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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991 04-10 HRRMMINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS AND RESOURCES COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA REGULAR SESSION APRIL 10, 1991 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center human rights and resources commission met in regular session and was called to order by Commissioner Eckman at 7.37 p.m. ROLL CALL Commissioners Eckman, Carmody, and Larsen. Also present were City Council Liaison Dave Rosene and Recording Secretary Geralyn Barone. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - MARCH 13,. 1991 There was a motion by Commissioner Carmody and seconded by Commissioner Larsen to approve the minutes of the March 13, 1991, meeting as submitted. The motion passed. The commissioners discussed the number of vacancies on the advisory commissions, and the Recording Secretary noted several residents had inquired about serving on the commission. DISCUSSION OF ISSUES IMPACTING CHILDREN The Recording Secretary distributed the 1991 Community Social Services Act Report prepared by Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council. She directed the commissioners to review the information on page 3 of the report regarding children and youth. The commissioners proceeded to discuss issues they have previously identified which impact children. DAYCARE - Commissioner Eckman expressed interest in finding out what the after school programs available in the school districts are. Councilmember Rosene said Anoka School District has the Adventures Plus Program, and the Osseo School District has the Kids Stop Program. He added at one time Earle Brown Elementary School had a daycare program for employees called TLC. Commissioner Larsen noted some universities and colleges have child care programs for adult students who have children. LATCHKEY KIDS - Commissioner Eckman said she felt it would be difficult to get accurate statistics on the number of latchkey children. Councilmember Rosene reviewed some of the concerns regarding latchkey kids, which basically centered around safety. This included risks associated with accidents, fire and break-ins. Commissioner Larsen said it depends on the home setting on how much training a child has for responding to accidents. The 4/10/91 -1- commission felt it would be helpful for. children to have information on emergency numbers to call for help, and the Recording Secretary said she would check to see whether or not the police department has any information regarding this. Councilmember Rosene said he had heard of a situation where a network was being established where latchkey children can call and speak with senior adults. Councilmember Rosene suggested that just because someone is a latchkey child, it doesn't necessarily mean there is a problem. He felt it is necessary to identify specific issues of concern. SICK CHILD CARE - The commissioners discussed the availability and cost of sick child care. There was concern regarding the high number of working, single parents who need to deal with sick children. A question was raised regarding a new program which replaced the Chicken Soup Sick Child Care Program, and the Recording Secretary will find out what the rates are for using this program. PARENTING - The commissioners grouped the following issues in this category: single parents, working parents, grandparents raising children while parents are working or absent, and lack of extended family. With regard to grandparents, there was discussion about the ability of grandparents to assume custody of their grandchildren. ISOLATION OF CARE GIVERS - The commissioners noted with those who are at home caring for children, often there is no one else home in the neighborhood with whom to associate. In addition, the availability of having someone to provide short-term care is lacking (for example, if the care giver has to go to a doctor's appointment, no one may be available to care for the children). RUNAWAY AND THROWAWAY YOUTH - Councilmember Rosene noted running away from home was traditionally considered a crime. Now it is acknowledged that often the youth is running from something. The Recording Secretary described the runaway youth initiative being developed in this area. There was discussion by the commissioners regarding throwaway youth versus Tough Love. The commissioners discussed adding the following issues impacting children to its list: cocaine, crack, and fetal alcohol syndrome babies. The concerns regarding this include developmental problems, physical disabilities, and learning disabilities. There was discussion regarding the types of programs that are available for these children. The commissioners discussed whether or not 911 can be reached using a TDD for hearing-impaired persons. The commissioners wondered if when the 911 information appears on a screen regarding the address of the caller, whether or not some information could be volunteered to identify if there is a hearing-impaired person 4/10/91 -2- in the household. Commissioner Eckman wondered why sign language is not offered in schools when other languages are offered. Councilmember Rosene suggested that businesses might post signs that say "sign language spoken here." The commissioners suggested adding racial issues to the list of issues impacting children. DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILIES - Councilmember Rosene noted school guidance counselors assist children in dealing with separation and divorce. There was discussion by the commissioners regarding blended families. Councilmember Rosene noted the schools are starting to back away from handling issues that social agencies might better be able to handle. The commissioners wondered what VIK on page 3 of the Community Social Services Act Report means, and the Recording Secretary said she would find out for the next meeting. Councilmember Rosene suggested adding to the list of issues the possibility of having a teen center. Commissioner Larsen suggested using senior adults as mentors for teenagers. She suggested the groups could service each other, both socially and/or academically. Councilmember Rosene pointed out the 1990- 1991 youth development plan listed on page 3 of the Community Social Services Act Report. He suggested someone from NWHHSC or District 279 might come and talk to the commissioners about this youth development plan. REVIEW EVALUATION PROCESS FOR CONTRIBUTION REOUESTS FROM NONPROFIT HUMAN SERVICE PROGRAMS AND/OR AGENCIES The commission deferred this item to the next meeting but agreed to place it first on the agenda for discussion. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Larsen and seconded by Commissioner Carmody to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center human rights and resources commission adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Chairperson 4/10/91 -3-