October 2005
Dear Illinois ATSA Members:
I hope you are enjoying the change of season. The
shortened days, the cooling temperature (or,
temperatures that will soon cool!), and the turning of
the leaves all signal the end of summer and the
beginning of autumn. As part of the sex offender
containment community, we are faced with many
challenges as 2005 draws to a close. Our hearts go out
to those who are facing losses in Iraq and also as a
result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. On the home
front, we face challenges arising not only from
difficult clients, but also from community fears and
legislative solutions. I am proud to stand with such
a hard working and dedicated group of professionals as
we meet our particular Illinois challenges together.
Let me give you an update on several fronts. On
September 30, 2005, we held our Fall
Membership Meeting. We had about 50 in attendance.
Craig Burge of the Illinois State Police gave a
dynamic presentation on sex offender laws and
registration in our state. Cara Smith, Policy Director
of the Attorney General's Office and SOMB Chairperson,
also addressed the group. She focused on legislation
that specifically will affect JSO's and also
legislation related to living distance restrictions
for sex offenders. Their presentation was informative
and challenging. Thanks to Cheri Miller and Twin
Cities Behavioral Health for providing CEU's for all
in attendance and to Pat Porter for managing the
registration.
After lunch, at the Fall Membership Meeting, we had
the privilege of hearing from Robin McGinnis, IL ATSA
founder and ATSA President Elect, and also from Becky
Palmer, Midwestern Region Representative for ATSA.
Both advised us of the great work that our ATSA
offices have done to reorganize and reschedule our
national conference. Sadly, of course, we will not be
meeting in New Orleans. Instead, the dates and
location have been changed. ATSA's conference will be
held in Salt Lake City, Utah, from 11/16/05 -
11/19/05. They also reported that national ATSA board
members are continuing to work with the Senate to
influence pending legislation regarding JSO's.
As President of IL ATSA, I have written a letter to
our representatives and senators regarding the JSO
pending legislation, House Bill 3132/Senate Bill 1086.
However, in concert with ATSA, I would encourage each
one of you to consider writing your own letter or
email to our senators to advise them if you have
concerns regarding lifetime registration for juvenile
sex offenders. If you have further questions regarding
this bill or would like guidance in crafting a letter
to the senators, please refer to the ATSA Forum.
On another legislative front closer to home, the
Public Defender's Office of Cook County has reached
out to IL ATSA in regard to residency restrictions for
sex offenders in Illinois. This past legislative
session in Springfield, House Bill 0514 was introduced
to expand the safe zone from 500' to 1000'. The bill
was held in committee, but the issue may arise again
during the next legislative session. IL ATSA has been
invited to take a position on this matter. Research
has not demonstrated support for the notion that
residence restrictions prevent repeat sex crimes. I
welcome input from the membership as we explore taking
a stand in regard to this issue. I will also be happy
to provide links to articles regarding this matter.
Many of you attended the SOMB trainings that were held
in August and September. I have been advised that over
700 persons attended the trainings. I continue to
attend the SOMB meetings to advocate for the
membership of IL ATSA. The SOMB is continuing to work
to complete Juvenile Assessment and Treatment
guidelines and to establish an influential presence in
the state.
Finally, we are looking toward the spring for our
annual training. At this point, the IL ATSA Board
plans to hold the training in Bloomington-Normal to
make it a central location and accessible to as many
throughout the state as possible. Keep your email and
eyes open for updates on the training. We will bring
in a nationally known expert at an affordable price
for you with CEU's. Also, the positions of Secretary,
Treasurer and President are scheduled for election
this spring. We welcome any recommendations regarding
members who would do a good job in these busy
positions.
Thanks for your time and as always, for your hard work
in sex offender containment. Please contact me if you
have any questions, concerns or ways in which I can be
of service to you.
Deb Nickerson, PsyD
President, IL ATSA
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