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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984 04-11 HRRMMINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS CCMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HIIVNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA REGULAR SESSION APRIL 11, 1984 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center Human Rights Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Chairperson Kuhar at 7;35 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairperson Kuhar, Commissioners Lemke, Mayleben, Rabin, Kieselhorst, Stoderl and Griffin. Also present were Councilmember Gene Lhotka, Investigator Don Spehn and Administrative Assistant Tom Bublitz. Chairperson Kuhar noted that the minutes from the March 14, 1984 meeting were not yet prepared and that approval of them would be deferred until the May meeting. VIEWING OF "ABUSED ADOLESCENTS SPEAK OUT" VIDEO TAPE The Commission viewed the tape received from the Face to Face Counseling Clinic of St. Paul titled "ABUSED ADOLESCENTS SPEAK OUT". GUEST SPEAKER - DON SPEHN INVESTIGATOR WITH BROOKLYN CENTER POLICE DEPARTMENT Mr. Spehn stated that he has been working as the City's juvenile officer for a number of years and that in 1978 legislation was passed on child abuse which brought more cases to the Police Department. He explained the Police Department's involvement with the child abuse and neglect problem comes into play when there are criminal issues involved in the abuse or neglect. He explained neglect is difficult to deal with and some of the tools used are that the Police Department can remove a child on a 72 hour hold based on what the officers see in the home. He explained that the child would go to a shelter and would be under the jurisdiction of the Hennepin County Child Protection Department. Mr. Spehn then addressed the issue of physical abuse and explained that the Department's involvement in this issue comes under the assault statutes. With regard to sexual abuse he pointed out that the department enforces the statutes dealing with interfamilial sexual abuse and sexual misconduct statutes. He explained that in 1978 the mandatory reporting law was passed which required certain individuals to report suspected cases of abuse. He noted that the Police Department coordinates these cases with the Hennepin County Child Protection Department. Mr. Spehn noted that an estimated 200 cases per year of abuse are reported in Brooklyn Center and that not all these are investigated. In 1983 he pointed out that 59 cases were opened by the Child Protection Department of Hennepin County. He explained the police department deals only with the cases involving criminal prosecution. He explained that the reporting system for abuse has been improved and there is a direct relationship between the number of reported cases per year and the improvement in the reporting system. He also noted that the Brooklyn Center Police Department goes into the schools in the City for education sessions with teachers and students. 4-11-84 -1- Another improvement in the Police Department's ability to deal with abuse situations is the use of anatomical dolls. He pointed out that these dolls are very useful with young children who cannot verbally express a sexual abuse incident. Chairperson Kuhar reviewed the Human Rights Commission's involvement with the Domestic Assault Intervention Project and inquired whether the Commission could also do this type of awareness project for child abuse. Mr. Spehn stated that the schools in Brooklyn Center are currently well covered with the officer Friendly program which includes the. showing of the film "WHO DO YOU TELL". He added that he has not met with any preschool children, churches or other community groups such as boy scouts or girl scouts. He emphasized that, in his opinion, the age to address is 7 - 12 and that under age 7 the issue must be dealt with through the parents. Mr. Spehn then reviewed the prosecution of abuse cases and noted that Hennepin County has a, special prosecuting team for sexual abuse cases. Commissioner Rabine brought up the possibility of using children's advocates similar to the advocates used in the Domestic Assault Inter- vention Project. She also noted that training is available in this area. Mr. Spehn pointed out that the Police Department has trouble in the area of follow-up on abuse cases, since the Department does not have time to follow-up on all cases. He added that follow-up is an important part of the problem. With regard to the follow-up issue Commissioner Stoderl asked whether there would be any problem with reporting the names of individuals to lay people for follow up and referral purposes. Mr. Spehn stated that he could not answer the question and that he would suggest getting an attorney's opinion. The Commission continued its discussion of child abuse with Officer Spehn. Chairperson Kuhar and the other Commission members thanked Mr. Spehn for attending the meeting this evening and she noted that the information he provided was extremely valuable to the Commission. INTRODUCTION OF NEW COMMISSION MEMBER Chairperson Kuhar introduced Mr. Paul Griffin the new Human Rights Commission member. Mr. Griffin noted that he was currently attending the University of Minnesota for elementary education. The Commission requested that another speaker in the area of child abuse be invited to the next Commission meeting and it was decided that if possible to get someone from the Parents Anonymous organization to speak at the next meeting. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Mayleben and seconded by Commissioner Lemke to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center Human Rights Commission adjourned at 9:25 p.m. Chairperson • is Ob 4-11-84 -2-