their webpage as desired. We will also work to post on YouTube.
There was a blurb posted in the countywide employee newsletter wit stats, definition of DV and crisis line number.
Also, Jenni Stolarksi wrote an article in the Fulton County Daily Report.
Divorce/Annulment Procedurespresented by Jenni Stolarski.
Task complete!
-Information about speaking with an advocate for safety planning will be added to the FamilyLawInformationCenter’s (FLIC) seminar overview with clients seeking assistance.
-Committee also petitioned to add info to website.
-Brochures and posters are available in the FLIC office
-Jenni will follow up regarding FLIC decision regarding the info being posted on the website
FVIP presented by Terry Parks
Committee had a successful meeting of about 20 participants.
The current task at hand is to develop specific objectives for this committee to avoid becoming just a smaller breakout of the Taskforce. The committee wants to avoid FVIP participants coming just to report on things, but want to actually work on addressing issues.
Meetings will always be the 3rd Wednesday of the month prior to Taskforce meetings. Next FVIP Committee meeting January 19, 2011.
Amanda hopes this committee will work to change the outdated Taskforce BIP section of the policy and procedures.
Creation of Probation Committee
Now that the Divorce / Annulment Procedures Committee are going away we are planning to develop the Probation Committee. At the next Taskforce meeting we are hoping to have volunteers sign up for this committee.
Item for Discussion
Representative from Caminar Latino stated that they were present at the August meeting but the minutes does not reflect so.
Schedule 2011 Meetings
Meeting will remain at the JJC building from 2pm-3:30pm.
Feb 16th, May 18th, Aug 17th, Nov. 16th.
Announcements
PADV – February 19, 2011
Teen Dating Violence Prevention Conference “Spotlight on TDV”
Next Taskforce Meeting …February 16, 2011
Submitted by Karria Simmons