1. Agency Updates
Kato reported The Rainbow Project's wait list has grown significantly. The agency is
implementing safety measures ahead of re-opening the office to the public following the
shutdown caused by COVID-19. Rainbow Project is receiving requests for services from
community centers, child care programs and schools and is developing protocols to
assess each site for safety amid the pandemic.
Scarr reported referral calls are up for both elder abuse and adults at risk. Two new Adult
Protective Services investigators were hired recently and are in training. Adult Protective
Services will begin moving from the Northport location to the South Madison office this
month. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and November is National
Dementia Caregivers Month, and APS is involved in activities and trainings for both. The
virtual Domestic Violence in Later Life conference on Oct. 28 has reached capacity, but
a wait list is being kept.
Rusch reported Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center has completed its Drug Endangered
Child Protocol and multiple law enforcement agencies have signed it. Work continues on
a trafficking protocol.
Barry reported Domestic Abuse Intervention Services is trying to hire a bilingual legal
advocate, a case manager and a part-time person for its help line. A new executive
assistant will start with the agency on 20 October. Volunteers will soon return to the
office from a COVID-19 hiatus and the lobby is expected to open to the public soon. The
shelter at DAIS remains at capacity.
Brown reported the District Attorney's Office has been working with the County Executive
and the County Board in seeking additional positions to provide service mandated by
Marsy's Law. The County Executive's 2022 budget proposal funds two new positions and
lobbying efforts continue at the County Board level for additional positions. A surge in
violent crime and gun violence continues, with Dane County seeing a historic number of
homicide cases this year. As many as three jury trials are being held weekly in an
attempt to clear the backlog caused by the courthouse being closed for more than a year
due to COVID-19. As bail reform efforts continue around the country, this commission
may wish to take an interest in how victims can be protected if the cash bail system is
changed significantly.
Crowley reported Dane County Youth Justice has had fewer cases during pandemic, but
is working with many repeat offenders. YJ continues to monitor how the Madison schools
are responding to students' needs with School Resource Officers no longer in the
schools. The County Executive's 2022 budget proposal includes funding for a resource
coordinator for those 14 to 17 years old with hopes of making an impact like the resource
coordinator for those 17 to 25 years old. Five youth workers are being hired for the
in-house mentorship program to make sure referrals are flowing appropriately. A
trauma-informed care coordinator also is included in the County Executive's budget
proposal. The position will work with Child Protective Services and Youth Justice with
case planning and staff support. YJ's school groups have resumed after pausing
because of the pandemic.
Castillo reported the Human Services budget hearing is on 21 October via Zoom. The
County Board will deliberate on the budget beginning Nov. 8.
Schlotz reported that some closures continue in UnityPoint Health Meriter's Forensic
Nurse Examiner department due to staffing shortages. A proposal to hire one full-time
FNE is being considered and the goal is to have all shifts covered by January 2022.
Volume has increased since beginning of 2021, with as many as three individuals
presenting during some shifts. The department is working with the District Attorney's
