HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 10072003 - C84 TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS :. = va .* CONTRA
s;:
COSTA
FROM: Sara Hoffman 'I
COITNTY
Assistant County Administratoriv
DATE: October 7, 2003 4- vr�
SUBJECT: Celebrating Solutions Award
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S) OR RECOMMENDATION(S) & BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
RECOMMENDATION(S):
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the County Administrator, or designee, to submit a nomination to the Mary
Byron Foundation for the "Celebrating Solutions" award to recognize the Zero Tolerance for Domestic
Violence Initiative.
BACKGROUND/REASON(S) FOR RECOMMENDATION(S):
Since its inception, the Zero Tolerance for Domestic Violence Initiative has been recognized for its
innovation in the area of system change through a comprehensive, coordinated, community-wide approach
that interrupts the progressive cycle of violence, recognizing the cost effectiveness of integrated and
collaborative service strategies.
The Mary Byron Foundation, Inc. created the "Celebrating Solutions" award to showcase and applaud local
innovationsthat demonstrate promise in breaking the cycle of domestic violence. They select programs
that can serve as models for the nation and offer a $10,000 cash award in recognition of pioneering
efforts.
The $10,000 award from the Mary Byron would support on-going costs of the Zero Tolerance for Domestic
Violence Initiative during the 2004-20105 fiscal year.
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: 4 YES SIGNATURE:
RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATioN F COMMITTEE
PROVE OTHER
SlGNATURE(S).
ACTION OF BO RD N October 7 2003 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED X OTHER
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A
X UNANIMOUS(ABSENT Name ) TRUE AND CORRECT COPY OF AN
AYES: NOES: ACTION TAKEN AND ENTERED
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: ON MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN.
Contact:Devorah Levine 335-1847
ATTESTED October 7, 2003
JOHN SWEETEN,CLERK OF
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Aj!iq COU TY ADR INISTRATOR
cc:Devorah Levine,CAO
BY t ° Ir L L/ ,DEPUTY
1. Mission
The Zero Tolerance for Domestic Violence Initiative(Zero Tolerance) is a multi-
jurisdictional partnership,designed to reduce domestic violence, family violence
` LZRAM and elder abuse in Contra Costa County, California, through a comprehensive,
coordinated,community-wide approach that interrupts the progressive cycle of
violence.
W, .01 ra. t is
1 ' Zero Tolerance is an investment in system change that is strengthening, linking, and
' leveraging the partner organizations to:
Increase safety for victims and their children
rri ..ltlltxd ➢ Increase access to services for abusers and those experiencing abuse
➢ Increase organizational capacity to successfully intervene in domestic/family
r -, violence and elder abuse cases
5t� tro 2. Comprehensive Ptahlic Policy Addressing Domestic Violence
Zero Tolerance is a comprehensive systems change approach created to
{� fundamentally shift local government's approach to improving responses to
domestic violence. Centra Costa County altered its priorities,realigned its
resources,and mobilized government departments and community-based agencies
to address multiple forms of violence.
Domestic Violence, Family Violence and Elder Abuse are often considered distinct
disciplines. Frequently, service systems compartmentalize problems and address
only one form of violence. Yet, these multiple forms of violence are often
Nal connected. For example, a growing body of research suggests that child abuse and
domestic violence often occur in the same families.
Zero Tolerance links the related work of family violence and elder abuse to
domestic violence. The initiative is capitalizing on the expertise in each field,
inviting broad participation,defining root causes and common objectives and
l maximizing impact. Because domestic violence is not a stand-alone issue, efforts in
: lt related fields are crucial to its elimination. By dramatically expanding the number
of organizations working to actively eliminate domestic violence as well as family
violence and elder abuse,Zero Tolerance is fostering a unique collaboration across
government and community agencies.
The Board of Supervisor's decision to address domestic violence, family violence
andelder abuse in a systematic way, to cornnlit policy, fiscal, legislative, and
operational supports for system improvements and to measure and track
performance objectives makes Zero Tolerance unique.
Policy---The Board of Supervisor's declared policy of"zero tolerance for domestic
violence"' made it a public policy issue priority for Contra Costa County. This
policy has since provided guidance for community actions,the development of
institutional policies and procedures, and funding decisions in the County.
'The phrase"Zero Tolerance for Domestic Violence"encompasses domestic violence,family violence and elder abuse.
Mary Byron Foundation"Celebrating Solutions"
Zero Tolerance for Domestic Violence Program Outline l
Financing-Usually service strategies are developed by individual service organizations that then seek local
government funding to sustain operations. Here,the Board of Supervisors invited county departments and
local experts to develop a collective vision of Zero Tolerance and provided approximately$1.8 million
dollars to launch the initiative. Partners provide an additional$300,000 of their own operating budgets.
Oversight and Coordination—Oversight and coordination is an essential link in a comprehensive effort to
eliminate domestic violence. Recognizing that the domestic violence prevention, intervention, and
prosecution system is complex,the County provides governmental oversight of the multiple agencies
involved in the domestic/flunily violence and elder abuse system through the County Administrator's Office.
