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Health and Human Services Agency recommending the Board receive and file the Calendar Year 2021 Domestic Violence Shelter-Based Program Annual Recertification Reports for Live Violence Free, Inc., and for The Center for Violence-Free Relationships, Inc., in accordance with California Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) Section 18293(h) and WIC Section 18300.
FUNDING: County marriage license revenue ($23 per license) in accordance with California Welfare and Institutions Code Section 18293(d) plus a portion of payments made by persons granted probation for crimes against victims of domestic violence.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
The County, through the Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), maintains agreements with local domestic violence shelter-based program service providers to support mandated domestic violence programs and shelters. These agreements are funded by a portion of each marriage license issued by the County Recorder-Clerk’s Office, as well as payments made by offenders of domestic violence who have been granted probation.
Beginning in 2005, HHSA entered into agreements with the two domestic violence service providers operating within the County of El Dorado, Live Violence Free, Inc. and The Center for Violence-Free Relationships, Inc., for the provision of services in compliance with California Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) Division 9, Part 6, Chapter 5, Section 18290 et seq., and more specifically, WIC Section 18294, which lists the basic services each service provider is to offer to each person seeking help when experiencing domestic violence. The required basic services include: (a) shelter on a 24 hours a day, seven days a week basis; (b) A 24 hours a day, seven days a week telephone hotline for crisis calls; (c) temporary housing and food facilities; (d) psychological support and peer counseling provided in accordance with Section 1037.1 of the Evidence Code; (e) referrals to existing services in the community; (f) a drop-in center that operates during normal business hours to assist victims of domestic violence who have a need for supportive services; (g) arrangements for school-age children to continue their education during their stay at the domestic violence shelter based program; and (h) emergency transportation as feasible. In addition, to the extent possible, and in conjunction with already existing community services, the domestic violence shelter-based program shall also provide a method of obtaining medical care, legal assistance, psychological support and counseling, and information regarding other available social services in accordance with WIC Section 18295. The provision of these basic services are required, in addition to the annual certification and reports, in order for each agency to receive funding from the County.
HHSA recommends the Board receive and file the Domestic Violence Shelter-Based Program Annual Certifications and Annual Reports for Calendar Year 2021 submitted by Live Violence Free, Inc., and by The Center for Violence-Free Relationships, Inc. The Certifications satisfy the requirements set forth in WIC Section 18293(h) that each of the aforementioned entities meet the service requirements stated in WIC Section 18294. In addition, as required under WIC Section 18300, each organization has prepared and submitted an annual report for submission to the county Board of Supervisors.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should the Board not receive and file the aforementioned reports, this would cause the County to be out of compliance with laws and regulations governing mandated Domestic Violence Shelter-Based Programs.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION:
1) 21-0218, 03-09-2021, HHSA/PH Annual Reports & Certifications for DV Shelter-Based Program Services
2) 20-1653, 01-05-2021, HHSA/PH Annual Reports & Certifications for DV Shelter-Based Program Services
3) 11-1400, 09-13-2016, HHSA/PH Annual Reports & Certifications for DV Shelter-Based Program Services
4) 11-1400, 09-22-2015, HHSA/PH Annual Reports & Certifications for DV Shelter-Based Program Services
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
N/A
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact associated with this Agenda item.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Clerk of the Board to receive and file the Domestic Violence Shelter-Based Program Certification and Report for Year 2021 for each of the named entities.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
N/A
CONTACT
Don Semon, Director, Health and Human Services Agency