Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Noelia Corzo, District 2
Supervisor Dave Pine, District 1
Subject: Resolution to Establish a Domestic Violence High-Risk Case Multidisciplinary Team
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution establishing a Domestic Violence High-Risk Case Multidisciplinary Team.
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BACKGROUND:
Domestic violence remains a significant and pervasive issue within San Mateo County, causing substantial physical, emotional, and financial harm to individuals, families, and the community at large. Effective intervention in high-risk domestic violence cases necessitates a coordinated approach from multiple disciplines, including community-based organizations, health and human services, legal services, and law enforcement agencies.
State law, under Penal Code section 13752, authorizes counties to form multidisciplinary teams to address domestic violence. These teams are permitted to share and disclose confidential information under specific conditions to enhance the effectiveness of their interventions. The establishment of a Domestic Violence High-Risk Case Multidisciplinary Team in San Mateo County aims to integrate resources and provide focused interventions for high-risk cases, thus enhancing the safety and well-being of survivors.
DISCUSSION:
The creation of a Domestic Violence High-Risk Case Multidisciplinary Team is an essential strategy to improve the County’s response to domestic violence. High-risk cases often require immediate and specialized attention, which can be challenging to coordinate across different agencies and organizations. By forming a Domestic Violence High-Risk Case Multidisciplinary Team, the County will be better positioned to offer high-risk domestic violence survivors timely and comprehensive support from a cohesive team of professionals.
The Domestic Violence High-Risk Case Multidisciplinary Team will be composed of representatives from key sectors including domestic violence advocacy organizations, health and human services, law enforcement, legal aid, and other relevant stakeholders. This diverse composition will enable the team to address the multifaceted needs of survivors through a holistic approach. Regular meetings at least quarterly and communication among team members will facilitate the sharing of critical information, in strict compliance with all applicable laws, and the development of coordinated intervention plans.
Moreover, the Domestic Violence High-Risk Case Multidisciplinary Team will establish detailed protocols and procedures for handling high-risk cases, ensuring consistency and effectiveness in the response. The team will also focus on continuous training and education for its members, keeping them updated on best practices and evolving trends in domestic violence intervention. This commitment to professional development is crucial for maintaining a high standard of care and support for survivors.
By monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions, the Domestic Violence High-Risk Case Multidisciplinary Team will be able to make data-driven adjustments to improve outcomes continually. Additionally, the team will identify service gaps and policy issues, reporting to the Domestic Violence Council at a minimum of semi-annually, advocating for necessary changes to enhance survivor safety and well-being.
Overall, the establishment of the Domestic Violence High-Risk Case Multidisciplinary Team represents a proactive and collaborative effort to address domestic violence in San Mateo County, offering survivors who are at high risk of harm or death the comprehensive and coordinated support they need.
EQUITY IMPACT:
The Domestic Violence High-Risk Case Multidisciplinary Team is designed to address the needs of domestic violence survivors who are at the highest risk and who may otherwise not receive adequate support due to systemic barriers, which include, but are not limited to, language access, immigration status, substance abuse, access to affordable housing, and childcare responsibilities. By fostering a multidisciplinary approach, the Domestic Violence High-Risk Case Multidisciplinary Team will be better positioned to offer equitable access to services and interventions, particularly for marginalized and underserved communities. This initiative aligns with the County's commitment to being the safety net for residents who are in most need of support to thrive.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The formation and operation of the Domestic Violence High-Risk Case Multidisciplinary Team will require allocation of resources for staffing, training, and administrative support. These resources are essential to ensure the team operates effectively and achieves its objectives. Funding requirements will be met through reallocation of existing budgets within relevant departments and potential grant opportunities. A detailed budget and resource allocation plan will be developed by the Chief Executive Officer in collaboration with appropriate County departments.