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. - …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD MAY 16, 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: Kergin Bedell Karla Jo Dixon Lea Downey Gallatin, Chair Mikaela Frissell Kate Garza Dr. Anu Kapadia, Vice-Chair Faye Mills KatyJo Muncie 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. 2. the minutes of Approve ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR CALLED MEETING on JANUARY 17, 2025. Approve ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR CALLED MEETING on MARCH 28, 2025. the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT the minutes of ACTION ITEMS 3. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. (Downey Gallatin/Kapadia) – Robert Kingham, Court Administrator, DACC DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. 5. Work Study Program overview and future efforts. (Downey Gallatin/Kapadia) – So Yong Kim, Clinical Case Manager Supervisor, DACC Status of DACC 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 and Chris Anderson, Court Operations Manager, DACC 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 …
Federal Work-Study Program at DACC DACC partnered with UT-Austin to implement the Federal Work-Study program. Two under grad students were hired in October 2024 after receiving over 70 applications. So Yong Kim, LCSW-S Clinical Case Manager Supervisor Program Development Timeline November 2023 Initial discovery of FWS program through UT-Austin School of Social Work DACC approved as Federal Work-Study site July 2024 October 2024 Two candidates selected and began work 1 2 3 4 5 Early 2024 Paperwork initiated with UT-Austin August 2024 Recruitment began through Handshake and job fair participation Homeless Services Position Position Details Fall 2024 Khue Nguyen Works in Homeless 144 total hours Spring 2025 255 total hours Services from 10/8/24-12/5/24 and 1/14/25-05/01/25 $3,114.72 total cost with $2,428.16 $5,515.65 total cost with $3,482.34 billed to FWS billed to FWS Court Operations Position Position Details Francesca Abundo works 10/21/24-12/13/24 and 1/14/25-05/30/25 Fall 2024 Spring 2025 112 total hours 362 total hours $2,422.56 total cost with $7,829.97 total cost with $1,773.66 billed to FWS $3,482.34 billed to FWS Training Requirements General Onboarding HR and FWS orientation Ongoing Time keeping, weekly check-ins (30mins/week) System Training HR+UKG (2hrs), eCourt (2hrs), HMIS Client Service TIC training (2hrs) Organization City required training (1-2hrs), DACC NEO (2hrs) Key Administrative Tasks Mail Management Sorting clients' mail (300+ on Tuesdays, 100+ on Thursdays) Document Processing Scanning vital documents, creating PDF-fillable forms, uploading clients' vital documents onto HMIS (A–D, about 2,500 client folders) Inventory Organizing closing closet, refilling hygiene items and snacks, ordering office supplies File Management Organizing old client files, returning correspondence (20 files/hour) Data Input / Organizing CDP spreadsheet Program Impact Staff Satisfaction Positive feedback from staff The administrative assistance has fulfilled a long-standing request Burnout Prevention Reduced stress from administrative burden Time Savings Hours redirected to critical case management tasks Total of 843 hours completed by 2 work-study students Cost Savings 360 hours completed at $21.63/hour with FWS stipend, saving about $10,000 compared to higher employee rates Next Steps Continuity Planning Both assistants will return in August for the next year. Plan coverage for summer and winter breaks is needed. Feedback Collection Gather staff input on additional tasks for administrative support. Retention Strategy Aim to retain assistants to minimize training and other administrative costs.
Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board DACC Service and Data Overview Board Packet – May 16, 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-Apr. 2025): 443* FY 2024 (Oct. 2023- Apr. 2024): 627 o Acreage of Work Completed FY 2025 (Oct. 2024- Apr. 2025): 13.36* FY 2024 (Oct. 2023- Apr. 2024): 18.9 o *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- Apr. 2025): 461 FY 2024 (Oct. 2023- Apr. 2024): 492 o Number of Interactions with VKS Participants FY 2025 (Oct. 2024- Apr. 2025): 17,620 FY 2024 (Oct. 2023- Apr. 2024): 14,330 Court Services 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- Apr. 2025): 1,821 FY 2024 (Oct. 2023- Apr. 2024): 1,395 o Number of Cases Docketed FY 2025 (Oct. 2024- Apr. 2025): 4,766 FY 2024 (Oct. 2023- Apr. 2024): 3,026 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- Apr. 2025): 210 FY 2024 (Oct. 2023- Apr. 2024): 147 o Number of Cases Resolved through Participation in CDP: FY 2025 (Oct. 2024- Apr. 2025): 289 …
DACC ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES (16, MAY 2025) DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES MAY 16, 2025 The DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD convened in a REGULAR CALLED meeting on 16, MAY 2025, at 505 BARTON SPRINGS RD in Austin, Texas. CALL TO ORDER Board Member Mikaela Frissell called the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD Meeting to order at 8:26 a.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Rev. Dr. Josh Robinson, Katy Jo Muncie, and Mikaela Frissell. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Karly Jo Dixon, Chair Lea Downey Gallatin, and Roy Woody. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. 2. Approve the minutes of the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR CALLED MEETING on JANUARY 17, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of January 17, 2025, were approved on Board Member Katy Jo Muncie’s motion, Board member Rev. Dr. Josh Robinson’s second on an (6) vote. Approve the minutes of the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR CALLED MEETING on MARCH 28, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of March 28, 2025, were approved on Board Member Lea Downey Gallatin’s motion, Board member Rev. Dr. Josh Robinson second on an (6) vote. 1 DACC ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES (16, MAY 2025) ACTION ITEMS 3. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. (Downey Gallatin/Kapadia) – Robert Kingham, Court Administrator, DACC. Lea Downey Gallatin was elected as Chair, Board Member Mikaela Frizzell’s motion, Board Member Rev. Dr. Josh Robinson’s second on a (6-0) vote. Dr. Anu Kapadia was elected as Vice-Chair, Board Chair Lea Downey Gallatin’s motion, Board Member Rev. Dr. Josh Robinson’s second on a (6-0) vote. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. 5. Work Study Program overview and future efforts. (Downey Gallatin/Kapadia) – So Yong Kim, Clinical Case Manager Supervisor, DACC. So Yong arranged a collaboration with UT students to intern at DACC for administrative support services. A summary of their support to staff and the continuation of services for next school terms. Status of DACC 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 and Chris Anderson, Court Operations Manager, DACC. Chris provided a summary for Community Services, Violet KeepSafe Storage Program, Court Services, and Mobile Court Services. Jennifer provided a summary for our Walk-in Case Management services …
1. REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD MARCH 28, 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 Kergin Bedell Mikaela Frissell Kate Garza Nicole Golden Dr. Anu Kapadia, Vice Chair Faye Mills Katy Jo Muncie Shawn Tracy 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 the minutes of Approve ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR CALLED MEETING on JANUARY 17, 2025. the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT DISCUSSION ITEMS Expanded Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (EMCOT) and Therapeutic Diversion Program (TDP) presentation and discussion (Downey Gallatin/Kapadia) – Marisa Malik, Integral Care Status of DACC operational areas including performance measures and services delivered through Community Services, Court Services, Homeless Services and Support Services (Downey Gallatin/Kapadia) – Robert Kingham, Court Administrator, DACC ACTION ITEMS Approve Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget recommendations related to DACC case management services and community programs (Downey Gallatin/Kapadia) – Lea Downey Gallatin, DACC Advisory Board Chair 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. 2. 3. 4.
Integral Care Programs: Expanded Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (EMCOT) and Therapeutic Diversion Program (TDP) Marisa A. Malik, LPC Director of Crisis and Justice Initiatives Expanded Mobile Crisis Outreach Team • Program Serves: Individuals experiencing a mental health crisis referred by first responders, Travis County jail personnel, and EMCOT clinicians integrated at Combined Transportation, Emergency & Communications Center • Brief Description: Focused on diverting jail bookings and emergency department admissions and providing short-term community-based interventions and crisis screening, triage and referral to stabilize a psychiatric crisis and link individuals to appropriate services. FY 2024 Performance Measures Integral Care’s EMCOT Timeline 1115 Medicaid Waiver Project (21 FTE) •Provide Telehealth Services •Integrate EMCOT clinicians into 911 Call Center (71 FTE) FY 2025: City of Austin provided one- time six-month funding City of Austin provided additional funding (28.5 FTE) 2019 2021 2013 2020 2025 Funding shifted to local entities (Travis County and City of Austin) City of Austin provided additional funding (48 FTE) •Expand EMCOT clinicians into the 911 Call Center 24/7 Therapeutic Diversion Program (TDP) Program Serves: Individuals experiencing a mental health crisis who are deflected or diverted from the criminal legal system crisis referred by first responders, the Sobering Center, emergency departments and Travis County personnel (jail counseling staff, attorneys, judges). Brief Description: A 25- bed crisis respite facility focused on providing alternatives to jail bookings and emergency department admissions and providing therapeutic interventions to stabilize a psychiatric crisis and link individuals to appropriate services. Adults may stay at the facility for up to 90 days. Services Provided • Medical and Psychiatric Care • Recovery and peer support services • Medication Support • Intensive Case management • Rehabilitative skills training • Therapeutic, trauma-informed groups • Coordinated assessments • Wellness groups and activities • Housing navigation • SOAR trained staff • Harm reduction education and counseling • Nutritional group education and counseling FY 2025 Quarter 1 Performance Measures Number of unduplicated enrolled in services: Number of coordinated assessments completed: Number of clients connected to MAP: 7 13 Average Length of Stay: 14.76 days Number of unplanned discharges: Percent connected to ongoing behavioral health services: Percent who do not have a crisis episode 30 days following discharge: Percent who do not have an arrest within 30 days following discharge: 87% 70% 75% 36 18 Percent who do not have an emergency department admission: 95% Contract Information • Funder: City of Austin (Downtown Austin Community …
Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board DACC Service and Data Overview Board Packet – March 28, 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-Feb. 2025): 314* FY 2024 (Oct. 2023-Feb. 2024): 439 o Acreage of Work Completed FY 2025 (Oct. 2024-Feb. 2025): 12.59* FY 2024 (Oct. 2023- Feb. 2024): 15.99 o *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. Court Services 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 Interactions with VKS Participants FY 2025 (Oct. 2024-Feb. 2025): 421 FY 2024 (Oct. 2023- Feb. 2024): 438 o Number of Active VKS Participants FY 2025 (Oct. 2024-Feb. 2025): 11,740 FY 2024 (Oct. 2023- Feb. 2024): 10,470 o Number of Cases Filed FY 2025 (Oct. 2024-Feb. 2025): 1,183 FY 2024 (Oct. 2023- Feb. 2024): 837 o Number of Cases Docketed FY 2025 (Oct. 2024-Feb. 2025): 3,143 FY 2024 (Oct. 2023- Feb. 2024): 1,932 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-Feb. 2025): 135 FY 2024 (Oct. 2023- Feb. 2024): 96 o Number of Cases Resolved through Participation in CDP: FY 2025 (Oct. 2024-Feb. 2025): 162 FY 2024 (Oct. 2023- Feb. 2024): 173 …
DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20250328-004A Date: Subject: March 28, 2025 Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget Recommendations for Downtown Austin Community Court Motioned By: Seconded By: Introduction The DACC Advisory Board would like to thank the Austin City Council for its exceptional support of DACC, especially within the last two years. Investments in housing-focused Clinical Case Managers and social service dollars for wraparound supports, expanding DACC’s jurisdiction, and the implementation of DACC’s Mobile Court have had an immense impact for the people DACC serves and the community overall. DACC has made great strides forward this year and also continues to see significant demand for their services. Keeping in mind the anticipated limitations the City faces in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget process, and the urgency of top need for DACC, the DACC Advisory Board is focusing budget recommendations this year on one item to continue a critical grant-funded rapid rehousing and case management program that’s at risk of ending without investments from the City. Losing the 6 case management FTEs and associated programmatic funding would have detrimental impacts that would ripple across all of DACC’s Homeless Services and their ability to serve as part of the City’s emergency response system at the current level provided. Recommendations: 1. Fiscal Year 2025-26 Priority: $2,187,348 of ongoing funding in Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget for six grant-funded clinical case managers and programmatic funding to continue connecting clients to long-term, stable housing. 