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Meeting Minutes

February 2001

Present
    C. Allen, R. Powelson, F. Vandervort, J. Pilette, N. Diehl, J. Brand, M. LaFlora, K. Cook, K. Fehrman, M. Staphalonis, W. Kandler, J. Ridella, T. Curry, D. McNulty, L. Kirsch-Satawa, J. New, R. Butts, B. Walker, K. Hansen, R. Visconti, S. Phillips, M. Tuck, J. Forczak
  1. The Minutes for 1/01 were moved and passed.

  2. W. Ladd reported on his letter to the Probate Judges Association on the juvenile Medicaid/incarceration issue. The letter was sent to Judge Harrison. The Judges were appreciative of our input.

  3. The proposed CASA legislation was discussed. The section will take a position when it is introduced.

  4. W. Kandler discussed with us other legislative issues. Both the house and the Senate wish to establish legislative forums at which the CLS is invited for input. W. Ladd and F. Vandervort agreed to work on this. Other legislation concerning mandating the FIA to consider the "best interests" of the child and concerns about ending "confidentiality in child-death" cases were discussed. There is a further proposal for a "family independent specialist" to be added internally in the FIA through a change in their policy (non-legislation).

  5. The proposed court rule regarding incarcerated parents was discussed (to comply with the women prisoner rights access case). Attorney Charlene Snow will be invited to discuss this at an upcoming meeting.

  6. The removal of Judge Francis from the Family Law docket in Washtenaw County was discussed. We authorized J. New to present a statement of support on our behalf.

  7. N. Diehl gave a report on the Governor's Task Force, including Video recordings of Child Interviews and Foster Care Reviews.

  8. The Family Law Liaison (J. Forczak) and the Criminal Law Liaison (M. La Flora) each reported.

  9. R. Visconti and J. Pilette reported on the upcoming training (REMEMBER THIS IS NOW RESCHEDULED FOR 4/23/01). Members who wish to reserve spaces are J. New, L. Kirsch-Satawa, J. Forczak, B. Walker, J. Ridella, J. Pilette, K. Cook, Judge Butts, R. Visconti, C. Allen, S. Phillips, W. Ladd, D. McNulty, F. Vandervort. C. Allen and W. Ladd will be among the panelists. F. Vandervort will give a legal overview over lunch. The program will be moderated by J. Pilette.

  10. The Treasurer's Report was given. Questions were raised as to our ability to contract with F. Vandervort for the newsletter for the full year. This matter was tabled until March until the Treasurer could obtain a current balance from the State Bar.

  11. In new business, the issue of "summary judgement" in child protective proceedings was discussed. LADA attorney, T. Curry appeared to discuss and issue regarding vaginal exams and surgical procedures at the Wayne County Juvenile Detention Facility done without Court or parental consent. Information forwarded by K. Ferhman was tabled until the next meeting. N. Diehl discussed the training of forensic interviewers in child sexual abuse cases.

  12. The meeting was concluded at 6:50 P.M.