Minutes - Community Living Coalition - Centre for Ability - 7pm

1. Introductions were made around the room
2. Agenda was reviewed
3. Interim Authority Update: Guest presenter - Elaine Murray, MCFD
   1. Co-Management Committee - Co-Chaired by Elaine Murray and Doug Woollard.  Three Ministry staff - Les Foster, Robin Syme & Elaine Murray manage community living services with Three community representatives - Doug Woollard, Rick Mowles and Melinda Heidsma.  Two family members have been added as non-voting observers - Klaus Linemayr & Maria Glaze.  Primary initiative over the past two months has been the Service Strategies for 2003-04 - asking community service providers to find new ways to provide services - reducing the cost of services, but not reducing the quantity of services provided.  As well, there was a request to address waitlists. There has been a tremendous response to the dual initiatives - many strategies developed to serve more people, and other strategies to save money. 
   2. Safeguard Initiatives - there is a proposal being developed to create a Safeguards team headed by Jane Holland that will be able to respond to issues of health and safety during the transition process.  The safeguards team would be able to step in to a situation and problem-solve, a higher level of initiative than her current office has.  This initiative should be up and running in the next 4 weeks.  Public awareness of this initiative will be important.
   3. Vancouver Office of Interim Authority: 2752 East 41st Avenue is new Vancouver office.
   4. Legislation for Community Living Authority is in draft now - legislation review committee is next step - tentative introduction date at Legislative Assembly of April 11, 2003.
   5. Policy Development: Staff are developing policies for approval of the Interim Authority Board in areas such as independent planning.
   6. Mental Health Teams: Working groups will develop plans for improved Tertiary Care to replace Willow with better regional options.   People at Willow (currently 25 people) will be placed in community settings.  Coordination between IACR, Mental Health Teams, Professional Support Teams and Willow clinic will be improved.
   7. Letter of Instruction from the Minister: The Board will receive this letter from the Minister, possibly next week, with details on how he wants the Authority to be implemented. These details are very important in outlining how new Authority will be structured.
   8. Contracts for all service providers have been extended for one full year - letter outlining reasons that contracts might be modified during the next year.
   9. Labour Relations: Discussions have taken place with BCGEU regarding the transition of government employees to the new authority.  Discussions have been cooperative and positive.  Authority is aiming to get the right people into the right jobs.
4. Action Framework:  Mike presented a draft framework for action for the coalition. 
   1. Two Primary areas of focus: (and a third area that touches community living)
      1. Community Living and the Interim Authority. 
      2. Family and Children's services
      3. Other Ministries - Inclusive Education, Home Care, Disability Benefits, Representation Agreements
   2. Ways to interact with the Interim Authority and MCFD around Community Living
      1. Internal Community Living Coalition representation on Interim Authority Board and on reference groups
      2. Externally by monitoring the activities of the interim authority and advocating for issues.  Facilitator Network around the Province will bring issues forward. Need to address the government broadly as well.  MLA'S and Cabinet, not just the Minister.
   3. Four or Five priority issues to address with Issue Forums, Facilitators' network, Coalition mailings, Website:
      1. Senior Families
      2. People without Family/Advocate representation
      3. Transition Issues (kids to adults, 5 & 6 yr olds, adults turning 65)
      4. Independent Planning/Individualized Funding
   4. MOTION:  By Al, seconded by Jule: The next meeting of the community living coalition be focused on needs of senior families and that the purpose of the meeting be to come up with specific actions and recommendations to address the needs of senior families. CARRIED.  Al and Bob formed a small organizing committee.  Other groups will be invited to co-host the meeting - Parent Support Group, Families of Mentally Handicapped, BCACL. 
   5. ParaOlympics 2010 - the Province is inviting gifted athletes with disabilities to the Province, and the Provincial Government needs to ensure the province is welcoming to all people with disabilities.  A broader coalition of disability groups could give the government a report card on community supports including:
      1. Community Living - positive (C+)
      2. Disability Benefits Application - negative
      3. Disability Benefits Earning Exemption - positive
      4. Access to homecare - negative
      5. Inclusive education - at risk
      6. Representation Agreements - at risk

      Al met with Sam Sullivan and Tim Louis at Vancouver City Council to discuss a broader strategy addressing disability supports in the context of the ParaOlympics 2010.

   6. Facilitators Network Training - Ernie presented a report on the Facilitator training that took place on Feb 21, 03 - People from around the province attended.  Report is on the coalition website.
   7. Mike has drafted a letter to the Interim Authority Board regarding reference groups and is working on a second draft.
   8. Family Focus Conference - May 2,3,4 2003 in Victoria - Conference registration packages are available.  www.familyfocus2003.com
   9. Stan Remple commented on the need for continued vigilance as government reforms take place. As long as the community is paying attention, good things can happen.  If the community takes a break, the bureaucracy will take over and take the easy way out.
   10. Next Meeting - April 8th, 2003 - Issue Forum on the needs of Senior Families - 10am to 2pm