Local legislation provides fiinding for this function through the collection of fees for certified copies of
certain vital records.
A Full Spectrum ofActivities—Zero Tolerance activities address the full spectrum of early intervention,
response,and remediation. Systematic approaches are concentrated at the misdemeanor level along with
increased support to address felony crimes, innovative uses of technology and targeted training, including:
➢ Specialized Investigative Unit—a specialized Sheriff's unit investigated domestic violence cases and
provided intensive training throughout the department and County;
Domestic Violence Court—a multi-agency, misdemeanor post-conviction calendar holds batterers
accountable earlier in the cycle of violence, ensuring offenders' attendance at mandatory programs,
improves access to services such as substance abuse treatment, acts promptly when protective orders or
probation conditions are violated,provides additional on-site support to victims, and aligns Court
activities across family, criminal, civil and probate sectors;
➢ Vertical Prosecution—the District Attorney's office vertically prosecutes DV felonies and elder abuse
cases and coordinates misdemeanor prosecutions;
➢ Restraining Order Clinic--a joint effort between the Superior Court and Bay Area Legal Aid(a service
provider)helps low-income victims obtain the protection of a restraining order, m ninizing contact
between the parties and making it easier for the police to enforce orders that provide safety to victims.
The clinic is offered at a local courthouse,increasing access locally;
➢ Co-locatedDomestic Violence Liaisons in Child and Family Services and.CalWORKS offices—
Liaisons serve high risk clients on site and provide hands-on consultation and training to staff;
> Targeted Training—First responders(health, human services, law enforcement) and community
members receive targeted training on identifying and intervening in domestic violence and elder abuse
cases;
Centralized entry of protective orders—the Superior Court and law enforcement implemented a
procedure to enter protective orders issued by the Court into a statewide system—accessible by law
enforcement statewide- thereby eliminating the need for victims to deliver this information to multiple
local jurisdictions;
➢ Domestic Violence Database—a centralized computer system maintains data from domestic violence
reports(such as the number and location of children witnessing domestic violence) from multiple law
enforcement agencies Countywide and is accessed by first responders (such as Police and Child and
Family Services)to investigate, assess, lethality, and understand trends;
Access to critical data-The Sheriffs department Domestic Violence resource screen, with,critical
information such as current restraining order data, was created and made available to all deputies on
patrol through Mobile Data Computers.
Results Based Accountability-Zero Tolerance tracks measurable indicators to follow the County's"return on
investame&'over time. Participating agencies are held accountable through specified performance measures
and service delivery its data-driven.
Mary Byron Foundation"Celebrating Solutions"
Zero Tolerance for Domestic Violence Program Outline 2
Recognition-In the last year, Zero Tolerance was selected as a National Association of Counties 2002
Achievement Award winner"in recognition of an innovative program,which contributes to and enhances
county government in the United States." The initiative was also featured in the annual Justice issue of
CSAC's "County"Magazine in Fall 2002 and by the California Attorney General's Office.
3. Prom Implementation
For many years, individual law enforcement agencies and service providers in Contra Costa County had
treated domestic and family violence as a priority. Despite these efforts, the problem kept growing and with
it, the recognition that individual efforts were not enough. Organizations that dealt with domestic violence
needed to better leverage each other, coordinate their efforts and expand the resources available to combat
this tragic social disease.
Leadership came from the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors,who declared the policy of Zero
Tolerance for Domestic Violence and created the initiative:
➢ continuation of services focusing on early intervention, response and remediation
➢ identification of the partners and their roles and responsibilities
➢ coordination and oversight through the County Administrator's Office
➢ requirement for annual reporting, incorporating results-based accountability
Over the past three and one half years, ,Zero Tolerance has demonstrated significant achievements, making a
difference in the lives of children, families and elders in Contra Costa County. Barriers to success have been
and, to a certain extent, continue to be:
> Sustained Collaboration—Few of the partner agencies traditionally worked together or viewed their
agency as a piece of larger puzzle. Staff support has been critical to the collaborative process while
demonstrated, improved results make the effort worthwhile.
> Resources'—Resources at the County level are scarce and competition for funding fierce. The Board
focused funding on areas that the collaboration identified as most critical to system success, funding
through the initiative rather than the usual departmental budget process. Once the original$1.8 million
of general purpose revenue was allocated, it was then made part of the base budget for each department.
Funding was also supplemented through allocation of performance incentive funds from federal
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families(TANF)dollars.
For coordination and oversight,the Board of Supervisors successfully sponsored legislation to increase
maxim m fees for certified copies of specified vital records. SB 425 also designated Contra Costa County as
the first Zero Tolerance county in California,reinforcing the systems approach to domestic violence, family
violence and elder abuse.
4. Increasin Sl;_.a€ety and Access to Services
"It is my opinion that Mark has greatly benefited from the Alternative to Violence Program. I must admit, I
had my doubts...all my fears never materialized because the program has been a success. Mark is taking full
responsibility for his actions and is reacting in a more controlled manner. I know he has pickup tools that
he uses to deal with situations. This has been a positive experience. Thank you. "
Letter from a family member served through Domestic Violence Court
Coordinated service structures among the Court, Sheriff, District Attorney, Public Defender,Probation, and
local domestic,violence agency are improving the safety of victims and their children and offenders are held
accountable earlier in the costly and destructive cycle of violence.
