Item Description:
title
Amds to four agmts with local agencies to provide victim advocacy, legal representation, and intervention and prevention services for cases handled by the Domestic Abuse Service Ctr, ext end dates to 12/31/24, incr the combined NTE to $1,120,942
end
Resolution:
body
BE IT RESOLVED, that Amendments to the following Agreements to provide victim advocacy, legal representation, and intervention and prevention services for cases handled by the Domestic Abuse Service Center in the Hennepin County Attorney's Office extending the contract dates from December 31, 2023, to December 31, 2024, and increasing the combined not to exceed amounts to $1,120,942 be approved:
• PR00002798 Central Minnesota Legal Services (CMLS), Amendment 4 increasing the not to exceed amount from $319,836 to $430,743
• PR00002839 Division of Indian Work (DIW), Amendment 3 increasing the not to exceed amount from $135,737 to $189,201 (payments to the County on other contracts with this vendor exceed $100,000 in the last 365 days)
• PR00004276 Domestic Abuse Project (DAP), Amendment 2 increasing the not to exceed amount from $72,534 to $125,998 (payments to the County on other contracts with this vendor exceed $100,000 in the last 365 days)
• PR00002797 Esperanza United, Amendment 3 increasing the not to exceed amount from $275,000 to $375,000; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the total combined funding available for the four contracts shall not exceed $1,120,942; that the department will manage the contract expenditures with this funding allocation; that the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the Amendments on behalf of the County; and that the Controller be authorized to disburse the funds as directed.
end
Background: The Domestic Abuse Services Center (DASC) serves as a place where victims can receive multiple services in one centralized location such as advocacy, filing orders for protection, connecting with a prosecution team, and legal consultation and representation from pro-bono attorneys. In addition, DASC provides intervention and prevention services for those who use abusive behaviors.
CMLS provides legal consultation and representation to victims of domestic violence. CMLS strives to provide culturally responsive and trauma-informed lawyering. Referrals for representation are made by advocates located at DASC with priority given to cases where a respondent is represented by an attorney, where children have been abused, where the petitioner has language and cultural barriers, or the petitioner has other high-risk factors in their case. This resource is offered to all clients regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, income or creed. The collaboration provides equal access to justice under the law.
DIW provides vendor advocacy services focused on the local Native American community. Staff from DIW provide advocacy, assist with safety planning and filing Orders for Protection, accompany victims to court, help clients navigate the criminal justice system, and referrals to pro-bono attorneys. In addition, DIW provides health services (doula care, etc.), teen pregnancy prevention and sexuality education, food shelf resources, senior services programing, and domestic violence counseling services.
DAP provides supportive services to end the domestic violence cycle, reduce disparities, and promote healthy families, partners, and parents. Supportive services include creation of non-violence plans and providing education on the negative impact domestic violence and a felony conviction can have on housing, employment, student loans, finances, voting, etc., for themselves, their family and their community. In addition, DAP provides community outreach, engagement, and education regarding domestic violence as well as resource referrals.
Esperanza United is one of four culturally specific and bilingual, bicultural service providers housed at DASC. Vendor advocacy services are focused on serving the Latin@ and Spanish speaking community. Staff from Esperanza United provide advocacy, assist with safety planning and filing Orders for Protection, accompany victims to court, and help clients navigate the criminal justice system. In addition, they provide referrals to pro-bono attorneys and community resources for programming, basic needs and financial assistance.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval