REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2025 AT 8:00 A.M. ONE TEXAS CENTER, TRAINING ROOM 505 BARTON SPRINGS ROAD AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Edna Staniszewski at edna.staniszewski@austintexas.gov or at (512) 974-1260. CURRENT [BOARD MEMBERS OR COMMISSIONERS]: Lea Downey Gallatin, Chair Anu Kapadia, Vice Chair Kergin Bedell Karly Jo Dixon CALL TO ORDER Mikaela Frissell Faye Mills Amanda Marzullo Katy Jo Muncie Josh Robinson Roy Woody PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda including individuals that wish to share first-hand accounts regarding their experiences being served through Austin’s homelessness system. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. 2. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board Regular meeting on September 19, 2025. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board Special Called meeting on November 14, 2025. Page 1 of 2 STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. Staff briefings regarding Austin Community Court approach to service collaborations and co- located services – (Downey Gallatin/Kapadia). Presentation by Jennifer Sowinski, Clinical Operations Manager from Austin Community Court. Staff briefings regarding status of Austin Community Court operational areas including performance measures and services delivered through Community Services, Court Services, Homeless Services and Support Services – (Downey Gallatin/Kapadia). Presentation by Jennifer Sowinski, Clinical Operations Manager; Bailey Gray, Court Operations Manager, and Robert Kingham, Court Administrator from Austin Community Court. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Edna Staniszewski at Austin Community Court Department, at 512) 974-1260 or at edna.staniszewski@austintexas.gov.], to request service or for …
Collocation of Social Services Austin Community Court November 21, 2025 Organizations who provide services at Austin Community Court : 2 Medical and Mental Health Support • Bimonthly, Community Care Clinic provides a full medical clinic at Austin Community Court • Black Men’s Health Clinic provides weekly support to our clients to encourage them to engage in medical care and enrollment in the Medical Assistance Program (MAP) • An Integral Care psychiatrist provides office hours weekly at Community Court • An Integral Care Intake Specialist completes enrollment assessments weekly for clients to access mental health services 3 Substance Use Services • Road to Recovery inpatient residential program screens clients for services every Tuesday and Thursday for quicker access to services • Communities for Recovery provides in-house peer recovery services in our lobby and to case managed clients. 4 Other Social Service Resources Veterans Affairs Outreach Specialist Family Eldercare SOAR Specialist Community First! Village tour and assistance with applications In-person Coordinated Assessments every Tuesday 5 Access to Austin Community Court Office Space Safe environment for clients and case managers to meet • Organizations such as Health for the Homeless, Capital Metro, Caritas, and Family Eldercare regularly meet with their clients at Austin Community Court 6 Austin Community Court is always looking for opportunities to collocate services that would benefit our clients and assist with navigating complex systems to obtain housing. For more information about potential partnerships, please contact Jennifer Sowinski, Clinical Operations Manager at Jennifer.Sowinski@austintexas.gov 7
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2025 AT 8:00 A.M. ONE TEXAS CENTER, TRAINING ROOM 505 BARTON SPRINGS ROAD AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Edna Staniszewski at edna.staniszewski@austintexas.gov or at (512) 974-1260. CURRENT [BOARD MEMBERS OR COMMISSIONERS]: Lea Downey Gallatin, Chair Anu Kapadia, Vice Chair Kergin Bedell Karly Jo Dixon CALL TO ORDER Mikaela Frissell Faye Mills Amanda Marzullo Katy Jo Muncie Josh Robinson Roy Woody PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda including individuals that wish to share first-hand accounts regarding their experiences being served through Austin’s homelessness system DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. Approve Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget recommendations related to Austin Community Court case management services (Downey Gallatin/Kapadia) - Lea Downey Gallatin, DACC Advisory Board Chair ADJOURNMENT Page 1 of 2 The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Edna Staniszewski at Austin Community Court Department, at 512) 974-1260 or at edna.staniszewski@austintexas.gov.], to request service or for additional information. For more information on the Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board, please contact Edna Staniszewski at (512) 974-1260 or at edna.staniszewski@austintexas.gov. Page 2 of 2
