Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017 Ordinance No. 005, . ,. • • ORDINANCE NO. 5 SERIES OF 2017 BY AUTHORITY COUNCIL BILL NO. 7 INTRODUCED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GILLIT AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE APPLICATION FOR AND ACCEPTANCE OF A VICTIM ASSISTANCE LAW ENFORCEMENT (VALE) GRANT FROM THE VICTIM ASSISTANCE LAW ENFORCEMENT BOARD OF THE 18TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT. WHEREAS, the City of Englewood Police Department applied for funding under the VALE Grants Program to be used for funding the Victim/Witness Program in the Englewood Municipal Court; and WHEREAS, the Victim/Witness Program in the Englewood Municipal Court has served the victims of domestic violence since 1990; and WHEREAS, the Englewood City Council authorized the 2015 VALE Grant acceptance by the passage of Ordinance No. 6, Series of 2015; and WHEREAS, the Englewood City Council authorized the 2016 VALE Grant acceptance by the passage of Ordinance No. 9 Series of 2016; and WHEREAS, the staff seeks Council approval of an Ordinance authorizing the application for and, if granted the acceptance of a 2017 VALE grant in the amount of $23,940, for the period of July 1st, 2017 to June 30th, 2018. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO, THAT: Section 1. The City Council of the City of Englewood, Colorado hereby authorizes the application for and acceptance of the VALE Grant and accompanying intergovernmental agreement, a copy of which is marked as "Exhibit A" and attached hereto. Section 2. The Mayor is hereby authorized to sign said VALE Grant and accompanying intergovernmental agreement on behalf of the City of Englewood. Section 3. The funds for the VALE grant come from fines assessed by the Colorado 18th Judicial District. No Federal funds will be used. Introduced, read in full, and passed on first reading on the 6th day of February, 2017. Published by Title as a Bill for an Ordinance in the City's official newspaper on the 9th day of February 2017. Published as a Bill for an Ordinance on the City's official website beginning on the 8th day of February, 2017 for thirty (30) days. • Read by Title and passed on final reading on the 21 st day of February, 2017. Published by Title in the City's official newspaper as Ordinance No. 5, Series 2017, on the 23rd day of February, 2017. Published by Title on the City's official website beginning on the 22nd day of February, 2017 for thirty (30) days. I, Stephanie Carlile, Acting City Clerk of the City of Englewood, Colorado, hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true copy of the Ordinance pa sed on final reading and published by Title as Ordinance No. 5, Series of 2017 . l For Official Use Only: Date Received _______ _ Application Number ___ _ V/S or UE Project Duration ___ to ___ _ Previously Funded Yes No All Materials Included Yes No ate of Board Review _____ _ Approved __ Denied __ _ Award Amount __ _ ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• VICTIM ASSISTANCE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT GRANT APPLICATION 18th Judicial District 6450 S Revere Pkwy Centennial, CO 80111 (720) 87 4-8608 tlassiter@da1a.state.co.us Please be advised that the board may revoke any contracUgrant if used inappropriately . Application must be typed or printed in black ink. Applications must be copied on both sides (duplex). All application pages must be numbered. Please submit one original and eight copies of your application. Limit application to 12 pages Including cover sheet and signature page, but excluding attachments . Do not use a font any smaller than 12 point • I. II. Ill. IV. APPLICANT AGENCY ___ E __ n...,a ....... le __ w __ o __ od ____ P __ ol"""'ic __ e __ D-e""'p __ a.....,.rtm ____ e ___ nt __________ _ PROJECT TITLE Victim/Witness Advocate ------"'"""'""----........ ~-----~""""--------------------- Project Director __ C=-a..a;hi=e...._f =Jo=h.;..:.n-=-C=o=l=lin=s ________________ _ Phone (303) 762-2460 Fax (303) 783-6902_ Address 3615 S. Elati St Englewood, CO 80110 E-mail :nwenig@englewoodgov.org Webpage http://www.englewoodgov.org/lndex.aspx?page=487 AMOUNTREQUESTEO ___ $2~3~.9~4~0.~0_0 _________ _ NON -PROFIT STATUS: __ Yes XX_ No __ In Progress Tax ID Number ____________ _ GOVERNMENT AGENCY: XX YES NO V. REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS (Include with all copies): A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. Budgets 1. Agency Budget (Waived for governmental agencies) 2. Victim Assistance Program Budget 3. Itemized Project Budget (must include budget narrative) Copy of 501(c) (3) IRS Tax Ruling (if applicable) Listing of Board of Directors and Key Officers Copy of current Financial Statement and Audit Report-(Waived for governmental agencies) (Attach to original copy only) Management Letter from Auditor-(Waived for governmental agencies) Random Sampling of Client Satisfaction Surveys If you are requesting a full or part-time position, you must attach your agency's classification of that pos ition and job description Resume of