2. Future Considerations: Plan for ongoing funding to augment DACC’s Intensive Case Management capacity by adding two housing-focused case manager FTEs and corresponding programmatic funding to continue connecting clients to housing. Description of Recommendation to Council Category 1: Support for City Council Initiatives 1. $2,187,348 of ongoing funding in Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget for six grant-funded clinical case managers and programmatic funding to continue connecting clients to housing. Six FTEs, including 5 housing-focused Clinical Case Managers and 1 Clinical Case Manager Supervisor, and funding for housing expenses for clients served by these case managers were initially funded by Emergency Solutions Grants – CARES Act funding, which ended in 2022. These staff and programmatic expenses are now funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which was previously slated to end in December 2024. Grant terms have been updated to permit expenditures through the end of 2026; however, there is only enough remaining ARPA funding to cover this program through the end of …
DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20250328-004A March 28, 2025 Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget Recommendations Date: Subject: Motioned By: Kate Garza Seconded By: Nicole Golden Introduction The DACC Advisory Board would like to thank the Austin City Council for its exceptional support of DACC, especially within the last two years. Investments in housing-focused Clinical Case Managers and social service dollars for wraparound supports, expanding DACC’s jurisdiction, and the implementation of DACC’s Mobile Court have had an immense impact for the people DACC serves and the community overall. DACC has made great strides forward this year and also continues to see significant demand for their services. Keeping in mind the anticipated limitations the City faces in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget process, and the urgency of top need for DACC, the DACC Advisory Board is focusing budget recommendations this year on one item to continue a critical grant-funded rapid rehousing and case management program that’s at risk of ending without investments from the City. Losing the 6 case management FTEs and associated programmatic funding would have detrimental impacts that would ripple across all of DACC’s Homeless Services and their ability to serve as part of the City’s emergency response system at the current level provided. Recommendations: 1. Fiscal Year 2025-26 Priority: $2,187,348 of ongoing funding in Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget for six grant-funded clinical case managers and programmatic funding to continue connecting clients to long-term, stable housing. 2. Future Considerations: Plan for ongoing funding to augment DACC’s Intensive Case Management capacity by adding two housing-focused case manager FTEs and corresponding programmatic funding to continue connecting clients to housing. Description of Recommendation to Council Category 1: Support for City Council Initiatives 1. $2,187,348 of ongoing funding in Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget for six grant-funded clinical case managers and programmatic funding to continue connecting clients to housing. Six FTEs, including 5 housing-focused Clinical Case Managers and 1 Clinical Case Manager Supervisor, and funding for housing expenses for clients served by these case managers were initially funded by Emergency Solutions Grants – CARES Act funding, which ended in 2022. These staff and programmatic expenses are now funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which was previously slated to end in December 2024. Grant terms have been updated to permit expenditures through the end of 2026; however, there is only enough remaining ARPA funding to cover this program through the end of 2025. …
DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20250328-004B March 28, 2025 Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget Recommendations for Community Programs Date: Subject: Motioned By: Mikaela Frissell Seconded By: Katy Jo Muncie Introduction The Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board’s highest priority this budget cycle is discussed in Recommendation 20250328-004A. The Board also wants to recommend continuation of two critical community initiatives whose contracts are funded and managed by DACC, both of which strengthen connection to mental health services and are key components of Austin’s diversion efforts, including those directly served by DACC. These programs include the Therapeutic Diversion Program component of the Mental Health Diversion Pilot1 and continuation of 24/7 operations for the Expanded Mobile Crisis Outreach Team. The most recent Point in Time Count results from 2023 approximated that about 31% of the total population in the Travis County Jail were likely to be experiencing homelessness. Of these individuals, 67% were people of color. Advancing these programs helps improve equitable access to services, while taking an evidence-based and person-centered approach to addressing the intersections between homelessness, criminal justice involvement, and mental health needs. Both of these programs were funded in Fiscal Year 2024-25 with one-time funding, but the community need for these programs continues. Without additional investment from the City of Austin, these critical services for the Austin community will be negatively impacted. The Board recommends Council identify funding to ensure both programs are able to continue at full capacity. Recommendations 1. $2,000,000 annually in Fiscal Years 2025-26 and 2026-27 for the Therapeutic Diversion Program component of the Mental Health Diversion Pilot 2. Ongoing funding to continue 24/7 operations for the Expanded Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (EMCOT) Description of Recommendation to Council 1. $2,000,000 funding annually Fiscal Years 2025-26 and 2026-27 for the Therapeutic Diversion Program (TDP). The Mental Health Diversion Pilot is a collaboration between Central Health, the City of Austin, Integral Care, and Travis County, which leverages existing programs and facilities to immediately address unmet deflection and diversion needs through 1 This program is now referred to as the Crisis Care Diversion Pilot; more information on the Pilot is available here. provision of critical services for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. This Pilot, designed to be a three-year program, needs $2 million in City funding in FY 2025-26 and FY 2026-27 to continue at full capacity. The TDP component of the Mental Health Diversion Pilot, funded by …
DACC ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES (28, MARCH 2025) DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES MARCH 28, 2025 The DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD convened in a REGULAR CALLED meeting on 28, MARCH 2025, at 505 BARTON SPRINGS RD in Austin, Texas. CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Dr. Anu Kapadia called the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD Meeting to order at 8:10 a.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Vice Chair Dr. Anu Kapadia Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Mikaela Frissell, Kate Garza, Katy Jo Muncie, Nicole Golden, 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 JANUARY 17, 2025. Item tabled to May meeting. Due to time constraint, item #4 was presented. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Expanded Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (EMCOT) and Therapeutic Diversion Program (TDP) presentation and discussion (Downey Gallatin/Kapadia) – Marisa Malik, Integral Care 1 DACC ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES (28, MARCH 2025) 3. Status of DACC operational areas including performance measures and services delivered through Community Services, Court Services, Homeless Services and Support Services (Downey Gallatin/Kapadia) – Robert Kingham, Court Administrator, DACC ACTION ITEMS 4. Approve Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget recommendations related to DACC case management services and community programs (Downey Gallatin/Kapadia) – Lea Downey Gallatin, DACC Advisory Board Chair Budget Recommendation A discussion on Kate Garza motion and Nicole Golden second. Unanimous approval with no changes to recommendation on a (6-0) vote. Budget Recommendation B discussion on Mikaela Frissell motion and Katy Jo Muncie second. Unanimous approval with no changes to recommendation on a (6-0) vote. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 8:32 a.m. The minutes were approved at the May 16, 2025, meeting on Chair Lea Downey Gallatin’s motion, Board Member Rev. Dr. Josh Robinson’s second on a (6-0) vote 2
1. REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD JANUARY 17, 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 Kergin Bedell Mikaela Frissell Kate Garza Nicole Golden Dr. Anu Kapadia, Vice Chair Faye Mills Katy Jo Muncie Shawn Tracy 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 the minutes of Approve ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR CALLED MEETING on NOVEMBER 15, 2024. the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. FY25 DACC Budget Update and FY26 City of Austin Budget Timeline – Robert Kingham, Court Administrator, Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) DACC Advisory Board Annual outlook and procedures – Robert Kingham, Court Administrator, Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) Status of DACC operations – Robert Kingham, Court Administrator, Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) 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.
