2. Agency Updates
Freeman reported for Disability and Aging Center, Adult Protective Services (APS)
presented to Health and Human Needs Committee, the challenges APS is facing and the
work that is happening specific to APS. There are gaps with neglect of those who have
Dementia and older adults who may have mental health related issues. The State of
Wisconsin released a report of the Crisis Response, the report stands for Systemic,
Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources, and Treatment (S.T.A.R.T.), we will be presenting
this next meeting.
Barry reported for Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAiS) they have been
incredibly busy this summer and shelter is full with a wait list of about 60. The Court
Watch Program is finishing up the most recent studies they have done over the past
year. There will be an advisory group that is coming out of this. Domestic Violence
Awareness Month is October, the Annual Luncheon will be on October 1, 2024 at the
Park Hotel. The focus will be the Men's Clubs (Middle and High school men's clubs) and
Primary Prevention Program, there will be a rally after on the Capital steps following this
event. The inaugural Unity Fair will be October 19, 2024, there will be food trucks, family
fun activities, music, this will help to bring awareness to Domestic Violence. The housing
first program has been extended to the end of 2025. The 24/7 Domestic Violence
program is very expensive to keep running, shelter takes over half of the yearly funds to
operate. DAiS needs to raise half of their yearly revenue and they need to raise $2 Million
in fundraising (a year) currently to meet the service needs.
Crowley reported for DCDHS, budget proposals have been put fourth to the Interim
Director. Children, Youth, and Families (CYF) has been very busy with trafficking
complaints and calls, specifically the Sex Trafficking Interventionist, she has been
receiving many reports from CPS that are not substantiated. Working with law
enforcement closely as there have been higher numbers of violence with children
involved, including some loss of life of young ones. Youth Justice Program is now fully
staffed, they recently hired a new Gang Outreach Intervention and Prevention Specialist,
providing prevention work with youth and providing information. CPS intake has been
staying busy over the summer. Emerging adults who are aging out of Youth Services are
facing issues with housing and other services, which is leading to other forms of violence
and creating possible situations for the adults to become victimized due their history.
Nordquist reported for MPD, they are very busy working throughout the summer. Special
Victims Unit (SVU), has noticed an increase in internet crimes against children.
Sextrotion cases have been on the rise and how to provide services best to the
department and the public.
Kato reported for the Rainbow Project, they have been very busy and noticing increases
in gun violence and exposure with younger children. Noticing an increase in grandparents
are raising their grandkids and noticing an up tick in elder abuse with those cases.
Rainbow Project is partnering with Harmony Apartments and Officer Vic to help residents
with stress reduction, grief and loss, and exposure of violence. Officer Vic will be one of
the recipients of the Extra Mile Award, for the 20th Gala Event by Rainbow Project, it is
September 20th, 2024.
Ewers-Hayes for the Dane County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) they have also noticed an
increase in sextortion cases this summer. There are 4 dedicated detectives who work on
Domestic Violence specifically. Week of 4th of July showed a large increase in drug and
alcohol child abuse that were very violent.
Supervisor Welsh reported for the Health and Human Needs Committee (HHN) there was
an update last meeting from Adult Protective Services.