program/project administrator l I! X H ~ + A APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED O SECTION A: PROJECT CONCEPT/DESIG~ 1. Description of the applicant agency: (01/2016) Englewood Police Department provides emergency response to crime and non-crime incidents within the City of Englewood as the primary law enforcement agency for the City. 2. Substantiate or quantify the problem your program is designed to address within this community, i.e. factually or with other supportive documentation. Englewood Victim Assistance provides the Victim/Witness Advocate to assist victims of domestic violence for the Englewood Municipal Court. This position is currently held by Nicole Maynard. The Victim/Witness Advocate position is designed to assist victims of domestic violence who are seen in the Municipal Court. In 2016, the Englewood Police Department made 125 overall domestic violence arrests. 3. Description of the project, which would be funded by VALE funds in the 18th Judicial District. (Be specific regarding what services VALE funds will provide to this community.) The Victim/Witness Advocate for the Englewood Municipal Court provides support for victims of domestic violence through the Court process. The position also ensures that victims are informed of their Rights under the Constitution and assists in providing those Rights. During the period from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016 there were 112 arraignments of domestic violence crimes in the Municipal ourt. The Victim/Witness Advocate contacted 27 4 victims during that time and 86 were new victims. There were 576 contacts with victims at arraignments, penalty hearings, probation reviews, motions hearings, show cause hearings, and trials. Ms. Maynard also contacted victims through telephone calls, personal appointments, and letters. These contacts were to answer questions, inform victims of their Rights, and to discuss needs. Ms. Maynard also counsels family members who come to Court with the victims. We expect the need for services to remain the same, or increase, for this upcoming Grant cycle. 4. A Identify and describe the project's goals and objectives. Your objectives must be measurable and specific. • To provide a Victim/Witness position to ensure support for victims of domestic violence through the Court process according to the standards set forth in the Victim's Bill of Rights; • To ensure that victims in the Englewood Municipal Court are informed of their Rights under the Victim's Bill of Rights; • To provide follow-up with victims after Court; • To educate victims of the dynamics of domestic violence; • To provide referrals to appropriate community resources such as Victim Compensation, counseling, legal or financial assistance; • To maintain contact with agencies or individuals such as Victim Compensation, Interfaith Task Force, Human Services, shelters and therapists to maintain up-to-date resources available to the victim; • To work closely with the probation officer to be sure that the goals of therapy are being met and the needs of the victim are being considered; 2 (Section A question 4. A. continued) • To keep a client "check list" form for each domestic violence client served. This checklist will include referrals made, Victim Compensation application given, therapists suggested and restitution requests; • To maintain Court information, brochures and referral resources for clients from various ethnic backgrounds using translation and counseling services. B. What is your timetable and work plan for accomplishing your objectives? Our timeline is ongoing. 5. A. Address what problems, if any, you anticipate in implementing the program/ project goals and objectives. We do not anticipate any problems in implementing the program goals. The program has been successful in the past and any concerns/problems that have arisen have been mediated with all parties involved. B. How do you plan to resolve these problems? Victim Assistance has an excellent working relationship with the Prosecutor's Office and the Court. Victim Assistance is part of a collaborative effort to solve the problem and represent victims in he solution. This includes constant conversations with all parties to ensure victims are being kept informed and considered in the solutions. SECTION B: SERVICE INFORMATION 1. A. Define the population and geographic area targeted for services through this project. This program will be available to all victims of domestic violence who are victimized in the City of Englewood and whose case is heard in the Englewood Municipal Court. B. If the project is not located entirely in the 18th Judicial District, what percentage of services would be for victims and witnesses in the 18th Judicial District? The project is located entirely in the 18th Judicial District. 