Spring Regional Spotlight: WI Chapter 980 Panel Discussion

As the Spring Regional Meeting approaches, we bring you highlights from the agenda.  Today, we take a closer look at the panel discussion addressing WI Chapter 980 Placements on Thursday.  If you haven't registered yet, head on over to the Spring Regional Event Page for registration and hotel information!

Remember the phrase, “Not in my backyard”?  Well, if your county has a Chapter 980 Committee, you have probably heard that argument at your meetings. Chapter 980 creates a process where a circuit court judge can declare someone a sexually violent person and directs what happens when they meet criteria for release back into their home county.  In 2016, WI Act 156 developed minimum distance residency requirements from places like schools and parks, and created an independent committee for each county tasked with the arduous process of finding a location to place the person.

Joining us to discuss the process and real-life scenarios are John Serketich, Assistant Corporation Counsel for Racine County, Jeremy Erickson, LIO for Monroe County, and Michael (Mick) Chase, Supervised Release Contract Specialist for WI Department Health Services, with Peter Strand from Eau Claire County moderating. Learn about the law, process of placement, lessons learned, and collaboration from county, state, and public entities.