Children's Justice Act (CJA) Task Force: ZFDE TRC FY22

The Kentucky Children’s Justice Act (CJA) Task Force is established in accordance with the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (codified at 42 USC 5106c) (“Children’s Justice Act”) which authorizes grants to states to develop, establish, and operate programs designed to improve: (1) The handling of child abuse and neglect cases, particularly cases of child sexual abuse and exploitation, in a manner which limits additional trauma to the child victim; (2) The handling of cases of suspected child abuse or neglect related fatalities; (3) The investigation and prosecution of cases of child abuse and neglect, particularly child sexual abuse and exploitation; and (4) The handling of cases involving children with disabilities or serious health-related problems who are victims of abuse or neglect The Task Force is comprised of professionals from across Kentucky who have been appointed by the Commissioner for the Department for Community Based Services. Objective I: Be responsible for the activities of the CJA State Task Force that reviews and evaluates services provided to children and families by CHFS. Objective II: Coordinate the logistics of the Task Force. Objective III. Disseminate information to the Task Force pertaining to state and federal policy and practice issues. Objective IV: Assist the Task Force with strategic planning regarding federally mandated activities in accordance with 42 U.S.C. § 5107. Objective V: Work in conjunction with the grant administrators to develop and implement new member orientation as needed. Objective VI: Update publicity and recruitment materials on an as needed basis, to ensure that material information is accurate. Objective VII. Develop and implement a recruitment strategy to include a more diverse membership on the Task Force. Objective VIII. Facilitate meetings including: arranging meeting locations, sending meeting notices, preparing agendas, arranging training and guest speakers, and coordinating compensation for travel expenses of Task Force members. Objective IX. Ensure that the Task Force meets at least quarterly. Objective X. Ensure the Task Force members are trained consistently and coordinate the distribution of information among members. Objective XI. Provide ongoing training for members of the Task Force, and work collaboratively with the Cabinet to ensure work is focusing on appropriate issues related to the Performance Improvement Plan and Child and Family Service Plan. Objective XII. Assist the Task Force with strategic planning to develop goals, objectives, and desired outcomes. Objective XIII. Coordinate logistics and assist Task Force chairpersons with the annual strategic planning meetings for the Task Force. Objective XIV: Assist Task Force members in writing an annual report, detailing their findings and recommendations. Objective XV. Assist Task Force members and collaborate with the grant administrator in writing the State Task Force Study required every three years as required in 42 USC 5101 Section 107 (d). Objective XVI. Participate in at least one (1) federally initiated CJA meeting pursuant to ACF Program Instructions. Objective XVII: Develop and implement ongoing virtual service provision plans to ensure continuity of CJA facilitation and administrative services via virtual platforms and technologies.