DACC ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES (14, NOVEMBER 2025) DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES NOVEMBER 14, 2025 The DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD convened in a SPECIAL CALLED CALLED meeting on 14, NOVEMBER 2025, at 505 BARTON SPRINGS RD in Austin, Texas. Chair Lea Downey Gallatin called the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD Meeting to order at 8:07 a.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Chair Lea Downey Gallatin, Vice Chair Dr. Anu Kapadia, and Roy Woody Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Mikaela Frissell, Josh Robinson, and Katy Jo Muncie PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. Approve Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget recommendations related to Austin Community Court case management services (Downey Gallatin/Kapadia) - Lea Downey Gallatin, DACC Advisory Board Chair o After some discussion, three sentences were added the draft recommendation. Recommendation approved with revisions on Vice Chair Dr. Anu Kapadia’s motion and Board member Roy Woody’s second on a (6-0) vote. Board members not in attendance: Kergin Bedell, Karly Jo Dixon, Faye Mills, and Amando Marzullo. into ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 8:32 a.m. The minutes were approved at the November 21, 2025 meeting on Board Member Josh Robinson’s motion, Board Member Roy Woody’s second on a (6-0) vote. 1
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board Recommendation Number: 20251114-001: Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Recommendation Date of Approval: November 14, 2025 Recommendation: 1. Retain the $650,000 included in the approved Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget, and in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Amended Budget Recommendations, for the six grant- funded clinical case managers who comprise the Rapid Rehousing Program and are vital to sustaining the overall Homeless Services capacity for Austin Community Court. 2. Maintain Austin Community Court’s social service funding at current levels or at least limit reductions to 4% consistent with those recommended for Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations (HSO). Description of Recommendation to Council: The DACC Advisory Board passed Recommendation 20250328-004A, available as an attachment to this recommendation, which justifies the critical nature of this investment. We’re grateful to the City Council for including these staff in the budget passed in August 2025, which remains our top priority, and we write to support their inclusion in the City Manager’s amended budget recommendations. All of the rationale in our original recommendation still rings true, with additional urgency around the needs for these staff and social service resources as follows: • Social Services Contracts are an Integral Part of Community Court’s Service Model - Case management at Austin Community Court includes a portfolio of contracted social service supports to ensure clients receive the wraparound services they need. These services include an array of long- and short-term housing solutions; substance use treatment; mental health services; peer support; and SSI/ SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) application assistance and representative payee services. Given that these social service resources are dedicated to individuals served directly by Community Court case managers, significant reductions will risk dilution of the quality and intensity of services needed by the individuals Austin Community Court serves. o The Fiscal Year 2025-26 Amended Budget Recommendations suggest a 10% cut to contracts managed by Austin Public Health, Austin Municipal Court (including Community Court), and Economic Development while recommending only a 4% reduction for contracts managed by HSO. This recognition of the critical and essential nature of homeless services for the Austin community should extend to Community Court given the integral nature social services play in its service model. We therefore urge Council to maintain the current social service funding level or at least to reduce by only 4% consistent with HSO. • Protect Institutional Knowledge of Dedicated Public Servants – …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board Recommendation Number: 20251114-001: Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Recommendation Date of Approval: November 14, 2025 Recommendation: 1. Retain the $650,000 included in the approved Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget, and in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Amended Budget Recommendations, for the six grant- funded clinical case managers who comprise the Rapid Rehousing Program and are vital to sustaining the overall Homeless Services capacity for Austin Community Court. 