3 2. A. Include a brief description of how the project strives to provide culturally competent services. Cultural competence is defined as a process in which an agency continuously strives to achieve the ability to work effectively within the cultural context of an individual or community from a diverse ulture/ethnic background. If the project does not now strive to offer culturally competent services, how will you do this in the coming grant period? Include cultural competency efforts in the goals and objectives in Section A, question 4. • We use the services of the Translation and Interpreting Center for translations in Court to include spoken languages as well as sign language. • The Court is equipped with a FM system for people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. • All of the Court information is translated into Spanish. We have a Spanish speaking translator for Court hearings which are scheduled once a month for all the Spanish speaking clients. These services are provided by Executive Languages. • We have available a list of agencies from many ethnic backgrounds and are constantly updating this list. Examples include: Asian Pacific Development Center, DOVE, CHAI, Servicios de la Raza, and Muslim Family Services. • We have packets designed specifically for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered, Queer population and the unique dynamics presented. • We have packets designed to address male victims. In addition to providing information in native languages, the program strives to provide culturally competent services by attending trainings and meetings to update the Advocates. Ms. Maynard and Ms. Wenig have attended several trainings, provided by the Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance, on culturally appropriate responses and interventions. Ms. Maynard and Ms. Wenig take advantage of training opportunities to further ultural competence and the conversation continues within the Victim Assistance Unit and the Department as a whole. 3. A. What number of people is in need of the services as proposed by this project? (Identify source of information). From July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016, there were 112 new cases and 274 total victims served in the Municipal Court as documented by Court records. The Victim/Witness Advocate attempts to contact all those whose lives are impacted by domestic violence, identified by either offense reports or incident reports. During this time period, Ms. Maynard contacted 118 people affected by domestic violence outside of the Court process. These victims made contact with the Police Department and the incident did not rise to the level of an arrest; however, services were offered to these victims. Historically, these numbers remain similar and we anticipate the same level of need for the upcoming Grant cycle. 8. What number of people are currently being served in the 18th Judicial District and how? (Identify source of information.) Explain how you report client numbers and service numbers. At present, there are approximately 255 domestic violence cases active in the Municipal Court and approximately 195 victims being served from 2016 and previous years. Each month, approximately 10 cases are finalized; hence, the number of active cases is constantly changing. Ms. Maynard keeps a written record of all client contacts. At any point during the case, a victim may equire notification or intervention. There are approximately 10 to 15 new cases each month. 4 C. What percent of the victims you serve are monolingual Spanish speakers? There are approximately 2% monolingual Spanish speaking victims. One afternoon per month s designated as a Spanish-speaking docket. All of the Spanish-speaking domestic violence cases are set on this docket. The Victim/Witness Advocate has access to an interpreter and is able to interview victims. D. How will your project diminish or eliminate any duplication of services? There are no similar services in the Municipal Court. This program is designed to refer victims to agencies that are providing services outside of the scope of this program to avoid duplication of services. Each victim is matched with referral resources that meet her or his needs. E. How will you coordinate services with similar or like programs? The program is designed to refer victims to services that will respond to their specific needs. Through appropriate referral, each victim is matched with referral resources that meet her or his needs. Ms. Maynard continuously networks with other agencies and advocates in order to better coordinate services when needed. Our working relationship with other agencies is excellent. 4. Define the management plan for the program/project. Identify specifically who will: • be responsible for daily operations • be accountable for the expenditure of grant funds. • • Include the resume of program/project administrator The Victim Services Coordinator, Nancy Wenig, is the coordinator and supervisor of the project. The Victim/Witness Advocate, Nicole Maynard, submits a daily record of court activity to Ms. Wenig, which includes victim name, referrals made, victim compensation information, restitution requests, and any other pertinent information. Ms. Wenig is responsible for the expenditure of the grant funds under the supervision of the Chief of Police, John Collins, and the Director of Finance, Kathleen Rinkel. 