Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Michael P. Callagy, County Executive
Subject: Agreement with Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse (CORA) for the Domestic Violence Emergency Response Team Program
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing the County Executive, or designee, to negotiate and execute an agreement with Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse (CORA) for the Domestic Violence Emergency Response Team Pilot Program for a term from June 25, 2024, through December 31, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $800,000.
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BACKGROUND:
Domestic violence remains a significant public health and safety concern in San Mateo County, impacting over 10,000 residents annually. In response to the urgent need for improved support and intervention, the Domestic Violence Council convened a Task Force which recommended the implementation of a Domestic Violence Co-Response Pilot Program. This initiative seeks to enhance the traditional law enforcement response to domestic violence by embedding survivor advocates within the Sheriff's Office and participating police departments.
On December 12, 2023, this Board of Supervisors authorized and directed the County Executive to design and implement a Domestic Violence Co-Response Pilot Program for a term of two years for a total amount not to exceed $1,000,000.
Since December, the County Executive Office has convened a working group, comprised of representatives from Daly City Police Department, San Mateo Police Department, the SMC Sheriff’s Office, CORA, and the County Attorney's Office. This group has been focused on developing program materials, procuring an independent evaluator, and advancing the overall development of the program.
DISCUSSION:
This agreement with CORA, the terms of which are in final negotiation, will facilitate the implementation of the Domestic Violence Emergency Response Team Program. CORA will provide specially trained survivor advocates to work alongside law enforcement officers in responding to domestic violence incidents in North Fair Oaks, Daly City, and the City of San Mateo. These advocates will offer immediate crisis intervention, safety planning, and ongoing support to victims, including assistance with navigating legal processes and accessing community resources. CORA staff will work closely with law enforcement, attending monthly coordination meetings and ensuring effective collaboration. Advocates will receive ongoing training on crisis intervention and domestic violence laws. CORA will provide necessary equipment, while law enforcement agencies will provide radios, physical space, and logistical support. The County will provide the advocates with vehicles. Additionally, CORA will participate in regular program evaluation and reporting to assess service delivery and outcomes. The agreement with CORA will cover the costs for the program including personnel, training, equipment, and other necessary expenses.
EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT:
The Domestic Violence Emergency Response Team Program’s goal is to positively impact residents of North Fair Oaks, Daly City, and San Mateo who experience a domestic violence incident, by providing them with immediate access to services and support. These areas were chosen due to their diverse populations, as well as their high call volume when compared to other jurisdictions within the County. Each respective jurisdiction includes many bilingual or monolingual individuals; to address potential language barriers, efforts will be made to hire multilingual advocates and provide a translation phone line for additional language support. Advocates will be trained with a culturally competent and equity-focused lens to empower individuals to achieve their personal goals.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The agreement's total fiscal obligation will not exceed $800,000 over the term from June 25, 2024, through December 31, 2026. The program will be funded by County Measure K reserves.