2. Maintain Austin Community Court’s social service funding at current levels or at least limit reductions to 4% consistent with those recommended for Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations (HSO). Description of Recommendation to Council: The DACC Advisory Board passed Recommendation 20250328-004A, available as an attachment to this recommendation, which justifies the critical nature of this investment. We’re grateful to the City Council for including these staff in the budget passed in August 2025, and we write to support their inclusion in the City Manager’s amended budget recommendations. All of the rationale in our original recommendation still rings true, with additional urgency around the needs for these staff and social service resources as follows: Social Services Contracts are an Integral Part of Community Court’s Service Model - Case management at Austin Community Court includes a portfolio of contracted social service supports to ensure clients receive the wraparound services they need. These services include an array of long- and short-term housing solutions; substance use treatment; mental health services; peer support; and SSI/ SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) application assistance and representative payee services. Given that these social service resources are dedicated to individuals served directly by Community Court case managers, significant reductions will risk dilution of the quality and intensity of services needed by the individuals Austin Community Court serves. o The Fiscal Year 2025-26 Amended Budget Recommendations suggest a 10% cut to contracts managed by Austin Public Health, Austin Municipal Court (including Community Court), and Economic Development while recommending only a 4% reduction for contracts managed by HSO. This recognition of the critical and essential nature of homeless services for the Austin community should extend to Community Court given the integral nature social services play in its service model. We therefore urge Council to maintain the current social service funding level or at least to reduce by only 4% consistent with HSO. Protect Institutional Knowledge of Dedicated Public Servants – The six staff included in …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD SEPTEMBER 19, 2025 AT 8:00AM ONE TEXAS CENTER, STE 125, TRAINING ROOM 505 BARTON SPRINGS RD AUSTIN, TEXAS 78704 Some members of the BOARD/COMMISSION may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Edna Staniszewski at edna.staniszewski@austintexas.gov or at (512) 974-1260. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Lea Downey Gallatin, Chair Dr. Anu Kapadia, Vice Chair Kergin Bedell Karly Jo Dixon Mikaela Frissell Faye Mills Amanda Marzullo Katy Jo Muncie Rev. Dr. Josh Robinson Roy Woody AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda including individuals that wish to share first-hand accounts regarding their experiences being served through Austin’s homelessness system . APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR CALLED MEETING on JULY 18, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Status update following the Gallatin/Kapadia) – Bailey Gray, Business Process Specialist. implementation of the Apricot Software – (Downey 3. Status of Austin Community Court operational areas including performance measures and services delivered through Community Services, Court Services, Homeless Services and Support Services – (Downey Gallatin/Kapadia) Jennifer Sowinski, Clinical Operations Manager; Chris Anderson, Court Operations Manager; and Robert Kingham, Court Administrator. ACTION ITEMS 4. Adopt meeting schedule for 2026 (Downey Gallatin/Kapadia) – Robert Kingham, Court Administrator. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Edna Staniszewski at Downtown Austin Community Court, at (512) 974-1260), for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board, please contact Edna Staniszewski at (512) 974-1260 or at edna.staniszewski@austintexas.gov.
Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board DACC Service and Data Overview Board Packet – September 19, 2025 Community Services Community Services Program (CS) – Participants fulfill community service hour requirements through public space cleaning, beautification projects, graffiti abatement, and working at DACC’s Edgar Fincher III Program Garden, which donates all food and eggs to local providers who feed the homeless community. o Number of Community Services Requests Completed FY 2025 (Oct. 2024-Aug. 2025): 746 FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 – Aug. 2024): 983 o Acreage of Work Completed FY 2025 (Oct. 2024-Aug. 2025): 24.06 FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 – Aug. 2024): 25.39 Violet KeepSafe Storage Program (VKS) – Free storage located downtown with secure bins to store vital documents, family memories, clothing, bedding, and more. Operates 7:00am- 11:00am and 1:00pm-7:00pm, seven days a week. Program employs people with lived experience to improve service experience and create workforce opportunities. o Number of Active VKS Participants FY 2025 (Oct. 2024-Aug. 2025): 588 FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 – Aug. 2024): 616 o Number of Interactions with VKS Participants FY 2025 (Oct. 2024-Aug. 2025): 27,270 FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 – Aug. 2024): 24,390 Court Services Restorative justice and problem-solving court – Fine-only court with emphasis on alternative resolutions, and provides an immediate connection to onsite case managers, basic needs, and social service resources. DACC resolves Class C criminal offenses in catchment area, and Proposition B and State camping ban cases