5. In compliance with the American Disability Act (ADA) on providing access, how does your agency provide accommodations for crime victims or victim service providers? The Englewood Municipal Court is fully accessible to persons with disabilities . We collaborate with other service providers to address all areas of disability . • 5 SECTION C: EVALUATION INFORMATION 1. How will you evaluate whether or not this project has met its stated goals and objectives? Explain ow you evaluate the following: • Process Evaluation -Did the program meet the project goals and objectives? • Outcome/Impact Evaluation -Did the program achieve the stated outcomes or behavioral changes? How did the delivery of services improve the life situation of your clients? • Overall agency success -How do you measure if your agency is "doing its job" well? Process Evaluation: The program will have met its goals and objectives by providing all victims with ongoing support during and after his/her Court appearance. The program will have provided all victims with information on their Rights as well as referrals to resources that may assist victims with recovery. Outcome Evaluation: Our goal is to provide safety and support for victims of domestic violence as well as to educate victims of the Court process and services available. One measure of success is the rate of acceptance of Victim Compensation applications for counseling . In 2016, 89 victims contacted at arraignment took applications for Victim Compensation. We constantly encourage victims to participate in counseling. We hope our efforts to encourage counseling for victims will help them recover. It is difficult to quantify this measure of success. It is noted; however, that many victims contact the Advocate months or years later when facing a separate life crisis. It is a measure of success that the victim feels safe contacting Ms. Maynard to receive counsel, advice, and knowledge of systems even after the case is final. The program also refers victims to community resources to aid with financial recovery. In particular, we refer frequently to Catholic Charites and Integrated Community Family • Services (IFCS) to assist those fleeing violence with financial assistance. In 2016, there were 30 referrals made to IFCS to assist domestic violence victims with various financial needs, such as rent, cell phone replacement, bus tickets, and moving expenses. Additional referrals were made to Catholic Charities. We have recently begun using the Apriss record management system and will be able to better track the referrals through that program . Overall agency success: Our relationship with the City Attorney and Judge is excellent. The process with which victims move through the Court process is efficient and informative. Survey reports and follow up phone calls reflect a positive experience in the Court. Victims are encouraged to keep in contact with Ms. Maynard to work through any rough spots in their recovery. If a victim has a concern or complaint at any time during the process, it is immediately staffed between Ms. Maynard and Ms. Wenig. The concern is then addressed where the problem is concerned. This may be with Court, Prosecution, or Victim/Witness procedures and the solution is always victim-centered and allows the victim to have a voice in the process . 6 SECTION D: CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT 1. A. Define how this program/project will address the guidelines for assuring the rights of victims nd witnesses as outlined in the Victim Rights Act (Section 24-4.1-302.5 C.R.S.). List specific services to be provided. • The Victim/Witness Advocate ensures compliance with the guideline listed for assuring these Rights to victims of domestic violence in the Municipal Court; • Englewood Police Department has made a clear effort to provide victims with the services entitled to them by the Victim Bill of Rights. The Court program addresses all of these rights including: the right to be present and informed of critical stages in Court, to be heard at Court proceedings, and to confer with the prosecuting attorney prior to disposition; • The victim is asked if restitution is requested and is offered services such as financial or legal help, shelters, or Victim Compensation; • The Victim/Witness Advocate has a private office and waiting room at Court so that the victim is assured of safety and privacy before Court proceedings; • Each victim is given a brochure at the arraignment, which outlines Victim's Rights; These Rights are reviewed by the Victim/Witness Advocate periodically to determine the victim's comprehension of these Rights; • Victims are informed of each stage of his/her case; • No plea agreement is made with the defendant without consulting the victim; • The victim is allowed to address the Court at most hearings; • All victims are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect; • Victims are informed, present, and heard; • Victims are given a free copy of the initial report when requested; 8. What services are you providing