HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 12092003 - SD2 TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ' • ... -L,. Contra
FROM: John Sweeten, County Administrator
Costa
DATE: December 9, 2003
�asrA_ - -�v Countycoin
SUBJECT: Zero Tolerance for Domestic Violence Initiative
Oversight and Coordination
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S) OR RECOMMENDATION(S) & BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
RECOMMENDATION:
ADOPT, after public hearing, Resolution No. 2003/687, which authorizes and makes findings
and declarations concerning a $.50 per copy increase in fees for certified copies of marriage
certificates, birth certificates, death/fetal death records, effective January 1, 2004 through
December 31, 2006, for the purpose of providing funding for the County government's
oversight and coordination of domestic violence prevention, intervention, and prosecution
efforts in the County, pursuant to SB 425, the Zero Tolerance for Domestic Violence Act.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no new net County cost. The fees authorized shall not exceed the cost of governmental
oversight and coordination of the County's domestic and family violence and elder abuse
prevention services. Purchasers of certified copies of birth, death and marriage records will
incur increased costs of $.50 per copy. Fees currently range from $10.50 to $19.50, depending
on the type of certified copy.
CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:
The Zero Tolerance for Domestic Violence Initiative supports three of Contra Costa's
community outcomes ("Children and Youth Healthy and Preparing for Productive Adulthood",
"Families that are Safe, Stable and Nurturing" and "Communities that are Safe and provide a
High Quality of Life") through coordinated intervention services designed to reduce domestic
and family violence and elder abuse.
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: _X—YES SIGNATURE:
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RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD OMMITTEE
APPROVE OTHER
SIGNATURE(S):
------------------------- - ------- r---� -P--1- -. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ACTION
OF BOARD ON e-16 3 APPROVE AS RECOMMENDED 9T"ff t-
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE
AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN
UNANIMOUS{ABSENT � 2 } AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE
AYES: NOES: SHOWN.
ABSENT: ABSTAIN:
ATTESTED + `�
CONTACT: Sara Hoffman,CAO HN SWEETEN,CLERK OF THE BOARD OF
Devorah Levine,CAO SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
CC: Barbara Chambers,Clerk-Recorder
Mary Ellen Garcia-Green,Health Services/Vital Statistics
Auditor-Controller
CAO
BY ,flEPUTY
1,52 -
BACKGROUND:
In February 2000, the Board of Supervisors declared a policy of "zero tolerance for
domestic violence" in the County and subsequently authorized the "Zero Tolerance for
Domestic Violence" initiative in fiscal year 2000-01.
The "Zero Tolerance" initiative allocated funding across Departments and community
organizations to improve the domestic and family violence and elder abuse response
system. This initiative is considered unique because of its comprehensive nature. The
Board required County Departments to establish and track "return on investment"
performance measures.
As reported to the Board of Supervisors on August 5, 2003 Zero Tolerance has made
significant progress. Outcomes include:
Since its inception the DV Court has supervised 532 offenders and only 13 of
them re-offended with more serious domestic violence offenses, a 2.4%
recidivism rate.
The average conviction rate for misdemeanor domestic violence cases has
increased 3.1% from a baseline of 81% in 2000 to an average of 84.2% for 2001
and 2002.
Filing rates for elder abuse cases increased approximately 70% for
misdemeanors and approximately 100% for felonies from 2001 to 2002.
744 proposed restraining orders were prepared through the Richmond
Restraining Order Clinic, a 64% increase from 2001 (478 proposed orders
prepared). 924 participants, an increase of 260% over the previous year, sought
assistance.
In 2002, children were present in 1,057 incidents or 24% of domestic violence
incidents, down from 1,015 incidents or 35% in 1997.
Victim/Witness staff contacted over 483 victims of domestic violence and their
children in 2002. Cumulatively since inception, 1,520 victims were contacted
through March 2003 exceeding the projected target of 225 by 576%.
Since the beginning of the Zero Tolerance efforts, there has been a 683%
increase in the number of domestic violence waivers provided to CalWORKs
participants. These waivers allow DV victims to access critically needed support
services.
