On Jul 28, 2021, at 9:12 AM, Doug Powell via acblists.org <doug.powell.oldjock=gmail.com@...> wrote:

Hi,

Sorry I dropped the ball on this.  Since the meeting about Constitution and By-Laws meeting is on the 29th, does the 3rd still work for folks for our editing session on the Resolution?

Thanks,

Doug

Doug Powell

571-438-7750

doug.powell.oldjock@...

On Jul 13, 2021, at 12:24 AM, Gabe Griffith <gabrielgriffith@...> wrote:

Hi, 

I could join in on any of those day's at this point in time. 

Gabe 

Gabe Griffith 

President, California Council of the Blind 

(925)222-5762

gabe.griffith@...

On Jul 12, 2021, at 8:29 AM, Mitch Pomerantz <mitch.pomerantz@...> wrote:



Doug:

 

Any evening except for Tuesday the 27^th.

 

 

Mitch Pomerantz

 

From: Doug Powell <doug.powell.oldjock@...> 
Sent: Monday, July 12, 2021 6:48 AM
To: Gabe Griffith <gabrielgriffith@...>
Cc: Mitch Pomerantz <mitch.pomerantz@...>; Margie Donovan <margie.donovan1@...>; Christine Hunsinger via rehab-issues <rehab-issues@...>; Rehab Stake Holders List <rehab-stakeholders@...>
Subject: Re: Draft ACB Resolution based on CCB's

 

Hello All,

I propose that we hold an editing session to refine the text.  If other members of the Resolutions Committee would like to attend and contribute, that’s great.  I can send Zoom info when we reach consensus on a date and time.  I propose 7:30pm or 8pm EDT as a start time on any of the following dates:

Monday 7/26

Tuesday 7/27

Thursday 7/29

Tuesday 8/3

Please let me know your preferences.

Thanks,

Doug

Doug Powell, Co-Chair

ACB Rehabilitation Issues Task Force

571-438-7750

doug.powell.oldjock@...

 

The American Council of the Blind is a national grassroots consumer organization representing Americans who are blind and visually impaired. With over 65  affiliates, ACB strives to increase the independence, security, equality of opportunity, and to improve quality of life for all blind and visually impaired people. Together, we make a bright future. Learn more by visiting 
www.acb.org
View ACB's YouTube page at
 http://tinyurl.com/gloz7bq
Follow ACB on Twitter @
acbnational
Like ACB  on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/AmericanCounciloftheBlindOfficial

On Jul 12, 2021, at 12:05 AM, Gabe Griffith <gabrielgriffith@...> wrote:

 

Hi, 

 

Sorry for not including the time. 

 

All resolutions meetings will be at 7:30 eastern, 4:30 pacific. 

 

Also, I've deleted the two email list addresses from this thread so that I will quit getting bounce messages from them and they probably aren't receiving my replies anyway. 

 

 

Gabe 

 

 

Gabe Griffith 

President, California Council of the Blind 

(925)222-5762

gabe.griffith@...

 

On Jul 11, 2021, at 5:47 PM, Mitch Pomerantz <mitch.pomerantz@...> wrote:



Yes, that works, but what time?

 

 

Mitch

 

From: Gabe Griffith <gabrielgriffith@...> 
Sent: Sunday, July 11, 2021 3:26 PM
To: Mitch Pomerantz <mitch.pomerantz@...>
Cc: Doug Powell <doug.powell.oldjock@...>; Margie Donovan <margie.donovan1@...>; Christine Hunsinger via rehab-issues <rehab-issues@...>; Rehab Stake Holders List <rehab-stakeholders@...>
Subject: Re: Draft ACB Resolution based on CCB's

 

Hi all, 

 

With Doug's request in mind, does Wednesday August 4th work for everyone? 

 

If you guys want to make any edits before then please just make sure to send me the version we'll be working from by August 1st or 2nd. Otherwise we can make any edits that evening. 

 

Thanks, 

 

Gabe 

 

 

Gabe Griffith 

President, California Council of the Blind 

(925)222-5762

gabe.griffith@...

 

On Jul 11, 2021, at 11:57 AM, Mitch Pomerantz <mitch.pomerantz@...> wrote:



Gabe and Doug:

 

The 28^th at 4:30 PDT works for me. I’ll leave it up to the Rehab Taskforce Chair to decide if he wants to work on the resolution prior to that date, although that may be difficult with the conference/convention approaching. Doug, your call.

