HomeMy WebLinkAboutHUMAN OPTIONS INC. (2) -2016g 1:�e OR M1 3 20166
N-2016-028
CeC�pp ` 0y MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN Human Options, Inc. and the City oof
Santa Ana
WHEREAS, Human Options, Inc. (Human Options), a nonprofit domestic violence
victim services program and The City of Santa Ana, a California Municipal Corporation have
come together to collaborate on the 2016 Improving Criminal Justice Responses to Sexual Assault,
Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Grant Program (OVW-2016-9206).
WHEREAS, the partners listed above have agreed to enter into a Memorandum of
Understanding ("MOU") in which Human Options, Inc. will be the lead agency and named
applicant and the other agency will be a partner in this application.
WHEREAS, the partners herein agree to be collectively referred to as the "Coordinated
Domestic Violence Response Coalition" (CDVRC) and desire to enter into a Memorandum of
Understanding setting forth the services to be provided by the collaborative; and
WHEREAS, the application prepared and approved by the collaboration through its
partners is to be submitted to the Office on Violence Against Women on or before March 3, 2016.
The parties therefore agree as follows that this Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU")
stands as evidence that Human Options, Inc. (Human Options) and The City of Santa Ana, in
this collaborative have consulted and coordinated in a meaningful way and intend to work together
as partners in an integrated service agreement to develop and deliver services to strengthen legal
advocacy services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, and elder abuse and to develop
and promote policies that enhance best practices for responding to the crimes of domestic violence,
dating violence, and elder abuse as set forth in the Grant Program. The Grant Program's purpose
is to address Improvement in the Responses by Criminal Justice Systems (OVW-2016-9206).
1. Description and History of Partners. Clearly identify the partners and provide a brief
history of the collaborative relationship among those partners, including when and under
what circumstances the relationship began and when each partner entered into the
relationship.
Human Options (Lead Agency) is a nonprofit that has been offering comprehensive services to
victims of domestic violence for over 34 years. Its mission is to provide safe haven and life
changing programs to help abused women, their children and families rebuild their lives — and
work with the community to break the cycle of violence. Human Options has evolved from a small
grassroots organization into a large, multi -service program with a fall continuum of programs that
address the specific needs of abused adults and children. Services include the Residential Shelter
Program that provides adults and children with a safe, supportive place that gives them the tools
to begin reclaiming their lives. The community based Center for Children and Families (CCF)
provides a safety net and support services to individuals who are not ready to enter a residential
program but are trying to break the cycle of violence. Services at CCF are designed to reach
underserved clients with limited access to resources and offices are also located in five Family
Resource Centers throughout Orange County. Seniors and older adults in need of accessible,
Memorandum of Understanding Page 1
affordable domestic violence services can obtain resources through Human Options' Safe Options
for Seniors program. Lastly, Human Options' Community Education program is well-known
throughout the community, offering violence prevention education/awareness presentations to
community groups and business organizations since 1984. Every year Hunan Options provides
community-based prevention, intervention and treatment services to over 1,400 children/families
each year, answers over 4,000 emergency hotline calls, and provides community education
programming to over 6,000 students and community members. Human Options is the only
domestic violence service provider in the City of Santa Ana.
The City of Santa Ana. Founded in 1869, Santa Ana is located in Southern California adjacent to
the Santa Ana River, within 10 miles (16 km) from the California coast. The City is part of the
Greater Los Angeles Area which, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, is the second largest
metropolitan area in the U.S., with almost eighteen million people. According to the 2000 U.S.
Census, of U.S. cities with more than 300,000 people, Santa Ana is the 4th -most densely populated
behind New York City, San Francisco, and Chicago, and slightly denser than Boston. Santa Ana
is the 57`1' most populous in the nation according to a 2014 Census report and the 11th largest in
the State. Moreover, Santa Ana is the 2nd largest City within Orange County occupying 27.2
square miles and serving a population of 335,264. Centrally located within Orange County, the
City serves as the governmental center housing State and Federal Offices, County Administration,
County Court functions and the Ronald Reagan Federal Courthouse within its civic center
complex.
The Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD) is a community -oriented department committed to
delivering public safety services to the community with the utmost professionalism and integrity.
The Department strives to be a leader in community policing by providing exceptional policing
services that embody the spirit of community partnerships by being responsive, efficient and
transparent in resolving community concerns to public safety.
The organizational values of the Santa Ana Police Department are the foundation from which the
policies that govern all aspects of police service delivery are derived. These values serve as a public
declaration of the principles, which guide the Department and articulate its commitment to
professionalism. Our values act as the guideline for the discretionary use of police powers and are
the basis by which all employee actions are evaluated. Our values are reflected in every operational
policy and procedure. All members are expected to uphold each value, thereby fulfilling the
standards of conduct. The Santa Ana Police Department will reward conduct which best
exemplifies our values and sanction behavior which is contrary to these values:
• Integrity - We value adherence to the rule of law, to the Constitutions of California and of
the United States, and to complete honesty.
• Accountability - We value ethical decision making and accepting responsibility for our
decisions and actions.
