It's Sunday so I can't call but it appears these meetings are open and interested parties can testify if they give 24 hours notice to the committee.
To refresh memories, here's what was summarized from the June meeting (the last mention of this issues)
6. Group Homes
Sen. Hatch briefly discussed the incident that occurred in a group home in Cedar City that resulted in the death of the home's staff member.
Ms. Dupont distributed sections of the Utah Code which pertain to the regulation of group homes. Regulation of these homes is a blend of many laws and regulations that determine where and how the homes can be located.
Mr. Paul Bittmenn, Cedar City Attorney, distributed a written copy of his comments. He suggested the implementation of the following three policy goals: 1) increase the specificity of the state rules regulating residential treatment facilities; 2) empower state inspectors to enforce regulations; and 3) empower local government to be able to regulate residential treatment facilities.
Ms. Robin Arnold-Williams, DHS (Department of Human Services), stated these homes are a critical part of human services care in the state and it is her desire that they provide quality care. More children and youth are placed in these facilities from out of state than from within the state.
Mr. Ken Stettler, Office of Licensing, DHS, distributed several handouts regarding group homes. He said his office is charged with the responsibility of licensing each foster care home and any treatment programs that have to deal with mental health, substance abuse, aging, etc.
Ms. Shannon Dulaney, Iron County School District, expressed concern with the lack of communication between group homes and the education system and indicated that the education of some group home residents is being interrupted.
Mr. Tom Walker, Iron County School District, said that none of the 16 providers currently in Iron County offering programs for troubled youth have come to the district to discuss their education programs.