Title
Approve and authorize the Director of Health or Assistant Director of Health to sign an Operational Agreement with the Monterey County Rape Crisis Center (MCRCC) and the Monterey County Health Department’s Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), agreeing to work together toward the mutual goal of providing maximum available assistance for crime victims residing in Monterey County, for the term retroactive to October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2022.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Approve and authorize the Director of Health or Assistant Director of Health to sign an Operational Agreement with the Monterey County Rape Crisis Center (MCRCC) and the Monterey County Health Department’s Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), agreeing to work together toward the mutual goal of providing maximum available assistance for crime victims residing in Monterey County, for the term retroactive to October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2022.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The acronym “SART” (Sexual Assault Response Team) is used to identify the multidisciplinary team (MDT) comprised of trained sexual assault counselors, responding law enforcement agents, and sexual assault forensic examiners (SAFE) when an evidentiary exam is requested for suspected sexual assault or abuse. The health care sector of SART is currently under the administration of Monterey County Health Department (MCHD). MCHD employs the sexual assault forensic examiners who conduct the evidentiary exams.
In August of 1998, Monterey County implemented the first multidisciplinary SART. The sexual assault forensic examiners were provided by other agencies until July of 2007, when MCHD became the program administrator. MCRCC and the current SAFE team have continued to work cooperatively since that time. MCRCC’s sexual assault counselors respond to evidentiary exams along with the SAFE to offer legally mandated advocacy services for victims who report sexual assault. MCRCC responders are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to accompany victims when an evidentiary exam is conducted by a SAFE.
The MCRCC supplies written materials, snacks, and comfort objects that are offered by the SAFE to the victim at the time of an evidentiary exam. In addition, The MCRCC personnel work both independently and in conjunction with the SAFE team to provide education to various sectors of the MDT. The MCRCC and SAFE team are available to debrief staff and offer informational and emotional support to the extended MDT. The MCRCC employees participate in case reviews with both the SAFE team and the extended MDT and are a source of consultation for referrals for survivors of sexual assault and commercially sexually exploited children (CSEC).
The Health Department seeks approval to sign the Operational Agreement retroactive to October 1, 2019. The Operational Agreement was not fully executed in 2019 and only brought to the attention of MCRCC and the Health Department during a recent review of files. Our Partnership to provide services have been on-going during this period.
This work supports the Monterey County Health Department 2018-2022 Strategic Plan Initiatives; 3. Ensure access to culturally and linguistically appropriate, customer-friendly, quality health services, 4. Engage MCHD workforce and improve operational functions to meet current and developing population health needs. It also supports the following of the ten essential public health services, specifically; 2. Diagnose and investigate health problems and health hazards in the community, 4. Mobilize community partnerships and action to identify and solve health problems, 6. Enforce laws and regulations that protect health and ensure safety.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The office of County Counsel has reviewed and approved this agreement as to form.
FINANCING:
There is no fiscal impact with this Operational Agreement.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
☐Economic Development:
• Through collaboration, strengthen economic development to ensure a diversified and healthy economy.
☐Administration:
• Promote an organization that practices efficient and effective resource management and is recognized for responsiveness, strong customer orientation, accountability and transparency.
☒Health & Human Services:
• Improve health and quality of life through County supported policies, programs, and services; promoting access to equitable opportunities for healthy choices and healthy environments in collaboration with communities.
☐Infrastructure:
• Plan and develop a sustainable, physical infrastructure that improves the quality of life for County residents and supports economic development results.
☐Public Safety:
• Create a safe environment for people to achieve their potential, leading businesses and communities to thrive and grow by reducing violent crimes as well as crimes in general.
Prepared by: Sheree Goldman, Clinic Nurse Practitioner, 648-7731
Approved by:
______________________________Date:___________
Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health, 755-4526
Attachment:
Agreement