 

 

Mitch Pomerantz

 

From: Gabe Griffith <gabrielgriffith@...> 
Sent: Saturday, July 10, 2021 9:06 PM
To: Doug Powell <doug.powell.oldjock@...>
Cc: Mitch Pomerantz <mitch.pomerantz@...>; Margie Donovan <margie.donovan1@...>; Christine Hunsinger via rehab-issues <rehab-issues@...>; Rehab Stake Holders List <rehab-stakeholders@...>
Subject: Re: Draft ACB Resolution based on CCB's

 

Hello Doug and all, 

 

I apologize for my delay in getting back to you. I was out of town for a few days last weekend and the beginning of this week then came home with a cold. Between those two things I have fallen way behind on emails. 

 

All of that being said, I want to thank you all for working on this resolution. The resolutions committee won't be working on this until after the ACB convention. I know Mitch had some further suggested edits. I don't know if you guys want to work on those edits among yourselves before this comes to the committee or just work on them with the resolutions committee. 

 

If everyone is happy with this going to the resolutions committee I propose we take it up on Wednesday July 28th at 7:30 eastern time, 4:30 Pacific. Technically I guess you could work on whatever edits Mitch is thinking of and still get that to me by the 28th. 

 

Please let me know if that date works for everyone and if it doesn't we can look at the following Wednesday which would be the first Wednesday of August at the same time. 

 

Thank you, 

 

Gabe 

 

 

Gabe Griffith 

President, California Council of the Blind 

(925)222-5762

gabe.griffith@...

 

On Jul 8, 2021, at 8:04 AM, Doug Powell <doug.powell.oldjock@...> wrote:

Hi Gabe,

Attached and copied below is the text of a Resolution on Sexual and bullying misconduct endorsed by the Rehabilitation Issues Task Force.  Please let me know how I can help move this Resolution forward and when you think your committee will be working on it.  I know Mitch has already offered to help in the refinement process.

Thank you,

<Resolution on Sexual Misconduct and Abuse in Rehabilitation.rtf>

 

Doug

Doug Powell, Co-Chair

ACB Rehabilitation Issues Task Force

571-438-7750

doug.powell.oldjock@...

 

The American Council of the Blind is a national grassroots consumer organization representing Americans who are blind and visually impaired. With over 65  affiliates, ACB strives to increase the independence, security, equality of opportunity, and to improve quality of life for all blind and visually impaired people. Together, we make a bright future. Learn more by visiting 
www.acb.org
View ACB's YouTube page at
 http://tinyurl.com/gloz7bq
Follow ACB on Twitter @
acbnational
Like ACB  on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/AmericanCounciloftheBlindOfficial

 

Addressing Allegations of Sexual Assault, Harassment, and abuse at Blindness Training Centers and in Other Rehabilitation Environments

 

 

Whereas, in recent months scores of credible allegations have surfaced regarding sexual assault, harassment, and other forms of inappropriate behavior of a sexual nature, as well as charges of bullying and demeaning conduct on the part of students and staff at the Colorado and Louisiana Centers for the Blind residential rehabilitation facilities; and,

 

Whereas states have authorized expenditure of taxpayer dollars to send blind and visually impaired consumers, at their request, to those and other out-of-state residential rehabilitation centers; and,

 

Whereas, there have been anecdotal reports over the years of similar sexual and other misconduct occurring at residential rehabilitation centers as well as other community-based rehabilitation environments throughout the country; and,

 

Whereas, the American Council of the Blind (ACB) views with alarm the growing number of reports of sexual and other forms of abuse committed against consumers who are blind or have low vision, throughout the country; and 

 

Whereas, despite the urging of advocates for the Blind and low vision individuals there has been little national or statewide effort to address this issue, and;

 

WHEREAS the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) has the guidance, enforcement, fiscal oversight, and disinterest necessary to establish standards, mandate compliance, establish and maintain metrics for funded agencies, and adjudicate appeals contested at state and local levels; Now, Therefore, Be It 

 

Resolved by the American Council of the Blind assembled in virtual convention that this organization urge, in the strongest possible language, that the Rehabilitation Services Administration establish hiring standards and ongoing verification of conduct for every practitioner serving disabled consumers funded under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended; and be it further

