October 11

October 11,2007

Attendance

NAME ORGANIZATION

Dana Thompson Probation & Parole

Lori Nichols Reentry

Greg Carbins Phoenix Programs

Terri McNeal BCC Parole

Melissa Dilse Voc.Rehab

Andrea Brown Voc. Rehab.

Monte Ashcraft

Craig Morton DED-DWD

Kriste Barton

Larry Finley

Ronda Cannell Reentry

Candace Robinson Reentry

Art Scherls Univ.Extension

Larry Brady Vet. Admin.

Penny Coleman DOC

Denise Heet Vet Admin

Jeff Johnson VISTA/BCCP

Scott Kitner Algoa Corr. Center

Sue Long Job Point

Julio Lorio BCCP

John McClure Columbia Public Schools

Scott Searles AVP

Duane Shumate Voc Rehab

Adam Tipton CMCA

Mike Webber P & P

I. Introductions

II. Conference Review

Feedback:

· Offender panel highlight of conference

· The conference produced meaningful discussion while providing useful information

· Suggestion to have panel to speak with groups that work in the line of help for ex-offenders

· Projects are being developed as a result of the conference (Offender Panel program (with youth in school)

III. Strategic Plan

BCOTN Mission reviewed. Unanimously agreed upon of those in attendance.

a. Vision-proposed vision statement reviewed. Comments & ideas presented used to generate Vision:

i. Appreciate the non specific ex-offender mention.

ii. No more institutions

iii. Eliminate recidivism

iv. Inclusive instead of saying ex-offender

v. Promote a society the supports the betterment of community

vi. Have a network of services for offenders and family

vii. Community that is proactive vs. reactive

viii. Develop a certified mentoring program for youth and adults

ix. The desire is to see ex offenders not have to live life long sentence, but rather sentence truly end after time served.

x. Add “add and inclusion” after access & “Culturally Diversity” after BCTON envisions.

–Does not add anything, adds another box or barrier.

_may be seen as an invitation vs. separation

Motion made to accept the mission statement as presented by Duane Shumate.

Motion passed unanimously.

b. Goals & Objectives

1. To decrease recidivism among offenders participating in the reentry initiative in Boone County

· Adopt the DOC method of measuring recidivism rate

· Identify reentry initiative participants

· Identify groups or programs participating in re entry programs and measure success

2. To decrease systemic barriers that hinder offender attachment to the community they are re entering

· Transportation, employment, training, mental health

o 80% of all individuals returning to community will meet with case manager to asses needs

o 60% will have reliable transportation within the next 45 days.

3. To decrease the number of youth and adults entering the criminal justice system for the first time

· Listen to youth, increasing opportunity for youth of low income

· Increasing mentoring and positive parenting with people that can be trusted

· Increase opportunities for education

· Increase self help available

· Educate society

4. To increase the well-being of Boone County neighborhoods to which offenders return

· Increase transportation, affordable homes, shelter for homeless

· Establish more center such as the Blind Boone Center

5. To increase the community’s (Boone County) support for providing opportunities to offenders and their families.

· Awareness of monthly meetings at the ROC

· Circulate newsletter to catch attention of community to increase help

· Produce public service announcement video to include ex offender panel

· Nominate people you should know on Ch.13. Show success stories of ex offenders transitions

· Invite employees to educate them on hiring ex offenders.

6. To increase the participation of the families in their re entry process.

· Utilize video conference equipment and conference Call for those going through transitional housing prior to get out. Increasing family contacts.

· Increasing family contact in treatment

· Commitments impacted by family needs addressed by offering child care, transportation, etc. Need agencies to fill in those gaps such as child care, transportation, etc.

c. Organizational Structure

Proposed to have subcommittee work, once identified which subcommittee, one is not locked in with that one committee, so the goal is to divide the objectives up and assign to subcommittee for further progress.

-this is great so people can regain ownership.

-For people that are representing an agency, they can go back to speak with agency and pinpoint fit in a subgroup and such.

-Suggested plan of action to prepare for beginning new structure:

· take next month to pinpoint definitive time and dates and location for the sub group meetings to be presented at next meeting.

· Assign goals & objectives as they tie into each of the sub groups as well as descriptions for those that are leaders of subcommittee.

IV. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

MOU is a basic non contractual binding agreement of how organizations will work together to achieve these goals of BCOTN. Please read and turn in as possible.

V. Funding-Sub Committee

If anyone is interested in being included in conversation around funding and grant writing Julio Lorio will be working on funding the project.

Interested Parties:

-Lori Nichols

-Sue Long-Job Point

-Candance Robinson-Probation and Parole

VI. Updates

a. Focus Groups

Going well

b. Mentoring

Nov. 20^th next meeting of individuals desiring to be mentors

c. ROC

Starting to have evening GED classes this week on Tuesday and Thursday

Life Skills classed are offered weekly

JRT is on class #3. Offer 2 week half day sessions

d. In-Reach

Working with 3 individuals creating plan for individuals upon release.

VII. Announcements

Next Meeting: Thursday, November 8^th 8:30-10:30AM