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Ms. Hugh stated that when a child is first placed in a home, the fa'st 30 days he has to be with the <br />family constantly. After 30 days, an assessment is performed and it is determined whether they are <br />ready to.jump to the four hours away from the family. This assessment is a collaboration with the <br />County, the Probation Officer and the parents if they are involved. Some can be left alone more <br />than four hours if he is on his way to independence. <br /> <br />Councilmember Peterson stated that his question is - is there someone at the house or are these kids <br />left totally on their own. <br /> <br />Mr. McLafferty stated that when the kids are there - he is there. <br /> <br />Ms. Hugh interjected that it is permissible for Mr. McLafferty to leave them alone for four hours. <br /> <br />Mr. McLafferty added that either his wife or his aid is there when he is not. He added that the <br />person who is making most of the comments lives four houses away. <br /> <br />Councilmember Peterson asked if Mr. McLafferty could go higher than eight kids. <br /> <br />Ms. Hugh stated that he is licensed by the State for eight boys. <br /> <br />Mr. McLafferty stated he could go for more, technically, but he is not intending on more. All he <br />wants is what he has had for the last 10 years. <br /> <br />Ms. Hugh corrected her statement - he is presently licensed for six because the City of Ramsey set <br />him at that, but he could get eight if the City allows it. The Volunteers of America would support <br />that. <br /> <br />Councilmember Beahen reported she is still receiving phone calls from residents who are very <br />dissatisfied with what's going on. She requested Mr. McLafferty address some issues such as the <br />boys playing basketball at midnight, the target shoots, etc. <br /> <br />Mr. McLafferty announced it's not happening - it's not true. The boys may have shot baskets but <br />they are not allowed to shoot targets. He added that he does not allow basketball after 10:00 p.m. <br /> <br />Councilmember Peterson asked if Mr. McLafferty allows the boys under the age of 18 to smoke. <br /> <br />McLafferty replied in the affim~ative and added that he is dealing with more important issues than <br />cigarette smoking and gave suicide for an example. <br /> <br />Councilmember Peterson inquired if most of them smoke to which Mr. McLafferty replied, no - <br />out of six, two or three smoke. <br /> <br />Councilmember Beahen noted that Mr. McLafferty eluded to "may have happened" relating to the <br />basketball shooting - she inquired of the restrictions. <br /> <br />Mr. McLafferty explained that "may have happened" did refer to basketball only. He stated he has <br />a very thick rule book for these kids. There are no guns allowed in his home - not even BB guns. <br />His rules are stricter than most. <br /> <br />Counciimember Peterson inquired of Ms. Hugh about the smoking. <br /> <br />Ms. Hugh commented that the organization does not condone smoking and added that Mr. <br />McLafferty does not allow them to smoke in his home or on his property. <br /> <br />City Council/May 28, 1996 <br /> Page 5 of I0 <br /> <br /> <br />