Commissioners Court Meeting

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Meeting Date:	01/24/2022
Renewal Grant (TEND) Trafficking Emergency Network Diversion Program 2022
Submitted for:	Rosa Cavazos	Submitted By:	Rosa Cavazos
Department:	County Judge

Subject:

Discussion and possible action to approve the submission of a grant application to the Office of the Governor Public Safety Office Criminal Justice Division for a County Innovations Grant estimated at $250,000 over the term of the contract. The Webb County Trafficking Emergency Network Diversion Program will utilize this funding opportunity to prevent, investigate, and/or prosecute the commercial sexual exploitation of foster youth in Webb County. This formal request shall authorize the County Judge to act as the County's Executive Officer and Authorized Representative in all matters pertaining to the County's participation in this grant. There is no match requirement for this grant. All grant documents were sent for review through the Economic Development Department and the solicitation is compliant with the Webb County Single Point of Contact (SPOC) procedures. Contract Term: October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023. [Requested by Child Protection Court, Selina L. Mireles, Associate Judge]

Issue: There is a need for resources to address the issue of sexual exploitation in our community. Persons who have suffered abuse in childhood or adolescence are susceptible to being sexually trafficked or exploited. There is a need to train those involved in the criminal justice system on how to identify potential and current victims and stop the cycle of exploitation. The Office of the Governor of Texas has provided available resources through a grant opportunity to enhance awareness, intervention and prevention of this serious issue.

Solution: Authorize the submission of the grant application as set forth above to ensure that the County, CPS and Child Protection Court, may create a diversion program for potential and current victims of sexual exploitation.

Result:The Texas Emergency Network Diversion Program will be in compliance with SPOC, and with the submission rules and regulations set forth by the funding agency.

Background:

The program aims to identify minors in CPS foster care, who may be current victims or at risk of being victims sexually trafficked or exploited and steer them away from that way of life. The program will provide various modes of therapy and education as a means of intervention and redirection.

Previous Court Action:

Move forward with the direction / action of Commissioners Court as approved during the February 8, 2021, regular meeting.

Fiscal Impact

Budget Account Number:	4325001
Funding Source:	4325001
Balance:	N/A
Financial Impact:
N/A