SCOTTY’S HOUSE SHARES PRESENTATION WITH WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS ON IMPACT IN REGION

  

Washington County Commissioners heard today (Tuesday) from a child advocacy center who shared a glimpse into its work around the area in helping victims of child abuse.

Cary Baker, Executive Director of Scotty’s House, discussed the services that the nonprofit provides to the seven counties of the Brazos Valley. 

The organization coordinates with law enforcement agencies and Child Protective Services during investigations of abuse or neglect.  It also offers counseling to assist victims in their recovery and extends education and outreach opportunities so that the public can recognize signs of abuse and know how to respond.

Baker said many times, child abuse victims do not tell others about what they are experiencing.  She said Scotty’s House’s mission is to provide support, safety and justice for those victims, and to be “the place where healing begins.”

According to Baker, there were 109 children that Scotty’s House served in Washington County in 2023, out of 1,189 children in total throughout the region.  In Washington County, the group conducted 83 forensic interviews, eight forensic medical evaluations and 191 counseling sessions.  It also provided family support services to 80 families. 

Members of the commissioners court thanked Baker for her presentation and for the work done by Scotty’s House to provide healing and closure.  Commissioners Kirk Hanath and Candice Bullock both said it is unfortunate that the need exists for these kinds of services, but they are grateful that these resources are available.  County Clerk Beth Rothermel said, “What these people do is incredibly important.”

Also in court, commissioners:

• Revised the Veterans Service Officer job description to reclassify its Fair Labor Standards Act status.  Human Resources Director Angela Mlcak said the item reclassifies the status of Veterans Service Officer Eric Posern to “salary – nonexempt”, as the U.S. Department of Labor has changed the requirements for minimum salary beginning on July 1^st.  Mlcak said the change means Posern will be eligible for overtime compensation anytime he exceeds 40 hours in a work week, but he will also have to track his hours.
• Approved a budget amendment to allow for a cell phone stipend of $200 annually in the county judge’s department, shifting $100 from two other department funds.  County Judge John Durrenberger said the stipend is for administrative assistance in the county judge’s department, as Executive Administrative Assistant Carli Koehne has to use her personal cell phone often for county business.
• Tabled an item to sell surplus county property through GovDeals, the county’s online auction service.