Subject:
Title
Memorandum of Understanding with Community Action Stops Abuse for Family Justice Center planning participation under the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women grant for improving criminal justice responses.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and supplemental certification form to be submitted with the Community Action Stops Abuse (CASA) grant application to the U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ), Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) solicitation for improving criminal justice responses.
● CASA is seeking to submit an application under the USDOJ OVW Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 solicitation for Improving Criminal Justice Responses to pursue a local Family Justice Center program to improve services for victims of inter-personal violence.
● CASA will be the program lead and grant applicant for the opportunity and can seek up to $1 million over 4 years.
● In order to apply, CASA is required to submit an executed MOU and associated certification from local government demonstrating partnerships.
● Under the MOU, if awarded, Pinellas County and the City of St. Petersburg agree to participate in local planning efforts.
● No funding or match is required from the County. This item has no associated fiscal impact.
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
5.3 Ensure effective and efficient delivery of county services and support
Summary:
CASA is seeking to submit an application under the USDOJ OVW Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 solicitation for Improving Criminal Justice Responses to pursue a local Family Justice Center program to improve services for victims of inter-personal violence.
As part of CASA’s grant submission, they are required to submit an executed MOU demonstrating partnerships with local government. Additionally, a signed certification is required from local government relating to domestic violence policies. CASA has reviewed the standard certification language from the grant and provided information from law enforcement and the Courts that show alignment with the certification.
As a partner on the project, Pinellas County and the City of St. Petersburg agree to participate in local planning efforts and will help distribute program information.
Background/Explanation:
Pinellas County currently has an award under the FY2018 USDOJ OVW Improving Criminal Justice Response grant solicitation in partnership with the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court. The award is for $864,210.00 and is in its final year. The program has focused on increasing services and interventions for domestic violence cases. The program includes service connections for victims and batterers intervention classes for defendants.
CASA is seeking to pursue the new solicitation for FY2022 as the program lead and grant applicant. Their program will focus on the planning and development of a Family Justice Center within Pinellas County which is considered a best practice in providing services for inter-personal violence victims.
The County and City of St. Petersburg agree to be a planning partner for the program if the grant is awarded.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no funding or match required from the County. This item has no fiscal impact.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign these agreements is granted under Code Section 2-62 (a)(1).
Staff Member Responsible:
Karen Yatchum, Director, Human Services
Partners:
CASA
City of St. Petersburg
City of St Petersburg Police Department
Community Human Service Providers
Attachments:
MOU
Certification
USDOJ OVW FY22 Solicitation