citywide. o Number of Cases Filed FY 2025 (Oct. 2024-Aug. 2025): 2,931 FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 – Aug. 2024): 2,778 o Number of Cases Docketed FY 2025 (Oct. 2024-Aug. 2025): 7,799 FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 – Aug. 2024): 6,579 Clinical Diversion Program (CDP) – Dedicated case managers serve people engaging in Court Services to improve connection to case management and social services, while also improving appearance and case completion rates. o Number of CDP Clients: FY 2025 (Oct. 2024-Aug. 2025): 361 FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 – Aug. 2024): 284 o Number of Cases Resolved through Participation in CDP: FY 2025 (Oct. 2024-Aug. 2025): 459 FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 – Aug. 2024): 436 DACC Mobile Court Pilot – This Pilot, initiated by Council Resolution 20230816-016, is intended to connect people in the community with solutions for resolving cases while providing immediate connection to services and …
APRICOT: MIGRATION, IMPLEMENTATION, ADVANCEMENT, AND BEYOND ADVISORY BOARD UPDATE SEPTEMBER 19, 2025 BAILEY GRAY, LCSW-S, MPAFF BUSINESS PROCESS SPECIALIST DATA MAXIMIZATION An effort to streamline, maximize, and prioritize our data as a department to successfully share our story and impact. In March 2024 we began exploring a new tool to enable the Homeless Services unit to track, input, and report data. A set of interview questions and a criteria matrix were developed with the Communication and Technology Management Department (CTM) Interviews were conducted with agencies who used one of the eight software's as their primary means of collecting, analyzing, and distributing data. Strengths: social service oriented, trusted by multiple community partners, scalable, long- term technical support, reporting capabilities, and experience with HMIS Weaknesses: potential integration issue, and no internal communication feature In Use By: The Other Ones Foundation, Family Eldercare, Mobile Loaves & Fishes, SAFE Alliance, Austin Public Health, Housing Authority of the City of Austin, and Texas Department of Public Safety WHY APRICOT? IMPLEMENTATION Goals: Storytelling, Specification, and Bring Under One Roof Amendment to existing Travis County EMS contract with Apricot, a product of Bonterra Impact Management. Spreadsheets incorporated during implementation: referrals, behavior plans, CF!V potential resident tour attendance, incentive provision, housed clients, and phone distribution 26-week timeline including 24 1:1 sessions with Bonterra Senior Solutions Consultant 5 custom reports built, including Performance Measures previously captured in eCourt Recurring Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) export set up for external reporting MIGRATION AND ROLL OUT 21,000 eCourt cases associated with the Homeless Services unit existed. Decision made to exclude records without engagement since January 2015 to ameliorate migration concerns. Three 4-hour training sessions offered by Apricot training team covered system navigation and key features 14,943 Client Records 101,304 Case Notes 7,874 Contact Information Records 14,910 Service Records 663 Housing Information Records We were ‘Dark’ from 6:00pm Tuesday, April 28th -8:00am Monday, May 5th ADVANCED SUPPORT Advanced Support Consulting (ASC) designed to provide clients with personalized consultation and in-product development Initial Contact Term included 54 ASC hours that expire on 09/30/2025 Integrated DPS Appointment tracking, Supervisor 1:1s, CDP and/or Mobile Court Reporting, outcome orientation with Housed Client Spreadsheet In progress: Intake Form for external agencies, ICM waitlist, lobby sign-in, and additional Supervisor 1:1 HOUSED CLIENTS HEAT MAP REPORTING GRAPHIC EXAMPLE NEXT STEPS • Homeless Services Supervisory staff are building out training how-to • Apricot Contract …
DACC ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES (19, SEPTEMBER 2025) DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 19, 2025 The DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD convened in a REGULAR CALLED meeting on 19, SEPTEMBER 2025, at 505 BARTON SPRINGS RD in Austin, Texas. CALL TO ORDER Chair Lea Downey Gallatin called the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD Meeting to order at 8:12 a.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Chair Lea Downey Gallatin, Vice Chair Dr. Anu Kapadia, and Mikaela Frissell Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Karly Jo Dixon, Amanda Marzullo, Dr. Josh Robinson, and Roy Woody PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR MEETING on JULY 18, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of July 18, 2025, were approved on Vice Chair Dr. Anu Kapadia’s motion, Board Member Mikaela Frissell’s second on an (7-0) vote. 1 DACC ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES (19, SEPTEMBER 2025) DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Status update the Galatin/Kapadia) – Bailey Gray, Business Process Specialist. implementation of following the Apricot Software – (Downey Update included the migration, implementation, advancement and beyond of the software program. 