 

RESOLVED that RSA demand State Licensed Agencies SLAs) add to their Combined State Plans policies, procedures, and practices to ensure that allegations of sexual misconduct and/or bullying be justly addressed and reported; and be it further

 

RESOLVED that the RSA establish procedures and practices to address consumer complaints which remain contested after action by SLAs, or for allegations which the injured party feels will not be justly addressed at the state or local level; and be it further

 

RESOLVED that state Rehabilitation Departments to immediately suspend all approvals for residential rehabilitation training for consumers who are blind or have low vision at any rehabilitation training center for which allegations of sexual or other abuse has been made,  until     such time as the Department determines that the issues arising from these allegations have been addressed, in accordance with standards to be developed pursuant to this resolution, and be it further 

 

Resolved that ACB urge state affiliates  to establish, a similar resolution at an appropriate time based on the timing of the next state convention being held, which would recommend the creation of a taskforce comprised of senior management and staff, and at least one member of the Rehabilitation Council, whose sole purpose is to review and update existing policies related to the training of agency staff, staff of all residential rehabilitation centers in the state, staff and contractors associated with community rehabilitation programs (CRP’s), for-profit businesses and independent service providers (ISP’s) offering evaluation, equipment set-up and training to blind and low vision consumers; and,

 

 

Be It Further Resolved that, at a minimum, all of the following concerns be addressed by the aforementioned national and state task forces:

1. Consider evaluation of independent reporting procedures for people who are blind or have low vision who have experienced sexual abuse, assault or harassment:

2. Establish a specific code of conduct to which all vendors CRP’s, and ISP’s will be expected to adhere:

3. Modify its CRP certification process to include all aspects of how a business or CRP handles allegations of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse throughout the consumer’s experience:

4. Require each for-profit business owner and each not-for-profit board to annually certify that it has met the standards that the Department will promulgate regarding the reporting, privacy, handling, and resolution of all allegations of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse:

5. Develop specific standards for any contracted party who enters the home or domicile of any consumer, with such standards to become part of the annual certification of both for-profit and CRP entities:

6. Require LIVE Scan (Digital Fingerprinting) for both CRP’s staff who work closely with consumers who are blind or have low vision and contractors who visit consumers’ places of residence to provide services:

7. Establish an anonymous hotline where survivors of sexual or other misconduct by vendors or at CRP programs can be reported with confidence and privacy:

8. Identify a single point of contact within the department who shall be responsible for addressing allegations of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse at any of its contracted programs or services: and

9. Contract with an independent trainer certified and specializing in matters of sexual assault, harassment, abuse, and other forms of misconduct to provide annual training to personnel of all CRP and for-profit contractors and their executives.

10. Contract with an independent trainer certified and specializing in matters of sexual assault, harassment, abuse, and other forms of misconduct to provide consumers with training on what constitutes misconduct,

11. Contract with an independent trainer certified and specializing in matters of sexual assault, harassment, abuse, and other forms of misconduct to provide counseling or referrals for counseling  services to victims and perpetrators, where appropriate, of misconduct,

     12. Report annually to the appropriate Advisory Council and RSA the number and characteristics of any instances of sexual abuse, assault or illegal sexual activity affecting any visually impaired consumer; such annual reporting to be redacted so as not to disclose confidential or identifying information, but to provide a statistical report of the statewide level of such allegations; And 

be it furtherResolved that these taskforces make their findings and recommendations to the state Rehabilitation Agency by no later than a date set forth in the state resolution,  and 

Be It Further Resolved that the activities and results of the resolution be reflected in the recommendations set forth in the State plan; and,   

Be It Further Resolved that such training include the proper investigation and resolution of allegations of inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature and other forms of abuse, and where lacking, develop and implement such policies and provide the necessary training of all staff and contractors; and,

be it further Resolved, that, if the Director asserts that the department lacks the authority to implement any part of the taskforce’s recommendations, the department submit proposed legislation to the Governor to address this issue, and 

be it further Resolved, that the appropriate policy committees of the Legislature be requested to hold hearings on this topic, and 

be it furtherResolved, that a copy of the state resolution be sent to the Governor, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Director of the Department of Rehabilitation, the Speaker of the Assembly, the Senate President pro Tempore, and the chairs of the appropriate policy committees of the Legislature.  

