Subject:
Title
Funding Agreement with Suncoast Center, Inc. for the Sexual Assault Victim Examination program.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the Funding Agreement with Suncoast Center, Inc. (Suncoast) for the Sexual Assault Victim Examination (SAVE) program.
● This Agreement provides continuation funding for the SAVE Program to conduct medical examinations for eligible victims of sexual assault.
● Funding in an amount not to exceed $172,200.00 per year for a total of $861,000.00 over five years, has been identified in the Human Services’ Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) Proposed Budget within the General Fund.
The SAVE Program served 164 individuals in fiscal year (FY) 2019 and has provided services to 94 clients in the first two quarters of FY20.
● This Agreement will commence October 1, 2020 and expires on September 30, 2025.
Body
Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.1 Provide planning, coordination, prevention, and protective services to ensure a safe and secure community
2.2 Be a facilitator, convener, and purchaser of services for those in need
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach
5.2 Be responsible stewards of the public’s resources
Summary:
This Agreement provides continuation funding for the SAVE Program. This ongoing program provides forensic medical examinations, testing for sexually transmitted diseases, follow-up medical appointments, evaluations, and referrals to adults and adolescent victims of sexual assault.
Background/Explanation:
The SAVE Program serves victims of non-caregiver sexual assault age 13 and over who reside or were assaulted in Pinellas County. Sexual assault victims are examined by an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP), Registered Nurse (RN), or a Medical Doctor (MD) employed by Suncoast. The Program provide necessary prophylactic medicine and supplies for clients as well as staff training and travel expenses for offsite or clinic-based medical exams. The practitioner can also provide expert witness testimony if a case proceeds to trial.
The State of Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County provides lab testing in conjunction with the SAVE program. In addition, Suncoast works closely with law enforcement, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and the State Attorney to ensure holistic coordination of services. The SAVE Program served 164 individuals in fiscal year (FY) 2019, and has provided services to 94 clients in the first two quarters of FY20.
Fiscal Impact:
Funding in the amount of $172,200.00 is consistent with the FY21 Proposed Budget.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this Agreement is granted under Code Section 2-62 (a)(1).
Staff Member Responsible:
Daisy Rodriguez, Director, Human Services
Partners:
Suncoast Center, Inc.
State of Florida Department of Health
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Office of the State Attorney, Sixth Judicial Circuit of Florida
Attachments:
Agreement
Attachment 1 Data Sharing Agreement