3. Status of DACC operational areas including performance measures and services delivered through Community Services, Court Services, Homeless Services and Support Services – Jennifer Sowinski, DACC Clinical Operations Manager, Chris Anderson, DACC Court Operations Manager, and Robert Kingham, DACC Court Administrator. Update included Community Services requests completed, number of Violet Keepsake participants, court cases filed, court cases docketed, number of clients in Community Court’s Clinical Diversion Program, number of Walk-in Case Management interactions, and number of clients connected to housing. ACTION ITEMS 4. Adopt meeting schedule for 2026 (Downey Gallatin/Sontheimer) – Robert Kingham, Court Administrator, DACC. After some discussion, Board chose to modify the date on March 20, 2026 to March 27, 2026. The 2026 Meeting schedule was adopted with the revised date in March with Board Member Amanda Marzullo’s motion, Dr. Anu Kapadia’s second on an (7-0) vote. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 9:35 a.m. The minutes were approved at the November 21, 2025 meeting on Board Member Katy Jo Muncie’s motion, Board Member Josh Robinson’s second on a (6-0) vote. 2
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD JULY 18, 2025 AT 8:00AM ONE TEXAS CENTER, STE 125, TRAINING ROOM 505 BARTON SPRINGS RD AUSTIN, TEXAS 78704 Some members of the BOARD/COMMISSION may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Edna Staniszewski at edna.staniszewski@austintexas.gov or at (512) 974-1260. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Lea Downey Gallatin, Chair Karly Jo Dixon Dr. Anu Kapadia, Vice Chair Mikaela Frissell Kergin Bedell Faye Mills Katy Jo Muncie Rev. Dr. Josh Robinson Roy Woody AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda including individuals that wish to share first-hand accounts regarding their experiences being served through Austin’s homelessness system . APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR CALLED MEETING on MAY 16, 2025. the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT the minutes of DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. 5. Update on Fiscal Year 2025-2026 City of Austin budget engagement opportunities. (Downey Gallatin/Kapadia) – Lea Downey Gallatin, DACC Advisory Board Chair Presentation regarding Violet KeepSafe Storage Program improvement updates with goals to enhance client experience, boost efficiency, and support staff through key changes in spatial organization, communication systems, and clarification of program policies and staff responsibilities. (Downey Gallatin/Kapadia) – Claire Taub, DACC Policy Intern Presentation regarding Mobile Court enhancement updates including case management follow-up processes, building a database of surrounding courts to help with client connections, and geolocation use for partnerships. (Downey Gallatin/Kapadia) - Tori Olivares, Navigator for DACC Mobile Court Program. Status of DACC operational areas including performance measures and services delivered through Community Services, Court Services, Homeless Services and Support Services – Jennifer Sowinski, DACC Clinical Operations Manager, Chris Anderson, DACC Court Operations Manager, and Robert Kingham, DACC Court Administrator. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve the Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Internal Review (Downey Gallatin/Kapadia) – Lea Downey Gallatin, DACC Advisory Board Chair Downey Gallatin. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American …
VIOLET KEEPSAFE STORAGE: EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS DACC Advisory Board July 18, 2025 Claire Taub Policy Intern VIOLET KEEPSAFE STORAGE OVERVIEW Provides secure personal bins to store vital documents, family memories, clothing, bedding, and more Program has been under DACC supervision since December 2020 Employs 8 individuals with lived experience 371 active clients 14.5 thousand check-ins from January 2025 through June 2025 IDENTIFIED AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT 1 Spatial Organization 2 Communication Systems 3 Clarity in Responsibilities and Policies SPATIAL ORGANIZATION Identified by staff members as an improvement area 7 rooms at capacity with additional bins in hallway Disorganized ordering of bins Not enough bins to meet demand SPATIAL ORGANIZATION IMPROVEMENT Transition to new bins Easier for VKS staff members to roll More dignified storage option for program participants Smaller bin footprint increases program capacity Anticipated increase from 350 clients to 500 clients Alphanumeric numbering system to indicate exact bin location As, Bs, Cs, Ds in different sections of the building COMMUNICATION IMPROVEMENT Between Shifts Wipe Board Between Staff and Clients Clear client expectations Updated signage Between Front Desk and Back of House Multi-speaker PA System CLARITY IN RESPONSIBILITY AND POLICIES • Daily Staff Task List List of facility maintenance responsibilities • Ability to keep track of what has been done Job description • Client Agreements • Clear and consistent expectations regarding conduct • Multiple