As part of its 2000-01 legislative platform, the Board of Supervisors sought state
approval to protect this investment of County funds in the domestic/family violence
system by establishing a funding stream for governmental oversight and coordination of
Zero Tolerance activities. SB 425, the "Zero Tolerance for Domestic Violence" Act, was
carried by Senator Torlakson, approved by the Legislature and signed by the Governor
on July 20, 2001.
S13 425 conveys authority to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors to increase
fees for copies of birth, marriage and death/fetal death records by up to $2.00 per
certified copy to provide governmental oversight and coordination of the County's Zero
Tolerance initiative. S13 425 requires that the results of the Zero Tolerance initiative be
reported to the Senate and Assembly Judiciary Committees by July 1, 2006.
On December 11, 2001, the Board adopted, after public hearing, Resolution No.
2001/559 which authorized and made findings and declarations concerning an increase
of $1.50 per certified copy in fees. To date funds have been utilized to fund staff
providing oversight and coordination. Current projections for FY03/04 of revenue and
expenditures, based on historical data are as follows:
Expenses
Zero Tolerance for Domestic Violence Coordinator .8 FTE' $102,912
Administrative Assistant .7 FTE $28,028
Supervisor .02 FTE 2 $5,200
Other Expenses (report printing, training) $3,860
TOTAL $140,000
Revenue $140,000
A $.50 increase in fees will generate approximately $50,000 in additional revenue
(approximately $190,000 per year total). The County plans to use these funds to hire
an evaluator.
While individual agencies have effectively collected data and reported on performance
outcomes since the initiative's inception, data collection is inconsistent among agencies
and evaluation of system outcomes has been difficult due to the variations in
methodologies and data collection systems. Evaluation is a critical part of the overall
initiative, promoting accountability and generating critical data to determine whether
activities must be continued, redesigned or eliminated.
An evaluator would assist the initiative in creating consistent methodologies for data
collection and track system outcomes, thereby improving the quality of system
responses and allowing the initiative to appropriately report to the Legislature in 2006 on
the effectiveness of Zero Tolerance.
' Both the Coordinator and Administrative Assistant are contract employees.
2 Supplies and equipment are provided in-kind by the County Administrator's Office.
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
Adopted this Resolution on December 09, 2003, by the following vote:
AYES: SUPERVISORS GIOLA, UUMM, QUEMC, GLOVER and De-SAUINM
NOES: NM
ABSENT:NM
ABSTAIN:Nm
Resolution No. 2003/687
Subject: Zero Tolerance for Domestic Violence Initiative
Governmental Oversight and Coordination
WHEREAS, in February 2000, the Board of Supervisors declared "zero tolerance for domestic
violence" in Contra Costa County; and
WHEREAS, in July 2001, Governor Gray Davis approved Senate Bill (SB) 425, the Contra
Costa County"Zero Tolerance for Domestic Violence"Act,authorizing the Board of Supervisors
to increase fees, up to a maximum increase of$2.00, for certified copies of birth certificates,
marriage certificates and death/fetal death records, effective January 1, 2002, for the purpose
of providing funding for the County government's oversight and coordination of domestic
violence prevention, intervention, and prosecution efforts in Contra Costa County; and
WHEREAS the Board of Supervisors is required under SB 425 to make findings and
declarations for the need for governmental oversight and coordination of the multiple agencies
dealing with domestic violence;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors makes the following
FINDINGS and DECLARATIONS under SB 425 (Government Code section 26840.9 and
Health and Safety Code section 103626):
1. Domestic violence is ubiquitous. It cuts across economic and education levels, age groups,
ethnic groups, and other social and community characteristics.
2. Domestic violence is insidious. It is characterized by a predictable, escalating cycle that can
result in injury or death of victims, including children.
3. Domestic violence puts children at risk. Children in homes where domestic violence occurs
are physically abused or seriously neglected at a rate significantly higher than the national
average in the general population, according to the National Woman Abuse Prevention Project
in Washington, D.C.
