Scott Family Net

Advisor Meeting Minutes

02-03-05

Present: Linda Schwichtenberg, Molly Kalow, Libby Bergen, Sara Stack, Keri Lorenz, Tim Bell, Kathy McKay, Terry Raddatz and Wanda Houska

Partner Check Ins

Jordan – Once staff vacancies are filled the board will be addressing district budget issues.

CMH – Tim Walsh has been leading the redesign of county social services. Judi Brumfield is now the Assistant Director and is overseeing all operations and budgets. The Mental Health Center- is looking to move to being independent of the county and self-supporting.

Court Services – is considering restructuring as a community correction model.

Public Health – will have 6 nurses working with county social workers on a waiver program providing direct service. Community Public Health is overseen by Jennifer Deschaine and will focus toward community collaboration and outreach.

MRVSEC – needs more space.

Shakopee – will be watching the neighboring referendums as the district will need to move forward with a referendum of their own. Plans for a new high school are in place, however, the most significant growth is at the elementary level.

Prior Lake – will be voting on their referendum on February 15^th. LCTS code training is needed but will not take place until after the state’s mandatory re-training in March.

Ways to Work Presentation

Darrin Chance, Family Loan Coordinator with Community Action Council in Lakeville, presented their interest-free family loan program available to low and modest income level families with children under the age of 18 in Scott, Carver and Dakota counties. Loans can be approved for such things as vehicle purchase and repairs, medical and dental expenses, major household appliance purchases, and short term childcare. A volunteer committee meets monthly to review applications. Budgeting help is also available to families that do not qualify for a loan.

Plans for Next Resource Coordinator Meeting

A forum on Russian cultures will lead the upcoming resource coordinator meeting. Three panel members have been secured but a date has not yet been set. Availability of the Prior Lake Library and school spring break schedules have limited date options. Wanda and Sharon will continue to work on this.

Annual Report

Annual report inquiries were discussed as a group. This information will also be discussed by the Steering Committee on February 14.

Closing

Terry informed the Advisor team of diminishing LCTS funding due to a change in formulas used by the state that determines MA reimbursement. The collaborative will have to prioritize needs and possibly restructure for the years ahead. The team was asked to list programs/ needs of most importance.

• Liaisons – cultural communication, interpretation and translation
• Centralized wraparound facilitator – time constraints of current partner staff, benefits countywide
• Prevention – chemical and alcohol use/abuse
• Chemical health and truancy specialists – currently successful in most districts

Next meeting will be March 3^rd from 9-11 at CAP.