The Council on Sex Offender Treatment (CSOT) and the Interagency Advisory Committee (IAC) met at 10:00 a.m. on May 10, 2002 at Kramer TDH Bldg., 2115 Kramer Lane, Room E-3, Austin, Texas. 78758 and on May 11, 2002 at 9:00 a.m. at Embassy Suites Austin Arboretum 9505 Stonelake Blvd., Austin, Texas 78759. I. Call to order, Chairperson, Walter J. Meyer, III, M.D. The meeting was called to order at 10:18 a.m. II. Introduction of Members, Guests, and Staff. Council Members Present: Walter J. Meyer, III, M.D. Liles Arnold Richard Mack Maria Molett Kristy Carr Patricia Lykos Interagency Advisory Committee (IAC) Present: Pat Logterman Mary Ruth Bahari Anna Aguirre Jennifer Coyle Paul Jordan Estella Guillen Jim Kester Interagency Advisory Committee (IAC) Not Present: Glen A. Kercher Rosalie Boldin Grace Davis Judy Johnson Michael Maples TDH Staff Present: Janet Latham David Richards Jose Paiz Lupe Ruedas Public Present: None. III. Discussion and Possible Action regarding suggested Legislative Changes to Vernon's Civil Statute Article 4413 (51) and the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 841. The council reviewed the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 841 legislative suggestions that were submitted to the 77th Legislature. The council discussed what changes should be considered for the 78th Legislature. Issues such as housing and MHMR involvement need to be addressed. Liles Arnold motioned that the council should meet with MHMR to see what type of services can be offered to the committed SVP. Maria Molett seconded, all were in favor. No action was taken on the Vernon's Civil Statute Article 4413 (51). IV. Discussion and Possible Action regarding the Civil Commitment Policies and Procedures Manual. The civil commitment policy and procedure manual was reviewed for revisions. Suggestions were made to make it more user friendly. IAC members Pat Logterman and Jennifer Coyle will review the policies further and make needed changes for consideration. V. Discussion and Possible Action regarding the Civil Commitment Treatment and Supervision Contract. The Civil Commitment Supervision Contract will be revised by Janet Latham, Dr. Meyer motioned Liles Arnold seconded. All were in favor. VI. Discussion and Possible Action regarding Housing for SVP Clients. Housing for SVPs continues to be an ongoing challenge for the council. Janet Latham has sent communication to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice requesting to utilize their contracts with halfway houses on a limited basis when needed. Ms. Latham received communication back from TDCJ, Private Facility Division denying her request. Ms. Latham has also contacted a halfway house requesting to spot purchase bed space for the SVPs and was denied services by the halfway house. Ms. Latham did find a private supervised living house in Austin, Texas that is willing to take SVP clients. The council will place SVP's there only on an as needed basis when an appropriate home plan can not be developed. VII. Discussion and Possible Action regarding the Civil Commitment Treatment Manual. Liles Arnold motioned that the council should re-evaluate the Civil Commitment manual in one year. The evaluation should include input by the case managers and treatment providers by surveying them and meeting with them to determine if any changes are needed. Maria Molett seconded. All were in favor. VIII. Discussion and Possible Action regarding Treatment for the SVP's that are subsequently incarcerated. There has been some question regarding if a civilly committed person should continue to receive treatment if he is rearrested and is in jail or sent back to prison. The statute only contemplates an outpatient program and therefore, does not require that the SVP to receive treatment while incarcerated. There was not vote taken. However, the consensus of the council was in keeping with the intent of the statute. IX. Discussion and Possible Action regarding the Civil Commitment Biennial Review. A packet was sent in November to several task force members requesting suggestions regarding the essential components of the biennial review. To date, only two task force committee members have offered their suggestions. X. Discussion and Possible Action regarding Interaction with the SPU regarding the Content of Civil Commitment orders. Janet Latham has been holding monthly meetings with the Special Prosecution Unit, representatives from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Parole and Programs and Services Division, and the Texas Department of Public Safety to discuss civil commitment issues and status of civil commitment cases. Ms. Latham states that recently the most pressing issue involves the housing of SVP clients. Many times Orders of Commitment have been entered into requiring a SVP to reside in a certain county, when an actual home plan does not exist or is not appropriate. Ms. Latham is communicating with the SPU and informing them that an address has to be presented to the council so a case manager can check the residence to ensure it is an appropriate home plan. Additionally, if an appropriate home plan cannot be developed, necessary housing most likely will not be in the county listed in the commitment orders. Therefore, it is imperative that the home plan be developed prior to trial so the appropriate county is entered into the orders. XI. Discussion and Possible Action regarding the Purchase of Equipment for the Civil Commitment Program. Janet Latham has requested Laptop computers for the purposes of tracking the SVP's. Ms. Latham is in the process of possible contracting for the use of laptop computers from the tracking company. XII. Discussion and Possible Action regarding Miscellaneous Civil Commitment Issues. It was suggested that the council meet with the parole division to discuss issues when it comes to dually supervised clients. It was suggested that training be offered to parole officers or request that the Parole Division Program Specialist present the information to them. Also, it was discussed that a presentation should be offered to the Board of Pardons and Paroles regarding civil commitment. XIII. Discussion and Possible Action regarding the content of the FY 2003 Registrant Renewals. It was noted that it might not be necessary to report group and individual hours in the Registry. The council can still collect the data but only list the years of experience in the Registry. Registry renewals will be sent out in July 2002. XIV. Public Comment. None. XV. Presentation of Future Agenda Items. Legislative issues should be reviewed again. XVI. Discussion of Future Meeting Dates. The next Council Meeting will be held in conjunction with the 10th Annual Conference on Working with the Juvenile Sex Offender. The meeting will be held on Saturday July 27, 2002 1-5 p.m. XVII. Adjournment. Liles Arnold motioned for adjournment, Richard Mack seconded. All were in favor. COUNCIL ON SEX OFFENDER TREATMENT 1100 WEST 49TH STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78756-3183 (512) 834-4530 (512) 834-4511 - FAX Walter J. Meyer, III, MD, Chair COUNCIL MEMBERS Janet Latham Galveston, Texas Executive Director Liles Arnold, LPC Kristy M. Carr, Public Member Judge Patricia Rae Lykos R ichard Mack, M.Div, LMFT Maria Molett, MA, LPC Richardson, Texas Austin, Texas Houston, Texas Lubbock, Texas Garland, Texas