4. Domestic violence is learned and generational. Studies show that boys who witness family
violence are more likely to batter their female partners as adults than boys raised in nonviolent
homes. Girls who witness their mothers' abuse have higher rates of being battered as adults.
5. Domestic violence is progressive. A 1999 review of probation felony domestic violence
offenders in Contra Costa County showed that 38 percent had domestic violence-related
misdemeanor convictions.
6. Domestic violence is costly, both in human and organizational terms. The results of
domestic violence have many"hidden" costs, such as job turnover, loss of productivity, school
absenteeism, and low school performance, in addition to the high cost of law enforcement, civil
and criminal justice, health services, substance abuse treatment, human services, and
community-based services.
7. Contra Costa County has declared a"zero tolerance for domestic violence"in demonstration
of its commitment to eliminating domestic violence. Domestic violence must be eliminated and
1
its cycle of violence and recidivism stopped. Family stability must be improved. Children and
adult victims of domestic violence must be helped.
8. Domestic violence prevention, intervention, remediation, and the prosecution system are
complex and multifaceted, spanning civil, criminal, health, and social service sectors. Agencies
and County departments participating in the Zero Tolerance initiative include the Superior
Court, District Attorney's Office, Public Defender's Office, County Probation Department
(including the Victim/Witness program), County Health Services Department, County
Employment and Human Services Department (including child welfare, welfare-to-work and
adult protective services) and community-based organizations.
9. The objectives, protocols, policies, and activities of these participating agencies and County
departments have not always been in alignment with each other in addressing domestic
violence.
10. For "zero tolerance for domestic violence" in Contra Costa County to be effective, there
must be alignment in the objectives, protocols, policies, and activities of each involved sector
and participating agency and County department.
11. Sharing data among multiple agencies with different mandates and perspectives assists
each participating agency and County department in aligning objectives, protocols, policies and
activities.
12. Oversight and coordination of the Zero Tolerance Initiative by Contra Costa County
involves holding participating agencies and County departments accountable through specified
performance measures and reporting. This also involves improving and enhancing automated
systems for collecting and reporting data and helping participating agencies and County
departments work (both internally and together) efficiently and effectively.
13. While individual agencies have collected data and reported on performance outcomes
since the initiative's inception, data collection is inconsistent among agencies. Currently
agencies and departments are unable to consistently identify which departments are serving
the same victims and determine the impact of receiving services on victims and their families
across different sectors.
14. Evaluation of data is a critical part of the overall initiative, promoting accountability and
generating critical data to determine whether activities must be continued, redesigned or
eliminated.
15. On December 11, 2001,the Board of Supervisors adopted,after public hearing, Resolution
No. 2001/559 (incorporated herein by reference) which authorized and made findings and
declarations concerning an increase of $1.50 per certified copy in fees for the purpose of
providing funding for the County government's oversight and coordination of the County's Zero
Tolerance initiative.
16. The increased fees are needed to assist in covering the cost of hiring an evaluator and
enhancing automated systems for collecting and reporting data. An evaluator would create
consistent methodologies of data collection and track system outcomes.
17. Contra Costa County has no other existing source of revenue for its governmental
oversight and coordination of the domestic violence system, and thus it needs to increase the
subject fees.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors authorizes
the following:
A. An increase in the amount of$.50 the fees for each certified copy of a marriage certificate,
birth certificate and death/fetal death record, effective January 1, 2004, pursuant to SB 425
(Government Code section 26840.9 and Health and Safety Code section 103626).
B. The County Auditor-Controller shall continue to maintain a separate, interest-bearing special
revenue fund for these additional fees. Pursuant to S13 425 (Welfare and Institutions Code
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section 18308), up to 4% of the special fund maybe retained for administrative costs
associated with collecting and segregating the additional fees and depositing the fees in the
special fund. Otherwise, proceeds from the special fund shall be used for the governmental
oversight and coordination of the domestic family violence prevention, intervention, and
prosecution efforts among the various involved organizations and entities.