Mary Byron Foundation"Celebrating Solutions"
Zero Tolerance for Domestic Violence Program Outline 3
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The quality of investigation,fling and conviction rates in misdemeanor domestic violence cases have
increased. Successful prosecution is achieved through coordination of cases among the Sheriff s Office,
District Attorney's Office and service providers. For example, the Sheriff's Domestic Violence Unit has
shown that devoting specialized staff,consulting with the DA's office and local domestic violence experts
increases the quality of reports/investigation which results in higher rates of filing;the average filing rate of
the DV Unit in 2002 was 61% as compared to the filing rate of 13%achieved by the General Complaints
Unit for the same time period. In addition,prosecution of elder abuse cases increased 70%for
misdemeanors.
Repeat offenses in misdemeanor domestic violence cases have
f ` decreased. Since its inception the Domestic Violence Court, a multi--
agency effort, has supervised 532 offenders and only 13 of them re-
offended with more serious offenses, a 2.4% recidivism rate.
,. M -Offenses ■Cases
"A young woman with four children told her worker she did not feel she was in a domestic abuse situation,
even though her husband constantly demeaned and embarrassed her. She was unable to maintain
participation in work activities because of the abuse at home. The worker had this participant talk to the
STAND!representative (DV counselor), who helped her seethe pattern of abuse in her life. Working with
STAND', she learned to deal effectively with her situation. Both her worker and STAND!were there to
support and encourage her. This former participant now has a goad,job and no longer needs cash aid. "
Work Force Services staff
Victims' fear and shame in disclosing the abuse they are experiencing presents a significant barrier to
interrupting the cycle of violence and offering needed services. Through Zero Tolerance the awareness and
capacity of professionals and the community to identify and intervene in cases of domestic/family violence
and elder abuse has increased. Through individual and collective commitment to Zero Tolerance,practices
of individual agencies are shifting.
For example, through the collaborative efforts of CaIWORKS staff and STAND! Against Domestic Violence
(local DV agency) CaIWORKS offices developed identification, referral and service procedures for victims
of domestic violence. Co-located DV Liaisons in each CalWORK:S office provide extensive training and
consultation to std and outreach and counseling to high risk clients.
Number of Domestic Violence
4aWVRTS Waivers,2 f LVVi
As these efforts have taken hold,the number of domestic violence
waivers granted to Welfare-to-Work participants has risen
dramatically—in three years there has been a 683% increase.
These waivers allow DV victims to access critically needed
support services to protect their children and get their lives in
order prior to embarking on a course designed to promote their
oeconomic self-sufficiency.
V.
Mary Byron Foundation"Celebrating Solutions"
Zero Tolerance for Domestic Violence Program Outline 4
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5. Collaboration Among Partners
Collaboration is at the heart of Zero Tolerance. Partners span many disciplines and have formed powerful
alliances across County departments,the Courts, and community based organizations. Zero Tolerance
partners include:
*Superior Court *Child and Family Services *Health Services Department
+SheriTs Office *Adult Protective Services *Elder Abuse Prevention
*District Attorney •Ca1WORKS (Welfare-to-Work) *Bay Area Legal Aid
*Public Defender *Probation Department *STAND! Against Domestic Violence
Each partner is responsible for operating one or more Zero Tolerance activity(see question 3)and for
identifying needs for system improvements and change.
Zero Tolerance has also established a strong partnership with the Advisory Council Against Domestic
Violence(ACRD),the County's local DV coordinating council. ACAD''s members, representatives of the
community, over 15 police departments,hospitals and local agencies, link with Zero Tolerance and provide
the Board of Supervisors with advice on Zero Tolerance.
6. Replicating Zero Tolerance
The Zero Tolerance Initiative is a powerful public-policy approach to addressing domestic violence. Zero
Tolerance reorients local government to address domestic violence comprehensively and effectively.
Zero Tolerance is highly replicable, assuming political will, strong partnerships, and system building
capacity.
Political Will "Public commitment"to align programs is the essential first step. Counties must prioritize.
local resources and Zero Tolerance proved a venue to go beyond a departmental approach to services.
Documenting improvements in the lives of children, families and elders are key for sustainability.
Strong Partnerships—Creating systems requires new relationships among community based organizations
and public agencies. Each agency needs to be willing to work towards a common vision and to adjust its
practices to meet system needs.
System building Capacity—Technical assistance, coordination and financial resources are necessary to align
programs, train staff and create new institutional systems, including the ability to track results.
Should Zero Tolerance be replicated? Yes. We believe that Zero .Tolerance fundamentally shifts local
government's approach to combating domestic violence. It is a comprehensive model, grounded in best
practices and designed to nuvdmize our ability to provide hope and safety for victims and their families.
Mary Byron Foundation"Celebrating Solutions"
Zero Tolerance for Domestic Violence Program Outline 5