as outlined in the VALE statute (Section 24-4.2- 105 R.S.). The Victim/Witness Advocate program provides the services outlined and ensures compliance with assuring Rights to victims of domestic violence in the Municipal Court through: • Providing crisis intervention to victims; • Referring victims to appropriate resources, to include Victim Compensation, and assisting victims with filling out forms; • Educating victims on the criminal justice system; • Assisting with the prompt return of property; • Notification of all stages of the case; • Intercession with employers or landlords; • Provision of translation services through language line or interpretation services in person; • Assistance with transportation to Court through taxi or RTD pass. 7 2. Does your agency have a statutory mandate to notify victims under the Victim Rights Amendment (VRA)? xx_ Yes __ No If yes, please answer the following questions . • How do you presently notify victims of their rights under the VRA? A folder is provided to each victim at arraignment, which contains No Contact Orders, literature on Domestic Violence, a Victim's Rights brochure, Victim Compensation application and the Victim/Witness Advocate's card. Ms. Maynard explains these Victim's Rights to her/him at the arraignment and continues to keep the victim informed of changes in the status of the case, schedules and results of hearings, availability of property return and other information pertinent to the victim's case while the case is active in Court. Ms. Maynard makes these contacts in person, by phone, and by letter. What is the approximate number of clients who receive notifications made by your agency each year? (N= # of clients) There were approximately 274 victims contacted from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016. These victims had cases in various stages of resolution, each needing information on the status of the case as well as other information pertinent to the victim's needs, e.g. property return, Victim Compensation information, etc. What is the approximate total number of notifications made by your agency each year? (N=# of total notifications) Each victim has on average 5 contacts with the Victim/Witness Advocate during the course of the case in Court. With 27 4 victims in this time period, this equals approximately 1,370 contacts with victims in person, by phone, and by letter. Ms. Maynard also contacts victims who have made a police report that does not result in charges filed to assess safety, review Rights, and provide resources and support. These additional contacts are not reflected in these numbers. However, 118 additional contacts were made to victims facing domestic violence outside of the Court process. 3. Does your agency have a victim rights brochure that is distributed to victims? A Victim's Rights Brochure is attached. This is given to each victim at the time of arraignment or through a letter sent to the victim. We are in the process of updating the brochure. 4. Describe the training your agency provides to all staff and volunteers about informing victims of their rights under the Colorado Constitution. Date of last training: __ --'A"'""p""r'""'il"""'2=0-'-16=------- Training provide by: __ --=-N=a:..:...;n=cy~W.:..ae=n .... ig....._ ___ _ What percent of your staff attended the above training? 100% Who conducted the training session? Nancy Wenig, Victim Assistance Coordinator 8 If last training was more than a year ago, • Date of your next training:, ___________ _ Who is the trainer? _____________ _ 5. Are any of the services provided by your agency eligible for Crime Victim Compensation reimbursement? ___ Yes xx No Is so, list services: Does your agency regularly conduct or receive Crime Victim Compensation training for direct services staff or volunteers? xx Yes __ No Describe the training on victim compensation that has been provided to your staff and volunteers. Date of last training:..:.A..:.i:P:.:.:ri:.:..I :.:20:..1.:..::6::-____ _ Training provide by: Nancy Wenig ____ _ SECTION E: ADDITIONAL COMMENTS We would like to express our gratitude and appreciation for the funding that the VALE Board has given to this program. The program is essential to the operation of the Municipal Court domestic violence program. The presence of a full-time Advocate in the Municipal Court provides an invaluable resource to victims of domestic violence. Due to the size of the program and population, Ms. Maynard is able to provide victims with compassionate and professional advocacy. - SECTION F: BUDGET SUMMARY/FINANCIAL INFORMATION 1. Total amount of VALE funds requested: $ 23,940.00 2. Will the amount requested provide full funding for the project? __ Yes xx No If no, please identify other funding sources and amounts received within the past two years. Do not include other VALE funding. Please also include other pending grants. Source Date of Award Amount 3. Are you currently receiving VALE funding? xx Yes No If yes, please identify the Judicial District and the amount requested and received. current year funding from the 18th Judicial District. Date