C. Pursuant to SB 425 (Government Code section 26840.9 and Health and Safety Code
section 103626), effective July 1 of each year, the Board of Supervisors may authorize an
increase in these fees above the maximum of$2.00 by an amount equal to the increase in the
Consumer Price Index for the San Francisco metropolitan area for the preceding calendar year,
rounded to the nearest half-dollar.
D. Pursuant to SB 425, these fees will remain in effect only until December 31, 2006.
E. Fee schedule for the increased fee collection is as follows:
Type of Fee Current Fee Proposed Fee Number of Estimated Additional
(Per certified Certified Copies Total Revenue
copy) Annually
Death/Fetal Death Record $14.50/$10.50 $15.00/$11.00 53,268 $ 26,634
Marriage Record $15.00 $15.50 6,945 $ 3,472
Birth Record $19.50 $20.00 34,483 $ 17,242
Total 94,696 $ 47,349
I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy
of an action taken and entered on the minutes of
the Board of Supervisors on the date shown:
ATTESTED: (date) ZX3
JOHN SWEETEN, Clerk of the Board of
Supervisors and County Administrator
B
RESOLUTION NO. 2003/687
Contact: Sara Hoffman, CAO
Devorah Levine, CAO
3
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
Adopted this Resolution on December 11, 2001, by the following vote:
AYES: SUPERVISORS GIOIA, GERBER, DESAULNIERI ,GLOVER AND UILKEM
NOES: NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
Resolution No. 20011559
Subject: Zero Tolerance for Domestic Violence Initiative
Governmental Oversight and Coordination
WHEREAS, in February 2000,the Board of Supervisors declared "zero tolerance for domestic
violence" in Contra Costa County; and
WHEREAS, in July 2000, Governor Gray Davis approved Senate Bill (SB) 425, the Contra
Costa County "Zero Tolerance for Domestic Violence" Act, authorizing the Board of
Supervisors to increase fees, up to a maximum increase of$2.00, for certified copies of birth
certificates, marriage certificates and death/fetal death records, effective January 1, 2002,for
the purpose of providing funding for the County government's oversight and coordination of
domestic violence prevention, intervention, and prosecution efforts in Contra Costa County;
and
WHEREAS the Board of Supervisors is required under SB 425 to make findings and
declarations for the need for governmental oversight and coordination of the multiple agencies
dealing with domestic violence;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors makes the following
FINDINGS and DECLARATIONS under SB 425 (Government Code section 26840.9 and
Health and Safety Code section 103626):
1. Domestic violence is a growing crime. In Contra Costa County, domestic violence-related
felony filings increased 62 percent between 1998 and 1999.
2. Domestic violence is ubiquitous. It cuts across economic and education levels, age groups,
ethnic groups, and other social and community characteristics.
3. Domestic violence is insidious. It is characterized by a predictable,escalating cycle that can
result in injury or death of victims, including children.
4. Domestic violence puts children at risk. Children in homes where domestic violence occurs
are physically abused or seriously neglected at a rate significantly higher than the national
average in the general population, according to the National Woman Abuse Prevention Project
in Washington, D.C.
5. Domestic violence is learned and generational. Studies show that boys who witness family
violence are more likely to batter their female partners as adults than boys raised in nonviolent
homes. Girls who witness their mothers' abuse have higher rates of being battered as adults.
6. Domestic violence is,progressive. A recent review of probation felony domestic violence
offenders in Contra Costa County showed that 38 percent had domestic violence-related
misdemeanor convictions.
7. Substance abuse is a significant factor contributing to, although not necessarily a cause of,
domestic violence. In Contra Costa County, the review of probation felony domestic violence
offenders showed that 90 percent had documented histories of substance abuse or were under
1
the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time the felony crime was committed.
8. Domestic violence is costly, both in human and organizational terms. The results of
domestic violence have many"hidden"costs, such as job turnover, loss of productivity,school
absenteeism, and low school performance, in addition to the high cost of law enforcement,civil
and criminal justice, health services, mental health services, substance abuse treatment,
human services, and community-based services.
