February 23, 2012 Communications Committee Meeting

Audience

Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission Communications Committee Members and Staff.  The public is welcome to attend.

Date/Time

February 23, 2012, 10:00a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Location 

• Metropolis 2020
  30 West Monroe, 13th Floor
  Chicago, IL
• 823 E Monroe
  Springfield, IL
  

Agenda

1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of minutes
4. Status of Reports 
   1. Raise the Age
   2. SB2151 - Sex Offender Bill 
   3. SB1725 Juvenile Reentry Improvement Study
      1. Status of Implementation
         1. Communications
         2. Reentry Committee Update
      2. Cost/Benefits Analysis
5. Annual Report
6. Communications Strategies 
   1. Messaging 
   2. Social Marketing
7. Other Items / Next Steps
8. Next meeting date
9. Adjournment

Minutes

1. Call to Order
   Meeting was called to order at 10:11am.
2. Roll Call
   Commissioners: Esther Franco-Payne, Chairman George Timberlake, Lisa Jacobs.
   Quorum not present. Staff: Julie Stremlau, Rachel Sipes, Jeff Bradley and Lin
   Ferguson.
3. Approval of minutes
   Minutes unable to approve due to lack of quorum.
4. Status of Reports
   1. Raise the Age: Raise the Age-On February 20th a letter was sent to the Governor's office in reference to Public Act 096-1199. The act delegates the Commission to complete an analysis of the potential impact of extending juvenile jurisdiction to felony-charged 17 year olds. In the letter the Commission explains that they have completed an enormous amount of work, detailing what has been accomplished thus far and what the next steps will entail. The proposed completion date is now June 30, 2012.
      As of last month, the Commission has met with AOIC to discuss data needs. Chairman Timberlake explained the desire to wait until the Supreme Court has addressed the issue and DJJ will discuss its support after the court responds. Commissioner Jacobs recommended she and Stephanie Kollman meet with DJJ prior to the court's decision to discuss recommendations, ideas, etc. Chairman Timberlake advised that the unions and probation officers must be considered. There are also budgetary and work load considerations. He added that we need to present the data and develop a consensus on where we, as a Commission, want to go with our recommendations. It was recommended for Chairman Timberlake to meet with DJJ and others to further discuss this topic. Commissioner Franco-Payne asked if the Commission would want a press release to coincide with the release of this study. Chairman Timberlake believes we should use all avenues to convey our intent to the legislators. He did indicate that a legislative remedy on Raise the Age would make it through during this session. Jeff Bradley commented that with his involvement and experience in discussing this issue, the overall opinion is that jurisdictions want a decision so that everyone can be on the same page. The confusion is worse than a final ruling.
   2. SB2151- Sex Offender Bill-The data forms are complete and the file reviews are being completed. To date the research team has visited eight centers, probation departments and will be reviewing files at Kewanee. Commissioner Franco-Payne indicated that one of the findings was that there are not many "Romeo and Juliet" charges. "Romeo and Juliet" refers to laws that serve to reduce or eliminate the penalty of the crime in cases where the couple's age difference is minor and the sexual contact is only considered rape because of the lack of legally recognized consent. The data is coming together and there is another data meeting tomorrow, February 24th at 10:00am.
   3. SB1725 Juvenile Reentry Improvement Study
      1. Status of Implementation
         1. Communications
            Reentry legislation is sponsored by Rep. Gabel. Commissioner Jacobs explained that we do not want to amend the bill. HB 5492 provides that a person committed under the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 shall be released on parole to serve an initial minimum period of at least 90 days, but no more than 6 months on parole. See HB 5492 for further detail. It also provides that the Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission shall submit a report by December 30, 2012 to the General Assembly with recommendations regarding youth-specific parole conditions. Effective immediately. Chairman Timberlake explained that there are many people involved with the bill. Rob Vickery has been diligent in responding to this bill. This bill also makes a legislative request for the Commission to complete a study. The question is, does the Commission accept this or defray the cost from the Commission to complete these studies. It was determined that this topic must be considered by the full Commission.