communication touchpoints • Consistent procedures for addressing noncompliance SOP Development • Daily Operations • Client Exit • • • Client Misconduct • Additional Interest Form Shift Communication opportunities CAPTURING DATA New Bin Interest Form Understand the need in the community that is unmet with the current program capacity Client Exit Form to track: Why clients are leaving the program How often 90 days pass without contact with clients Track important documents being stored at VKS Add Optional Demographic Data to Registration Process FURTHER RECOMMENDATIONS Structured one-on-one time with supervisors Professional development opportunities for staff Team building Optimize the application used by front desk staff Identify permanent location options Continued oversight of new implementations and SOP updates QUESTIONS? Claire Taub Claire.Taub@austintexas.gov clairetaub@utexas.edu
EXPANDING ACCESS THROUGH DATA: MOBILE COURT PROGRAM UPDATES AND EXPANSION DACC Advisory Board July 18, 2025 Tori Olivares Mobile Court Navigator DATASETS AND VISUALIZATIONS DATASETS AND VISUALIZATIONS Citation Types by ZIP Code Outcomes by Citation Types Total Number of Citations by ZIP Code TEXAS COUNTY COURT DATABASE Purpose: Why is it Needed: • Create an information portal with contact information for courts in neighboring counties to equip DACC staff to assist individuals with cases outside of DACC’s jurisdiction • For individuals who know they have a citation from a different county, this database allows us to provide some resources, rather than letting them leave without any guidance CLINICAL DIVERSION PROGRAM (CDP) DATA ANALYSIS CLINICAL DIVERSION PROGRAM (CDP) DATA ANALYSIS CLINICAL DIVERSION PROGRAM (CDP) DATA ANALYSIS Goal: Create a visualization where our current partnerships and potential partnerships are to show where services are now, and identify ideal areas to target for expansion PARTNERSHIPS AND EXPANSION Why: individuals that would benefit from mobile court services exist across the entire community. This data- informed approach will help us effectively provide equitable access to services QUESTIONS? Tori Olivares Victoria.Olivares@austintexas.gov
Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board DACC Service and Data Overview Board Packet – July 18, 2025 Community Services Community Services Program (CS) – Participants fulfill community service hour requirements through public space cleaning, beautification projects, graffiti abatement, and working at DACC’s Edgar Fincher III Program Garden, which donates all food and eggs to local providers who feed the homeless community. o Number of Community Services Requests Completed FY 2025 (Oct. 2024 – Jun. 2025): 569* FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 – Jun. 2024): 829 o Acreage of Work Completed FY 2025 (Oct. 2024 – Jun. 2025): 17.8* FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 - Jun. 2024): 23.19 *These are missing information regarding work completed from February 1, 2025-February 10-2025, stemming from technical issues from system updates around these measures. While data during this time period cannot be retrieved, issues have been corrected to ensure data will be accurate moving forward. Violet KeepSafe Storage Program (VKS) – Free storage located downtown with secure bins to store vital documents, family memories, clothing, bedding, and more. Operates 7:00am- 11:00am and 1:00pm-7:00pm, seven days a week. Program employs people with lived experience to improve service experience and create workforce opportunities. o Number of Active VKS Participants FY 2025 (Oct. 2024 – Jun. 2025): 517 FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 - Jun. 2024): 549 o Number of Interactions with VKS Participants FY 2025 (Oct. 2024 – Jun. 2025): 22,340 FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 - Jun. 2024): 19,120 Court Services Restorative justice and problem-solving court – Fine-only court with emphasis on alternative resolutions, and provides an immediate connection to onsite case managers, basic needs, and social service resources. DACC resolves Class C criminal offenses in catchment area, and Proposition B and State camping ban cases citywide. o Number of Cases Filed FY 2025 (Oct. 2024 – Jun. 2025): 2,326 FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 - Jun. 2024): 2,096 o Number of Cases Docketed FY 2025 (Oct. 2024 – Jun. 2025): 6,402 FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 - Jun. 2024): 4,715 Page 1 of 3 Clinical Diversion Program (CDP) – Dedicated case managers serve people engaging in Court Services to improve connection to case management and social services, while also improving appearance and case completion rates. o Number of CDP Clients: FY 2025 (Oct. 2024 – Jun. 2025): 277 FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 …