On Jul 28, 2021, at 9:12 AM, Doug Powell via acblists.org <doug.powell.oldjock=gmail.com@...> wrote:

Hi,

Sorry I dropped the ball on this.  Since the meeting about Constitution and By-Laws meeting is on the 29th, does the 3rd still work for folks for our editing session on the Resolution?

Thanks,

Doug

Doug Powell

571-438-7750

doug.powell.oldjock@...

On Jul 13, 2021, at 12:24 AM, Gabe Griffith <gabrielgriffith@...> wrote:

Hi, 

I could join in on any of those day's at this point in time. 

Gabe 

Gabe Griffith 

President, California Council of the Blind 

(925)222-5762

gabe.griffith@...

On Jul 12, 2021, at 8:29 AM, Mitch Pomerantz <mitch.pomerantz@...> wrote:



Doug:

 

Any evening except for Tuesday the 27^th.

 

 

Mitch Pomerantz

 

From: Doug Powell <doug.powell.oldjock@...> 
Sent: Monday, July 12, 2021 6:48 AM
To: Gabe Griffith <gabrielgriffith@...>
Cc: Mitch Pomerantz <mitch.pomerantz@...>; Margie Donovan <margie.donovan1@...>; Christine Hunsinger via rehab-issues <rehab-issues@...>; Rehab Stake Holders List <rehab-stakeholders@...>
Subject: Re: Draft ACB Resolution based on CCB's

 

Hello All,

I propose that we hold an editing session to refine the text.  If other members of the Resolutions Committee would like to attend and contribute, that’s great.  I can send Zoom info when we reach consensus on a date and time.  I propose 7:30pm or 8pm EDT as a start time on any of the following dates:

Monday 7/26

Tuesday 7/27

Thursday 7/29

Tuesday 8/3

Please let me know your preferences.

Thanks,

Doug

Doug Powell, Co-Chair

ACB Rehabilitation Issues Task Force

571-438-7750

doug.powell.oldjock@...

 

The American Council of the Blind is a national grassroots consumer organization representing Americans who are blind and visually impaired. With over 65  affiliates, ACB strives to increase the independence, security, equality of opportunity, and to improve quality of life for all blind and visually impaired people. Together, we make a bright future. Learn more by visiting 
www.acb.org
View ACB's YouTube page at
 http://tinyurl.com/gloz7bq
Follow ACB on Twitter @
acbnational
Like ACB  on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/AmericanCounciloftheBlindOfficial

On Jul 12, 2021, at 12:05 AM, Gabe Griffith <gabrielgriffith@...> wrote:

 

Hi, 

 

Sorry for not including the time. 

 

All resolutions meetings will be at 7:30 eastern, 4:30 pacific. 

 

Also, I've deleted the two email list addresses from this thread so that I will quit getting bounce messages from them and they probably aren't receiving my replies anyway. 

 

 

Gabe 

 

 

Gabe Griffith 

President, California Council of the Blind 

(925)222-5762

gabe.griffith@...

 

On Jul 11, 2021, at 5:47 PM, Mitch Pomerantz <mitch.pomerantz@...> wrote:



Yes, that works, but what time?

 

 

Mitch

 

From: Gabe Griffith <gabrielgriffith@...> 
Sent: Sunday, July 11, 2021 3:26 PM
To: Mitch Pomerantz <mitch.pomerantz@...>
Cc: Doug Powell <doug.powell.oldjock@...>; Margie Donovan <margie.donovan1@...>; Christine Hunsinger via rehab-issues <rehab-issues@...>; Rehab Stake Holders List <rehab-stakeholders@...>
Subject: Re: Draft ACB Resolution based on CCB's

 

Hi all, 

 

With Doug's request in mind, does Wednesday August 4th work for everyone? 

 

If you guys want to make any edits before then please just make sure to send me the version we'll be working from by August 1st or 2nd. Otherwise we can make any edits that evening. 

 

Thanks, 

 

Gabe 

 

 

Gabe Griffith 

President, California Council of the Blind 

(925)222-5762

gabe.griffith@...

 

On Jul 11, 2021, at 11:57 AM, Mitch Pomerantz <mitch.pomerantz@...> wrote:



Gabe and Doug:

 

The 28^th at 4:30 PDT works for me. I’ll leave it up to the Rehab Taskforce Chair to decide if he wants to work on the resolution prior to that date, although that may be difficult with the conference/convention approaching. Doug, your call.

