Treasure Valley Partnership
Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2007

Attendees:
John Bechtel
Dave Bieter
Tammy de Weerd
John Evans
Brad Holton (Lee Belt - City Clerk)
Margie Watson
Paul Woods

Absent:
Matt Beebe
Tom Dale
Scot Dowdy
Richard Freund
Frank McKeever
Nancy Merrill
Nate Mitchell
Garret Nancolas

Commissioner Paul Woods opened the meeting at the new FACES facility in Boise. The facility was created about a year and a half ago. It serves victims of domestic violence, child abuse and sexual assault and is a partnership between law enforcement, the prosecutor’s office, local hospitals (St. Luke’s and St. Alphonsus), the Woman and Children’s Alliance and the Family Advocacy program.

Paul mentioned that the TVP held its annual meeting in August and he felt it was productive. John Evans added that he felt the conversation with the Governor’s representative (David Hensley) and Ken Harward of AIC on upcoming legislative issues was extremely helpful.

Paul introduced Dr. Hirschfeld who expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to speak to the Partnership. He stated that they deal with domestic violence, child physical/sexual abuse and neglect as well as adult sexual assault. These issues have always received compassion but very fragmented care. We have seen an evolution to pursue not re-victimizing the victim. Traditionally, victims have had to go from place to place and retell their story to numerous agencies. With the FACES facility, victims have to relive this experience a lot less.

This facility is a massive public and private partnership and the victim’s receive comfort, relief and security to solving the problem. The issue is personal and social and does impact society.

About 90% of the folks in correctional facilities will speak of abuse as a child. It is intergenerational and a learned behavior. If your parents dealt with you in these manners, there is a likelihood that you will also deal with your children in the same manner. They do a lot of secondary prevention (rescue and recovery) but primary prevention as well. Primary prevention includes education and outreach by reaching out and educating people, for example, on how to deal with a crying baby so a shaken baby can be prevented.

The importance of this justice center provides justice to all and is a very nurturing and caring place. The CARES Unit volume has went up 8% since the facility has been built. It has been taken out of the St. Luke’s environment and at this facility the victim can meet with law enforcement, Child Protective Services and prosecutors right here on site.

This project was put together in the past three-five years by combining grants and donations from throughout the community. The hospitals contribute on a yearly basis. The CARES facility serves a 10 county area. He asked if there is some way this program can be sustained through some sort of budgetary process so; when the grants run out, and the contributions to this charity are pushed aside for a newer compelling charity, we are able to continue to provide this service.

He introduced Kevin McTeague. Kevin indicated they are trying to create a place where all the service agencies are on-site to provide services in a multi-disciplinary approach. Criminal Justice, health care and social service agencies are housed together and work together to solve problems for victims.

In 2005, the St. Luke’s CARES facility served 966 children. Through this facility, the number of people served has increased dramatically. For example, the Ada County Prosecutor’s office filed 386 felony domestic violence charges. Tammy stated that she felt the numbers are symptoms to a deeper problem.

Kevin indicated that they are in the process of developing a domestic violence forensic nursing program. They would have nurses trained to do collection of forensic evidence within the nursing arena. Lastly, they are looking at expanding into elder abuse services but will not begin this till they get their forensic nursing program established.

Some of their business partners include; St. Alphonsus and St. Luke’s hospitals, Integrated Security Systems, Ashley Furniture. Government sponsors include; the Ada County Board of Commissioners, the U.S. Dept. of Justice, and the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development. There was approximately $700,000 of grant money from HUD. They have also had lots of local sponsors and donors that have assisted with the development of FACES.

Tammy de Weerd asked what kind of cooperation the facility had with the faith community? Dr. Hirschfeld stated that cooperation falls within the jurisdiction of CPS services on how those families are supported. There is an intense focus on keeping families whole. Every opportunity is given to the family to be successful. This is a multi-faceted issue and the facility is keeping all options open to provide support to the family and children involved in child protection issues.

Greg Bower indicated that in the last quarter century, the CARES Unit has prevented literally thousands of people from being unjustly accused. We have prevented suicides and homicides in this area.

Paul Woods introduced Mark Dunham who is on the Board of Directors for the new College of Western Idaho. Mark indicated that the Community College would be inviting all of the Partnership members to a meeting of the Board on or about November 21st.

Last year the Legislature set aside $5,000,000 to aid in the creation of a community college in Idaho. In May of 2007 the voters approved the creation of a community college district in Ada and Canyon County. In July of 2007 five individuals were installed as trustees for the community college. Right now they are working on a transition plan with Boise State University. It is anticipated that the Larry Selland College of Technology, in one form or another, will be transferred to the College of Western Idaho.

It is anticipated that non-credit certificate classes will be opened in the spring of 08. In order for the College of Western Idaho to be successful, they must obtain accreditation. Accreditation is a national network of academics that insure courses meet certain criteria. If they tried to do it themselves, it could take 7-10 years. Accreditation is very important because credits need to be transferable to a four-year school. They have a road map that includes the need for a “host institution” that would carry the accreditation for several years as the College is being established. The plan is to have an agreement with Boise State to fulfill this role.

They are going to establish and Advisory Council of 15 members. They want the 15 members to be as representative of the two counties as possible. When it comes to the Treasure Valley Partnership, it is desired that they have a representative of local government on the Advisory Council that could represent both Cities and Counties. He asked that a member of the Partnership be a part of the Advisory Council.

Dave Bieter congratulated the trustees on their hard work thus far. He felt it was a great idea for the Treasure Valley Partnership to send a representative to the Advisory Council. He asked if there is any sense of the enrollment as the College starts up. Mark replied that they anticipate 2,500 students at start-up.

Mark indicated that they are developing relationships with school districts. It is anticipated that classes will be offered utilizing local school properties throughout the valley instead of at the campus in Canyon County.

Paul Woods asked if there is interest in building additional storage capacity in the Boise River. John Evans asked on how far down the road we will be looking at. Tammy asked what kind of investment we would be talking about. Paul indicated he would bring more information on this to the next meeting.

Margie Watson moved, John Evans seconded the approval of the minutes and financial report.

Meeting Adjourned