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2024 to 6/30/2025 __Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board__ The Board/Commission mission statement (per the City Code) is: The mission of the Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board (“Board”), according to article 2-1-130 of the City Code, is to “advise the Downtown Austin Community Court on policy and operational issues and advise the council on the policies and operations of the court.” The purpose of the Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) is to collaboratively address the quality of all residents in the Austin community through swift, creative sentencing of public order offenders. The Court seeks to hold people responsible while also offering help to change behavior. 1. Describe the board’s actions supporting their mission during the previous calendar year. Address all elements of the board’s mission statement as provided in the relevant sections of the City Code. During the reporting period (7/1/2024 to 6/30/2025), the Board met six (6) times. Meetings were held as a hybrid of remotely and in person. All meetings were posted and open to the public. Our actions during this time were primarily educational, including: - The board posted opportunities to receive feedback from individuals with first- hand lived experience being served in Austin’s homelessness response system on each agenda. - The Board received regular updates from DACC staff concerning Rapid Rehousing efforts, housing placements, current waitlist for services, virtual hearings and warrant confirmation policies, facilities, and the Violet KeepSafe Storage Program. DACC included Community Court News, an internal newsletter Annual Review and Work Plan Year Page # with updates about DACC operations, along with data updates across all DACC units (6 times). - Fernanda Veloz Salas, Intern, presented on DACC data visualization project. - Sarah Rodriguez, Business Process Specialist, gave an update and discussed the services provided and outcomes achieved for DACC’s Mobile Court. - Robert Kingham, DACC Court Administrator, presented DACC’s Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report - Bailey Gray, Business Process Specialist, presented data maximization and information on new software for the Homeless Services unit. - Robert Kingham, DACC Court Administrator, presented DACC’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget update. - Marisa Malik, Director of Crisis Services and Justice Initiatives, Integral Care, provided information about the Expanded Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (EMCOT) and the Therapeutic Diversion Program (TDP). - So Yong Kim, Clinical Case Manager Supervisor, presented the Work Study Program overview and future efforts. - …
DACC ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES (18, JULY 2025) DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES JULY 18, 2025 The DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD convened in a REGULAR CALLED meeting on 18, JULY 2025, at 505 BARTON SPRINGS RD in Austin, Texas. CALL TO ORDER Chair Lea Downey Gallatin called the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD Meeting to order at 8:07 a.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Chair Lea Downey Gallatin, Vice-Chair Dr. Anu Kapadia, Amanda Marzullo, and Roy Woody. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Kergin Bedell, Karly Jo Dixon, and Rev. Dr. Josh Robinson,. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR CALLED MEETING on MAY 16, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of May 16, 2025, were approved on Board Member Roy Woody’s motion, Board member Dr. Anu Kapadia’s second on a (7-0) vote. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update on Fiscal Year 2025-2026 City of Austin budget engagement opportunities. (Downey Gallatin/Kapadia) – Lea Downey Gallatin, DACC Advisory Board Chair A summary of the two recommendations presented to Council, along with a potential deficit of six staff members upon the expiration of a grant at the end of the year. 1 DACC ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES (18, JULY 2025) 3. Presentation regarding Violet KeepSafe Storage Program improvement updates with goals to enhance client experience, boost efficiency, and support staff through key changes in spatial organization, communication systems, and clarification of program policies and staff responsibilities. (Downey Gallatin/Kapadia) – Claire Taub, DACC Policy Intern. The implementations that have occurred to Violet KeepSafe Storage Program from the time of relocation to the present timeframe. 4. Presentation regarding Mobile Court enhancement updates including case management follow- up processes, building a database of surrounding courts to help with client connections, and geolocation use for partnerships. (Downey Gallatin/Kapadia) - Tori Olivares, Navigator for DACC Mobile Court Program. Update included citation types, outcomes by citation, and total number of citations by zip code. 5. Status of DACC operational areas including performance measures and services delivered through Community Services, Court Services, Homeless Services and Support Services – Jennifer Sowinski, DACC Clinical Operations Manager, Chris Anderson, DACC Court Operations Manager, and Robert Kingham, DACC Court Administrator. Each DACC staff member gave an update of their assigned unit. ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve the Fiscal Year 2025 Annual …