9. Domestic violence must be eliminated and its cycle of violence and recidivism stopped.
Family stability must be improved. Children and adult victims of domestic violence must be
helped.
10. Contra Costa County has declared a "zero tolerance for domestic violence."
11. Domestic violence prevention, intervention, remediation, and the prosecution system are
complex and multifaceted, spanning civil, criminal, health, and social service sectors.
Participating agencies and County departments include the Superior Court, District Attorney's
Office, Public Defender's Office, County Probation Department(including the Victim/Witness
program and intervention programs), County Health Services Department,County Employment
and Human Services Department(including child welfare,welfare-to-work and adult protective
services) and community-based organizations.
12. The objectives, protocols, policies, and activities of these participating agencies and
County departments have not always been in alignment with each other in addressing domestic
violence, and governmental oversight and coordination of the multiple agencies and County
departments involved in the domestic violence system has been lacking.
13. For "zero tolerance for domestic violence" in Contra Costa County to be effective, there
must be alignment in the objectives, protocols, policies, and activities of each involved sector
and participating agency and County department.
14. This alignment requires governmental oversight and coordination of the multiple agencies
and County departments involved in the domestic violence system. This oversight and
coordination is an essential link in a comprehensive effort to eliminate domestic violence.
15. Oversight and coordination by Contra Costa County must address the full spectrum of
prevention, early intervention, response, and remediation. This will involve holding
participating agencies and County departments accountable through specified performance
measures and reporting. This will involve improving and enhancing automated systems for
collecting and reporting data. This will involve helping participating agencies and County
departments work (both internally and together) efficiently and effectively.
16. The increased fees are to cover the cost of Contra Costa County's governmental oversight
and coordination of the domestic violence system.
17. The fees authorized by Government Code section 26840.7 are not sufficient or allowable
for this purpose, as these funds are to be used only for domestic violence centers offering
direct services, and are currently fully utilized for this purpose.
18. Contra Costa County has no other existing source of 'revenue for its governmental
oversight and coordination of the domestic violence system, and thus it needs to increase the
subject fees.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors authorizes
the following:
A. An increase in the amount of$1.50 the fees for each certified copy of a marriage certificate,
birth certificate and deathtfetal death record, effective January 1, 2002, pursuant to SB 425
(Government Code section 26840.9 and Health and Safety Code section 103626).
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B. The County Auditor-Controller shall establish a separate, interest-bearing special revenue
fund for these additional fees. Pursuant to SB 425 (Welfare and Institutions Code section
18308), up to 4%of the special fund may be retained for administrative costs associated with
collecting and segregating the additional fees and depositing the fees in the special fund.
Otherwise, proceeds from the special fund shall be used for the governmental oversight and
coordination of the domestic family violence prevention, intervention, and prosecution efforts
among the various involved organizations and entities.
C. Pursuant to SB 425 (Government Code section 26840.9 and Health and Safety Code
section 103626), effective July 1 of each year, the Board of Supervisors may authorize an
increase in these fees above the maximum of$2.00 by an amount equal to the increase in the
Consumer Price Index for the San Francisco metropolitan area for the preceding calendar year,
rounded to the nearest half-dollar.
D. Pursuant to SB 425, these fees will remain in effect only until December 31, 2006.
E. Fee schedule for the increased fee collection is as follows:
Type of Fee Current Fee Proposed Fee Estimated Increased Fees
(per certified copy) Generated Annually
Death/Fetal Death Record $11.00/$9.00 $12.50/$10.50 $ 79,554
Marriage Record $13.00 $14.50 $ 10,062"
Birth Record $16.00 $17.50 $ 47,142
y.
I hereby certify that this is a two and correct copy
of an action taken and entered on the minutes of
the Board of Supervisors on the date shown:
ATTESTED: (date)
,;vA oitVOI
JOHN SWEETEN, Clerk of the Board of
Supe ors and County Administrator
Deputy
Contact. Sara Hoffman,CAO
Christina Linville, CAO
RESOLUTION NO. 2001/559
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