         2. Reentry Committee Update
            Adam Monreal, Chairman of the Prison Review Board and DJJ Director Arthur Bishop attended the Executive Committee Meeting last week to discuss their work on Reentry. Chairman Timberlake commented that he felt the presentation was very informative and positive overall. Commissioner Jacobs added that Chairman Timberlake and Director Bishop have done a commendable job in continuing to nourish the relationship between PRB and DJJ. The Reentry Committee should continue its work with DJJ and PRB. Stephanie Kollman will plan some future dates for further collaboration.
      2. Cost/Benefits Analysis- The PowerPoint explaining the cost benefit analysis was presented at the last Communications meeting. There are currently no updates to the analysis. Commissioner Franco-Payne has suggested creating a one-page or bullet point document to explain the PowerPoint as the findings are detailed and complex. A one page document would be easier to review and discuss. Commissioner Weiner will complete this PowerPoint summary for review by the Commission.
5. Annual Report- Coordination of the Annual Report continues. Commissioner Franco-Payne will be setting up a conference call to further address the annual report. We will address the core requirements and recommendations in order to complete the report. Ron Smith has completed the compliance section and updated the numbers. We need to be sure to follow up on the recommendations we aspire to accomplish within the report. Jim Bray will be the author of the report and will be working with the Communications Committee to complete this report.
6. Communications Strategies
   1. Messaging/Website
      We will work with Jim Bray on the messaging aspect concerning the overall ideals of the Commission. 
   2. Social Marketing
      Jeff Bradley will assist the committee in developing social marketing strategies. YNC is organizing the basics of the website and request further input from the Commission. A recommendation was made to contact DJJ for information concerning their website.
7. Other Items/Next Steps
   1. Rep. Annazette R. Collins sponsored legislation was discussed. SB3194-Provides that policing bodies shall furnish to the Department of State Police, daily, in the form and detail the Department requires, fingerprints and descriptions of all persons 18 years of age or older at the time of the arrest who are arrested on Class A or B misdemeanor charges and all persons 17 years of age or older at the time of the arrest who are arrested on felony charges (rather than requiring the policing body to furnish that information to the Department of minors of the age of 10 and over who have been arrested for an offense which would be a felony if committed by an adult and permitting the policing body to furnish that information of minors arrested on Class A or B misdemeanor charges); SB3195-Provides that an oral, written, or sign language statement of a minor who, at the time of the commission of the offense was under the age of 17 years, made as a result of a custodial interrogation conducted at a police station or other place of detention shall be presumed to be inadmissible as evidence against the minor in any criminal proceeding; SB3196-Increases the minimum age at which an alleged delinquent minor may be placed in a detention facility from 10 years of age to 13 years of age.
   2. Commissioner Jacobs announced that Phil Lee will not be attending the full Commission meeting in March. There are too many topics to address. Phil Lee and Rob Vickery continue to focus on reentry outcomes, etc. Commissioner Jacobs will have the narrative ready for the Title II application/3 Year Plan as requested. We will continue to focus on the program areas, priorities, outcomes and activities as designated by the Commission.
   3. Commissioner Franco-Payne asked if the Commission needs to make any comments regarding the Governor's budget and facility closures. Chairman Timberlake indicated he would like to meet and discuss the affects the budget will have on DJJ with Director Bishop. Commissioner Jacobs referenced a letter sent by the Commission in the fall regarding budgetary issues, facility closures and stated that many comments still apply. She stated she wants to make it clear that the Commission is in favor of closures if the plan is reinvesting that money into the community services. Chairman Timberlake will work with Director Bishop to address this topic.
   4. Michelle Arnold asked about responses to youth engagement activities. Commissioner Franco-Payne will check with Commissioner Strickland and get back with Michelle.
8. Next meeting date - The next meeting is March 22, 2012. Adjournment - Commissioner Jacobs moved to adjourn, Chairman Timberlake seconded the motion, all in favor. Meeting adjourned at 11:22am.