 

 

Mitch Pomerantz

 

From: Gabe Griffith <gabrielgriffith@...> 
Sent: Saturday, July 10, 2021 9:06 PM
To: Doug Powell <doug.powell.oldjock@...>
Cc: Mitch Pomerantz <mitch.pomerantz@...>; Margie Donovan <margie.donovan1@...>; Christine Hunsinger via rehab-issues <rehab-issues@...>; Rehab Stake Holders List <rehab-stakeholders@...>
Subject: Re: Draft ACB Resolution based on CCB's

 

Hello Doug and all, 

 

I apologize for my delay in getting back to you. I was out of town for a few days last weekend and the beginning of this week then came home with a cold. Between those two things I have fallen way behind on emails. 

 

All of that being said, I want to thank you all for working on this resolution. The resolutions committee won't be working on this until after the ACB convention. I know Mitch had some further suggested edits. I don't know if you guys want to work on those edits among yourselves before this comes to the committee or just work on them with the resolutions committee. 

 

If everyone is happy with this going to the resolutions committee I propose we take it up on Wednesday July 28th at 7:30 eastern time, 4:30 Pacific. Technically I guess you could work on whatever edits Mitch is thinking of and still get that to me by the 28th. 

 

Please let me know if that date works for everyone and if it doesn't we can look at the following Wednesday which would be the first Wednesday of August at the same time. 

 

Thank you, 

 

Gabe 

 

 

Gabe Griffith 

President, California Council of the Blind 

(925)222-5762

gabe.griffith@...

 

On Jul 8, 2021, at 8:04 AM, Doug Powell <doug.powell.oldjock@...> wrote:

Hi Gabe,

Attached and copied below is the text of a Resolution on Sexual and bullying misconduct endorsed by the Rehabilitation Issues Task Force.  Please let me know how I can help move this Resolution forward and when you think your committee will be working on it.  I know Mitch has already offered to help in the refinement process.

Thank you,

<Resolution on Sexual Misconduct and Abuse in Rehabilitation.rtf>

 

Doug

Doug Powell, Co-Chair

ACB Rehabilitation Issues Task Force

571-438-7750

doug.powell.oldjock@...

 

The American Council of the Blind is a national grassroots consumer organization representing Americans who are blind and visually impaired. With over 65  affiliates, ACB strives to increase the independence, security, equality of opportunity, and to improve quality of life for all blind and visually impaired people. Together, we make a bright future. Learn more by visiting 
www.acb.org
View ACB's YouTube page at
 http://tinyurl.com/gloz7bq
Follow ACB on Twitter @
acbnational
Like ACB  on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/AmericanCounciloftheBlindOfficial

 

Addressing Allegations of Sexual Assault, Harassment, and abuse at Blindness Training Centers and in Other Rehabilitation Environments

 

 

Whereas, in recent months scores of credible allegations have surfaced regarding sexual assault, harassment, and other forms of inappropriate behavior of a sexual nature, as well as charges of bullying and demeaning conduct on the part of students and staff at the Colorado and Louisiana Centers for the Blind residential rehabilitation facilities; and,

 

Whereas states have authorized expenditure of taxpayer dollars to send blind and visually impaired consumers, at their request, to those and other out-of-state residential rehabilitation centers; and,

 

Whereas, there have been anecdotal reports over the years of similar sexual and other misconduct occurring at residential rehabilitation centers as well as other community-based rehabilitation environments throughout the country; and,

 

Whereas, the American Council of the Blind (ACB) views with alarm the growing number of reports of sexual and other forms of abuse committed against consumers who are blind or have low vision, throughout the country; and 

 

Whereas, despite the urging of advocates for the Blind and low vision individuals there has been little national or statewide effort to address this issue, and;

 

WHEREAS the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) has the guidance, enforcement, fiscal oversight, and disinterest necessary to establish standards, mandate compliance, establish and maintain metrics for funded agencies, and adjudicate appeals contested at state and local levels; Now, Therefore, Be It 

 

Resolved by the American Council of the Blind assembled in virtual convention that this organization urge, in the strongest possible language, that the Rehabilitation Services Administration establish hiring standards and ongoing verification of conduct for every practitioner serving disabled consumers funded under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended; and be it further