of Award District Amount Requested 04/01/2016 18th $20,035.00 __ _ Amount Received $20,035.00_ 4. Will you be applying to other VALE Boards for funding? __ Yes xx No If yes, please identify the Judicial District and the amount requested. Date of Request District Amount Requested Include 5. Does your agency receive victim assistance funding through the use of a municipal surcharge? If yes, you must provide specific documentation outlining your agency's surcharge intake for the last two fiscal years and detailing how these funds were distributed. In 2014, Judge Atencio granted a domestic violence fee of $50.00 to be assessed on each case involving a domestic violence disposition. The Court has collected $3579.25 thus far. Please find documentation attached. None of these monies have been spent. When assessing the fee, Judge Atencio indicated that the program may use it to benefit victims of domestic violence or to offset costs of the program. There are not enough funds to supplement salary at this point. The fund depends on payment from defendants and will most likely not see a significant balance for some time; however, we are excited for this step. 6. If an increased amount of funding over this year's grant award is being requested, please provide written justification. Substantiate or quantify factually or with other supportive documentation. The amount we are requesting is an increase from previous Grant requests due to increased employee costs and a continued decline in revenues. . Anticipated client fees if any, from this project: $ __ none. ____ _ 8. Describe the volunteer and/or in-kind services that will be used for this program/project. No volunteer hours contribute to this program. 9. What percentage of your total budget is this request for VALE funds? Approximately 40% of the total budget would be VALE funded. 10. If this program/project is to continue beyond the initial funding period, please identify how the program/project will be funded in the future. Please be specific. The City of Englewood is committed to the Victim/Witness Program in the Municipal Court. The City is willing to provide the difference in the total cost of the program. The City of Englewood has been responsible in assuming their share of successful programs when it is financially able. 11. Have you applied for VOCA funding? If not why? We have not applied for VOCA funding. Historically, the program has been able to operate with funding provided by the City of Englewood as well as VALE. We did not apply for the recent release of additional funding from VOCA to be used for Capital expenses. We accessed our needs as a Department and Unit and did not determine much of a need for equipment, software or computer, or office furniture. However, when the VOCA funds are released we plan to apply. 11 he applicant assures that the following signatories and all staff and volunteers assigned to this project have read and understand the rights afforded to crime victims pursuant to section 24-4.1-302.5 C.R.S. and the services delineated pursuantto sections 24-4.1-303 C.R.S. and 23-4.1- 304 C.R.S. I hereby certify that the information contained herein is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. Nancy Wenig Project Director Typed Name of Project Director Signature Project Director's Date John Collins Agency Director Typed Name of Agency Director Signature, Agency Director Date Eric Keck Financial Officer Typed Name of Financial Officer Signature, Financial Officer Date Authorized Official Project Director: The person who has direct responsibility for the implementation of the project. This person should combine knowledge and experience in the project area with ability to administer the project and supervise personnel. He/She shares responsibility with the Financial Officer for seeing that all expenditures are within the approved budget. This person will normally devote a major portion of his/her time to the project and is responsible for meeting all reporting requirements. The Project Director must be a person other than the Authorized Official of the Financial Officer. Agency Director: The executive director of the agency. This may in some agencies be the same person as the project director or authorized official. Financial Officer: The person who is responsible for all financial matters related to the program and who has responsibility for the accounting, management of funds, and verification of expenditures, audit information and financial reports . The person who actually prepares the financial reports may be under the supervision of the Financial Officer. The Financial Officer must be a person other than the Authorized Official or the Project Director. • Authorized Official: The authorized official is the person who is, by virtue of such person's position, authorized to enter into contracts for the grant recipient. This could include: Mayor or City Manager, Chairperson of the County Commissioners, District Attorney, President of Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Superintendent, 12 or other Chief Executive Officer . • • • 13