• Community Participation - We value working with Santa Ana's diverse communities to
ensure the safety and security of our neighborhoods.
• Quality Service - We value providing fair, courteous, responsive, and efficient service,
equally to all people, which observes each individual's dignity and worth.
Memorandum of Understanding Page 2
The SAPD has a long history of Problem Oriented Policing. Integral to SAPD's Problem Oriented
Policing philosophy is a commitment to identify underserved community members and address
their needs in a proactive manner, with an eye on transformational community change. In 2014,
the City of Santa Ana adopted a five year Strategic Plan, which supports addressing community
needs in the area of domestic violence and sexual assault. In support of the Strategic Plan, the
SAPD has made several initiatives to promote education and services to domestic violence and
sexual assault victims. Each initiative involves a partnership with nonprofit, community, or
government agencies.
Human Options has and continues to partner with local law enforcement, Santa Ana Police
Department (SAPD) through an operational agreement to provide assistance for crime victims
residing in Orange County since 2004. The Santa Ana Police Department links domestic violence
victims to Human Options' 24 hour emergency hotline where hotline advocates assess the client's
needs and assist in provide immediate shelter or providing referrals to victims. In addition, through
Human Options' role in the two local Family Resource Centers in Santa Ana, members of the
SAPD attend community outreach events.
Human Options is also a current recipient of Community Development Block grant funds from
the City of Santa Ana. In this current fiscal year, 2015-2016, the City of Santa Ana granted Human
Options funding to educate youth and parents about teen dating violence and healthy relationships.
From 2009-2012, the City of Santa Ana additionally provided Emergency Service grant funding
for Human Options' Emergency Shelter. The funds provided assisted with emergency housing
needs for victims of domestic violence.
2. Roles and Responsibilities. Clearly state the roles and responsibilities each partner will
assume to ensure the success of the proposed project.
Each partner agrees to participate in the "Coordinated Domestic Violence Response
Coalition" (CDVRC) as outlined below.
In this collaborative, Human Options, Inc. and the City of Santa Ana will each commit to the
following roles and responsibilities to ensure the success of the project:
• Develop and promote legislation and policies that enhance best practices for responding to
the crimes of domestic violence, dating violence, and elder abuse in the City of Santa Ana
• Strengthen legal advocacy service programs and other victim services for victims of
domestic violence, including strengthening assistance to victims in immigration matters
• Ensure linguistically, culturally, and community relevant services are available for
underserved communities or that linkages to existing services in the community are tailored
to the needs of the underserved population
• Have policies in place that address confidentiality, information sharing, parental consent,
and mandatory reporting
• Have policies that support or enhance the safety and security of children and youth who
have been or are being exposed to violence including the non -abusing caregiver
Memorandum of Understanding Page 3
• Secure background checks for any adults working with minors or vulnerable populations
within organizations receiving grant funds from the collaborative partners
• Commit to fully participate in data collection and program evaluation to the extent allowed
by law
• Indicate approval of the proposed budget
• Provide information to lead agency for evaluation of the program
• Report on performance measures and grant -funded activities through the timely submission
of completed semi-annual progress reports
As the lead agency, Human Options, Inc. will receive compensation from this grant in the amount
of $313,963.20 to:
• Participate in any technical assistance and capacity building activities sponsored by OVW
designated technical assistance providers
• Provide administrative support in order to implement grant activities
• Ensure that linguistically, culturally, and community relevant services are available
• Coordinate meetings and schedules for proposed activities
• Coordinate and finalize evaluation of the program
• Report on performance measures and grant -funded activities through the timely submission
of complete semi-annual progress reports and other grant reporting requirements
As a collaborating, fimded agency, Human Options, Inc. will commit to the following roles and
responsibilities to ensure the success of this project:
• Work in conjunction with the City of Santa Ana, Santa Ana Police Department to develop
and promote policies that enhance best practices for responding to the crimes of domestic
violence
• Work in conjunction with the City of Santa Ana, Santa Ana Police Department develop
and deliver services to strengthen legal advocacy services to victims of domestic violence
• When available, provide emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence and their
children
• Offer evidence -based counseling to victims
• Provide non legal resources to victims
• Host eight Community Forums to engage and inform potential victims about the
availability of services
• Co -lead enforcement trainings for patrol officers, highlighting the best practices for
responding to crimes of domestic violence — 18 hours in year one; 72 hours in year two and
three.
As a collaborating, funded agency, the City of Santa Ana will receive compensation from this
grant in the amount of $136,036.80 and commit to the following roles and responsibilities to ensure
the success of this project:
Memorandum of Understanding Page 4
• Work in conjunction with the Human Options to develop and promote policies that enhance
best practices for responding to the crimes of domestic violence
• Provide one Domestic Violence Detective to partner with HO advocate in the Domestic
Violence Response Car program 20 days in year one; 30 days in year two, and 40 days in
year three.
• Co -lead enforcement trainings for patrol officers, highlighting the best practices for
responding to crimes of domestic violence —18 hours in year one; 72 hours in year two and
three.