 

RESOLVED that RSA demand State Licensed Agencies SLAs) add to their Combined State Plans policies, procedures, and practices to ensure that allegations of sexual misconduct and/or bullying be justly addressed and reported; and be it further

 

RESOLVED that the RSA establish procedures and practices to address consumer complaints which remain contested after action by SLAs, or for allegations which the injured party feels will not be justly addressed at the state or local level; and be it further

 

RESOLVED that state Rehabilitation Departments to immediately suspend all approvals for residential rehabilitation training for consumers who are blind or have low vision at any rehabilitation training center for which allegations of sexual or other abuse has been made,  until     such time as the Department determines that the issues arising from these allegations have been addressed, in accordance with standards to be developed pursuant to this resolution, and be it further 

 

Resolved that ACB urge state affiliates  to establish, a similar resolution at an appropriate time based on the timing of the next state convention being held, which would recommend the creation of a taskforce comprised of senior management and staff, and at least one member of the Rehabilitation Council, whose sole purpose is to review and update existing policies related to the training of agency staff, staff of all residential rehabilitation centers in the state, staff and contractors associated with community rehabilitation programs (CRP’s), for-profit businesses and independent service providers (ISP’s) offering evaluation, equipment set-up and training to blind and low vision consumers; and,

 

 

Be It Further Resolved that, at a minimum, all of the following concerns be addressed by the aforementioned national and state task forces:

1. Consider evaluation of independent reporting procedures for people who are blind or have low vision who have experienced sexual abuse, assault or harassment:

2. Establish a specific code of conduct to which all vendors CRP’s, and ISP’s will be expected to adhere:

3. Modify its CRP certification process to include all aspects of how a business or CRP handles allegations of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse throughout the consumer’s experience:

4. Require each for-profit business owner and each not-for-profit board to annually certify that it has met the standards that the Department will promulgate regarding the reporting, privacy, handling, and resolution of all allegations of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse:

5. Develop specific standards for any contracted party who enters the home or domicile of any consumer, with such standards to become part of the annual certification of both for-profit and CRP entities:

6. Require LIVE Scan (Digital Fingerprinting) for both CRP’s staff who work closely with consumers who are blind or have low vision and contractors who visit consumers’ places of residence to provide services:

7. Establish an anonymous hotline where survivors of sexual or other misconduct by vendors or at CRP programs can be reported with confidence and privacy:

8. Identify a single point of contact within the department who shall be responsible for addressing allegations of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse at any of its contracted programs or services: and

9. Contract with an independent trainer certified and specializing in matters of sexual assault, harassment, abuse, and other forms of misconduct to provide annual training to personnel of all CRP and for-profit contractors and their executives.

10. Contract with an independent trainer certified and specializing in matters of sexual assault, harassment, abuse, and other forms of misconduct to provide consumers with training on what constitutes misconduct,

11. Contract with an independent trainer certified and specializing in matters of sexual assault, harassment, abuse, and other forms of misconduct to provide counseling or referrals for counseling  services to victims and perpetrators, where appropriate, of misconduct,

     12. Report annually to the appropriate Advisory Council and RSA the number and characteristics of any instances of sexual abuse, assault or illegal sexual activity affecting any visually impaired consumer; such annual reporting to be redacted so as not to disclose confidential or identifying information, but to provide a statistical report of the statewide level of such allegations; And 

be it furtherResolved that these taskforces make their findings and recommendations to the state Rehabilitation Agency by no later than a date set forth in the state resolution,  and 

Be It Further Resolved that the activities and results of the resolution be reflected in the recommendations set forth in the State plan; and,   

Be It Further Resolved that such training include the proper investigation and resolution of allegations of inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature and other forms of abuse, and where lacking, develop and implement such policies and provide the necessary training of all staff and contractors; and,

be it further Resolved, that, if the Director asserts that the department lacks the authority to implement any part of the taskforce’s recommendations, the department submit proposed legislation to the Governor to address this issue, and 

be it further Resolved, that the appropriate policy committees of the Legislature be requested to hold hearings on this topic, and 

be it furtherResolved, that a copy of the state resolution be sent to the Governor, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Director of the Department of Rehabilitation, the Speaker of the Assembly, the Senate President pro Tempore, and the chairs of the appropriate policy committees of the Legislature.