Meeting Minutes
3-19-15
TECC Child Growth & Development Workgroup & Northwest LICC
In Attendance: Rebecca Parilla, Lisa Candels, Ruthann Horvay, Katie Bisaillon, Damian DaSilva, Laura Dubreuil, Ellen Youman-Karl, Martha McDonald, Sara Satalino, Patti Harris, Jan Lyon, Maureen O’Neill Davis, Anne Giordano
B-3 Updates: Process of how B-3 programs are reimbursed for services delivered to children receiving Medicaid being reviewed by OPM and DSS. Changes could ultimately impact both program and children; more information will be forthcoming.
TECC Update: Discovery Communities impacted by new budget cuts; much happening around advocacy and lobbying to combat cuts. Discussion regarding new Pre-K slots for 4 year old; including potential impact on Head Start and other community programs; questions about what will happen is funding ends after 4 years; & potential location for the new classrooms, etc.
PAT- MIECHV: Have received expansion funds so will begin serving expectant families in the Canaan area soon; looking for an additional bi-lingual home visitor. Lisa shared 2015 program goals including supporting parents in creating attainable goals for education, training & employment; and educating parents about birth spacing.
Child First: Running support group for parents who have delivered within the last year and are experiencing issues of anxiety/depression; contact Rebecca for info. CF is busy and has been working to reduce waitlist numbers. Ready for new referrals and are also expanding to take families from neighboring towns. Funding is in place until December 2015; efforts to secure continued funding are strongly underway. Mom’s event in May for their enrolled families; donations of new or gently used women’s clothing, & accessories are welcome. Can call Rebecca or just bring items to CYF office on New Litchfield St.
Community Peri-Natal Group: Ongoing discussions continue between community providers (PAT, CF, Family Strides, Winsted FRC, etc.) and staff from pediatric and OB programs at CHH. The team is feeling positive that communication is continuing and positive relationships are being built across these systems.
Parent Events: Positive feedback from presenters and those in attendance for the March 10th event, focused on Challenging Behaviors. Next event is on Toileting, scheduled for the evening of April 1st, at EDUCATION CONNECTION in Litchfield. Final event this year is Transition from B-3 to Pre-K Special Education; scheduled for evening of May 12th at Vogel Wetmore School. Representative for CPAC will participate. Martha & Anne will take lead; additional helpers welcome!
COMMUNITY SHARING:
- Winsted FRC- Some difficulty with getting parents out to evening events; however Parent Voices group is going well and they have had 5 meetings to date. Winsted was not awarded Smart Start funding. Will continue with Diaper Voucher program if refunded, a new grant has been submitted to support program.
Wellmore Care Coordination- They have openings for referrals in the NW area; accept children ages 2-18, with MH diagnosis. Contact Damian or Katie with referrals or questions.
Maureen O’Neill-Davis- Participated in recent meeting with team from Torrington engaged in roll out of Help Me Grow Campaign. Anticipate that informational Parent Café’s will start in September; registration to enroll children in developmental screening program will happen in October and child screenings will begin in November. Maureen also very active in state level advocacy & efforts around Strength Based Crisis Planning; as well as working with parents who have used Mobile Psych Services.
Brooker- Anticipate moving back into their finished building in June 2015! An open house will be planned for later in the summer. Planning to reconvene the Hard to Engage group; preliminary plans are underway to develop a residential setting with comprehensive wrap around services for adolescents who are pregnant, and those with new babies in the Torrington area. Jan will share more info as this project evolves. Contact Jan if interested in joining the group.
Family Strides- Received federal funding to expand their services to more 14-15 families. Will now be able to accept DCF involved families, as well as those with multiple children. Looking to hire two additional staff for this program. Received grant to host event in September for expectant Mom’s- focus will be on education, positive birth outcomes and sharing resources about home visiting programs in this area.
TPS Schools- Ellen running afternoon spec Ed Pre-K program at Hilltop Nursery School; looking to develop a weekly parent support group. Patti introduced Sara Satalino, new Pre-K Special Ed Coordinator at Torrington Schools. Welcome Sara!!!!
Project Interact- They are busy; Martha is enjoying connecting with all of the community providers in this group and the NW area.
Next Meeting: April 23, 2015 9am-11am. (Date moved to following week due to school vacation)
| 