• Provide Domestic Violence Detective to be a participant in eight Community Forums to
engage and inform potential victims about the availability of services
3. Resources. Describe the resources each partner would contribute to the project, either
through time, in-kind contributions, or grant funds (e.g. office space, project staff, and
training).
To offset costs, Human Options will provide staff time and salaries for one staff (Director of
Residential Programs) to lead the proposed goals. Further, Human Options will provide
administrative staff time to support the implementation of the project and to obtain data collection
and evaluation information. Human Options will also provide Emergency Shelter housing and
other services when available to victims of domestic violence.
The City of Santa Ana will be able to provide an in-kind contribution, specifically office space to
host a Human Options' legal advocate for in-person appointments or legal clinics for victims, and
planning meetings related to the grant.
4. Partner Participation. Specify the extent of each partner's participation in developing the
application.
When the 2016 Improving Criminal Justice Responses to Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence,
Dating Violence, and Stalking Grant Program (OVW-2016-9206) grant opportunity was released,
Human Options' leadership team identified an opportunity to deepen and strengthen the services
being provided to the City of Santa Ana. Additionally, through recent planning meetings with the
Santa Ana Police Department and in reviewing the City of Santa Ana's 2014-2015 to 2018
Strategic Plan, we discovered two areas which could meet the requirements of this grant
application and the City's strategic goal. It is anticipated that with the funds provided by this grant,
and in conjunction with our collaborative partner, Human Options will be able to strengthen and
expand services and create meaningful change in the Santa Ana communities.
As the lead agency, Human Options set up the initial meeting to review the Request for
Proposal (RFP) and collaborated with the City of Santa Ana, Santa Ana Police Department to
identify the two purpose areas (#5 and #16), goals, and objectives set forth in the application.
Additionally, Human Options and the City of Santa reviewed the funding levels identified in
the RFP and agreed on a set amount for each respective agency/unit of local government to
obtain based on services being provided.
Memorandum of Understanding Page 5
5. Commitment to Partnership. Demonstrate the commitment of each project partner to work
together to achieve stated project goals.
The partners agree to collaborate to develop and promote policies that enhance best practices for
responding to the crimes of domestic violence. The partners further agree to collaborate and
strengthen legal advocacy service programs and other victim services for victims of domestic
violence, including strengthening assistance to victims in immigration matters. Compensation for
non -lead partners' contribution to this project will be provided as outlined in the attached OVW
budget detail worksheet.
The roles and responsibilities described above are contingent on Human Options, Inc. receiving
funds requested for the project described in the OVW grant application.
6. Approval and Representatives. Indicate the approval of the proposed project budget by
all signing parties. Identify the representatives of the planning and development team
who will be responsible for developing and implementing project activities and describe
how they will work together and with project staff.
For the purpose of this project, there are two program goals: (1) Strengthen legal advocacy
service programs and other victim services for victims of domestic violence, and (2) Develop
and promote state, local, or tribal legislation and policies that enhance best practices for
responding to the crimes of domestic violence, dating violence, and elder abuse. Judith Rose,
Director of the Center for Children and Families at Human Options will provide grant
oversight and program implementation. David Gillanders, Director of Residential Programs
at Human Options and Sara Behmerwohld, Legal Advocacy Supervisor for Human
Options will lead the program and planning of program goal #1. Jessica Reynaga, Community
Education Manager for Human Options will lead program goal #2.
Term of MOU
The term of the Memorandum of Understanding would coincide with the grant period,
anticipated to be 10/01/2016 through 09/30/2019 or until the end of the grant period as specified
in the grant award.
Termination
This Agreement can be terminated without cause by any party with thirty days written notice to
the parties. Any unused funds would be returned to the lead agency. In the event that, the lead
agency Human Options is not awarded the Grant, then the MOU is terminated.
Hold Harmless
The partners shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless each other, their respective officers,
agents, and employees from any expense, liability, or claim for death, injury, loss, damage or
expense to person or property that may arise or is claimed to have arisen pursuant to this MOU to
Memorandum of Understanding Page 6
the extent that such expenses, liability, or claim is proximately caused by any act or omission of
the other, or its officers, agents, or employees.
Entire Agreement
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties regarding the subject matter
herein, and supersedes all other agreements, oral or written, between the parties. This
Agreement may only be modified in a writing signed by authorized representatives of all parties.
Venue/Choice of Law
This Agreement and all questions relating to its validity, interpretation, performance, and
enforcement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of
California. The parties further agree that Orange County, California, shall be the venue for any
action or proceeding that may be brought or arise out of, in connection with, or by reason of this
Agreement.
Memorandum of Understanding Page 7
WHEREFORE, the parties have entered into this Agreement on the date first written above.
F r Hyman Optus:
I
Marieela Rios -Faust Date
Chief Executive Officer
Human Options, Inc.
ATTEST:
MARIA HUI AR, C4, Jerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
SONIA R.CARVALHO, City Attorney
Laura A. Rossini, Senior Assistant City Attorney
CITY OF SANTA ANA
DAVID CAVAZOS, City Mana r
RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL:
CARLOS ROJAS, Chief of Police
Memorandum of Understandingv y page 8