1. REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD SEPTEMBER 20, 2024 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 Faye Mills Katy Jo Muncie Robin G. Sontheimer, Vice-Chair 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 JULY 19, 2024. the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. DACC Mobile Court Update and discussion on services provided and outcomes achieved - Robert Kingham, Court Administrator, DACC and Sarah Rodriguez, Business Process Specialist, DACC Status of DACC operational areas including performance measures and services delivered through Community Services, Court Services, Homeless Services and Support Services. (Downey Gallatin/Golden) – Robert Kingham, Court Administrator, DACC DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Adopt meeting schedule for 2025 (Downey Gallatin/Sontheimer) – Robert Kingham, Court Administrator, DACC Elect a DACC Advisory Board Vice-Chair (Downey Gallatin/Sontheimer) 5. 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.
DACC Mobile Court Update & Input Opportunity Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board September 20, 2024 F i s c a l Ye a r 2 0 2 4 - 2 5 B u d get U p d at e s o Full Implementation of Mobile Court: One Clinical Diversion Program Case Manager One Program Coordinator to plan and staff the Mobile Court Program $50,000 funding to schedule a substitute judge o For Homeless Services: Two Clinical Case Managers Approximately $500,000 for corresponding social services Ensures we can continue to provide the same level of wraparound supports o Expanding EMCOT to 24/7 operations o Court Clerk Lead (transferred position from AMC) o Full funding for Mental Health Diversion Pilot through end of FY 25 DA C C DA C C DA C C MOBILE C O U R T OVERVIEW How it began: • Previous site visits and best practice research by DA C C • Judge Coffey asked staff to develop a mobile court strategy • Created by Council Resolution 20230816-016 Overall purpose: engaging in services • Community-based program - meeting people where they are already • Focus on removing barriers and building trust with unhoused community • Available and beneficial for anyone who potentially has an open case, regardless of housing status • Connect individuals with solutions for resolving outstanding cases and warrants • Immediate connection to services through case manager DA C C D A C C MOBILE C O U R T PROGRESS How it works: • Court case checks & education about DA C C services • Virtual access to judge and prosecutor • C D P Case Manager onsite Service day frequency and locations: • 5 service days per month during Pilot period of October 18, 2023 through Feb. 5, 2 0 24 • Transitioned to a bi-monthly schedule post-Pilot to maintain essential services at a sustainable level DA C C S T A K E H O L D E R Feedback collected from: • DA C C Units • Austin Homelessness Advisory Council • DA C C Advisory Board • External consultant Ongoing efforts • Travis County Behavioral Health and Justice Advisory Committee • Boards & Commissions • Designing broad engagement process DA C C T RA IN I N G T O NAVIGATE DA C C Supplement to Mobile court Goal Work with community …
Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board DACC Service and Data Overview Board Packet – September 20, 2024 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 2024 (Oct. 2023 – Aug. 2024): 983 o Acreage of Work Completed 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 2024 (Oct. 2023 – Aug. 2024): 616 o Number of Interactions with VKS Participants 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 2024 (Oct. 2023 – Aug. 2024): 2,778 o Number of Cases Docketed 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 2024 (Oct. 2023 – Aug. 2024): 284 o Number of Cases Resolved through Participation in CDP: 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 resource navigation through case managers onsite. o Warrants Cleared during Mobile Court: FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 – Aug. 2024): 89 o Cases Docketed during Mobile Court: FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 – Aug. 2024): 135 Homeless Services Walk-in Case Management – Provides assistance obtaining identification documents and signing up for public benefits, access to …
Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board 2025 PROPOSED Meeting Schedule 3rd Friday/Monthly 8:00am-9:30am Friday, January 17, 2025 March 21, 2025 (SXSW week March 7-15th) (Spring break week March 17-21st) **Friday, March 7, 2025 **Friday, March 28, 2025 Friday, May 16, 2025 Friday, July 18, 2025 Friday, September 19, 2025 Friday, November 21, 2025 **Alternate meeting dates or times.
1. REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD JULY 19, 2024 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 Faye Mills Katy Jo Muncie Lauren Pena Robin G. Sontheimer, Vice-Chair 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 MAY 17, 2024. the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. 5. FY24 Annual Internal Review (Downey Gallatin/Sontheimer) – Lea Downey Gallatin, DACC Advisory Board Chair Downey Gallatin, DACC Advisory Board Chair Presentation on DACC data visualization project to collect feedback from DACC Advisory Board Members on preferred visualization characteristics and components. (Downey Gallatin/Sontheimer) – Fernanda Veloz Salas, Intern, Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) Update on Fiscal Year 2024-2025 City of Austin Budget engagement opportunities. (Downey Gallatin/Sontheimer) – Lea Downey Gallatin, DACC Advisory Board Chair Status of DACC operations (Downey Gallatin/Sontheimer) – 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, …
Downtown Austin Community Court FISCAL YEAR 2025 BUDGET JULY 19, 2024 City of Austin – Proposed Budget 4% increase in base pay for regular employees hired on or before April 1, 2024 effective as of October 1, 2024 Employee retirement contributions increase from 9% to 10% of base wages on January 1, 2025 No premium rate increase for City medical coverage plans City of Austin – Proposed Budget Living Wage increase from $20.80 to $21.63 Annual Employer Contribution increase of $500 for employees enrolled in Health Savings Accounts (HSA) Paid Parental Leave Program extended from 10 to 12 weeks annually Income eligibility limits for the Childcare Assistance Program have been increased. Timeline 24 July 1 Aug. Budget Work Session & Community Input Session Budget Work Session, Set Max Tax Rate, & Public Hearing on the Budget 8 Aug. Budget Work Session Budget Work Session Budget Work Session Budget Reading (Adoption) 30 July 6 Aug. 14–16 Aug. Advisory Board Recommendations Board recommendations are not included in the proposed budget Recommendations will be considered through the budget adoption process.
Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board DACC Service and Data Overview Board Packet – July 19, 2024 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 2024 (Oct. 2023 – Jun. 2024): 829 o Acreage of Work Completed FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 - Jun. 2024): 23.19 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 2024 (Oct. 2023 - Jun. 2024): 549 o Number of Interactions with VKS Participants 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 2024 (Oct. 2023 - Jun. 2024): 2,096 o Number of Cases Docketed FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 - Jun. 2024): 4,715 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 2024 (Oct. 2023 - Jun. 2024): 216 o Number of Cases Resolved through Participation in CDP: FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 - Jun. 2024): 342 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 resource navigation through case managers onsite. o Warrants Cleared during Mobile Court: FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 - Jun. 2024): 74 o Cases Docketed during Mobile Court: FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 - Jun. 2024): 105 Homeless Services Walk-in Case Management – Provides assistance obtaining identification documents and signing up for public benefits, access to …
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2023 to 6/30/2024 __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 downtown Austin community through the 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 (7/1/2023 to 6/30/2024), the Board met six (6) times. Meetings were held as a hybrid of virtually 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 system on each agenda. - The Board received regular updates from DACC staff; Rapid Rehousing efforts, housing placements, and the waitlist for services; virtual hearings and warrant Annual Review and Work Plan Year Page # confirmation policies; facilities, and the Violet KeepSafe Storage Program. On November 2023, DACC launched Community Court News, and internal newsletter with updates about DACC operations, and provided during board meetings along with data updates across all DACC units (5 times). - Yvonne Mboss, DACC Clinical Case Manager Supervisor, presented on the Clinical Diversion Program, the data is continually being gathered and updated, plus the program has transportation available from Austin Municipal Court (AMC) to DACC office for clients, when needed. - Robert Kingham, DACC Court Administrator, discussed the plan tolaunch DACC’s Mobile Court Pilot on October 18, 2024, and collected feedback from the Board on suggestions for data to be collected and potential locations for services. Mobile Court updates shared at subsequent board meetings. - Kate Ballew, DACC Clinical Case Manager Supervisor, discussed the clinic services provided by Community Care Clinic at DACC’s office, available on Wednesdays. - Jennifer Sowinski, DACC Clinical Operations Manager, …
DACC ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES (19, July 2024) DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES JULY 19, 2024 The DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD convened in a REGULAR CALLED meeting on 19, JULY 2024, 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 8:25 a.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Chair Lea Downey Gallatin, Katy Jo Muncie and Roy Woody Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Vice-Chair Robin Sontheimer, Kate Garza and Faye Mills PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR MEETING on MAY 17, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of May 17, 2024, were approved on Board Member Roy Woody motion, Board Member Robin Sontheimer second on an (6-0) vote. DISCUSSION ITEMS FY24 Annual Internal Review (Downey Gallatin/Sontheimer) – Lea Downey Gallatin, DACC Advisory Board Chair Downey Gallatin, DACC Advisory Board Chair Discussed with the board and no revisions needed. Presentation on DACC data visualization project to collect feedback from DACC Advisory Board Members on preferred visualization characteristics and components. (Downey 1. 2. 1 DACC ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES (19, July 2024) Gallatin/Sontheimer) – Fernanda Veloz Salas, Intern, Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) Following the presentation, comments were given: o Substitute techniques for mailing addresses or issuing warrants o Rather than jail, if APD notices a warrant status, divert to DACC instead. o Can HOST check their status? HOST can provide resources and follow up with their clients. 3. 4. Update on Fiscal Year 2024-2025 City of Austin Budget engagement opportunities. (Downey Gallatin/Sontheimer) – Lea Downey Gallatin, DACC Advisory Board Chair Breakdown presentation given by Albert Castro, Financial Manager III. Status of DACC operations (Downey Gallatin/Sontheimer) – Robert Kingham, Court Administrator, Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) Update including performance measures and services given for Community Services, Court Services, Homeless Services and Support Services. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 9:32am. The minutes were approved at the September 20, 2024, meeting on Board Member Kate Garza’s motion, Board Member Katy Jo Muncie second on a (7-0) vote 2
1. REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD MAY 17, 2024 AT 8:00AM ONE TEXAS CENTER TRAINING ROOM, Suite 125 505 BARTON SPRINGS RD AUSTIN, TEXAS 78704 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, Vice-Chair Dr. Anu Kapadia Faye Mills Katy Jo Muncie Lauren Pena Robin G. Sontheimer Roy Woody CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first 5 (five) 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR CALLED MEETING on MARCH 22, 2024. the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT the minutes of DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. DISCUSSION ITEMS Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. (Downey Gallatin/Golden) 3. 4. 5. Status of DACC operational areas including performance measures and services delivered through Community Services, Court Services, Homeless Services and Support Services. (Downey Gallatin/Golden) – Robert Kingham, Court Administrator, DACC Presentation on DACC Medication Storage Program which provides unhoused individuals a safe place to store and access their prescription medications. (Downey Gallatin/Golden) – Kate Ballew, Clinical Case Manager Supervisor, DACC Update on Fiscal Year 2024-2025 City of Austin Budget engagement opportunities. (Downey Gallatin/Golden) – Lea Downey Gallatin, DACC Advisory Board Chair ADJOURNMENT For more information on the Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board, please contact Edna Staniszewski at edna.staniszewski@austintexas.gov or at (512) 974-1260.
Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board DACC Service and Data Overview Board Packet – May 17, 2024 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 2024 (Oct. 2023 - Apr. 2024): 627 o Acreage of Work Completed FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 - Apr. 2024): 18.9 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 2024 (Oct. 2023 - Apr. 2024): 492 o Number of Interactions with VKS Participants FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 - Apr. 2024): 14,330 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 2024 (Oct. 2023 - Apr. 2024): 1,395 o Number of Cases Docketed 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 2024 (Oct. 2023 - Apr. 2024): 147 o Number of Cases Resolved through Participation in CDP: FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 - Apr. 2024): 246 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 resource navigation through case managers onsite. o Warrants Cleared during Mobile Court: FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 - Apr. 2024): 60 o Cases Docketed during Mobile Court: FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 - Apr. 2024): 84 Homeless Services Walk-in Case Management – Provides assistance obtaining identification documents and signing up for public benefits, access to …
MEDICATION STORAGE PROGRAM Katharine Ballew, LCSW-S Clinical Case Manager Supervisor DACC Advisory Board Meeting May 17, 2024 MEDICATION STORAGE PROGRAM ▪ Was developed for clients experiencing unsheltered ▪ Provides a safe place to store prescription homelessness medications health resources ▪ Promotes stability and access to medical and mental ▪ Aligns with DACC’s person-centered, trauma-informed, and harm reduction approach ▪ Launched at end of April 2024 Press release sent out April 29, 2024 and shared with partners to raise awareness of service HOW IT WORKS ▪ Participant Agreement ▪ Secure storage ▪ Sign-in process ▪ Disposal process PARTNERSHIPS ▪ Austin Public Health ▪ Austin Homeless Advisory Council ▪ Texas State Board of Pharmacy ▪ City of Austin Law Dept. ▪ Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services ▪ Homeless Outreach Street Team & Community Health Paramedics NEXT STEPS ▪ Refrigeration ▪ Working with partners for outreach QUESTIONS? Jennifer Sowinski, LCSW-S Clinical Operations Manager Address: 505 Barton Springs Rd. Ste 125 Austin, TX 78704 512-974-1224 Phone: Jennifer.Sowinski@austintexas.gov Email:
DACC ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES (17, May 2024) DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES MAY 17, 2024 The DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD convened in a REGULAR CALLED meeting on 17, MAY 2024, at 505 BARTON SPRINGS RD in Austin, Texas. CALL TO ORDER Board attendees motion Mikaela Frissell as interim Board Chair. It was approved on Board Member Dr. Anu Kapadia’s motion, Board Member Robin G. Sontheimer second on an (6-0) vote. Board Member Mikaela Frissell called the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD Meeting to order at 8:10 a.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Mikaela Frissell, Dr. Anu Kapadia, and Robin G. Sontheimer Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Vice-Chair Nicole Golden, Katy Jo Muncie, 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 MARCH 22, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of March 22, 2024, were approved on Board Member Dr. Anu Kapadia motion, Board Member Robin Sontheimer second on an (6-0) vote. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. (Downey Gallatin/Golden) Lea Downey Gallatin was elected as Chair, Board Member Robin Sontheimer motion, Board Member Katy Jo Muncie second on a (6-0) vote. 1 DACC ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES (17, May 2024) Robin Sontheimer was elected as Vice-Chair, Board Member Mikaela Frissell motion, Board Member Roy Wood second on a (6-0) vote. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Status of DACC operational areas including performance measures and services delivered through Community Services, Court Services, Homeless Services and Support Services. (Downey Gallatin/Golden) – Robert Kingham, Court Administrator, DACC In addition to providing a performance data overview for all operational areas, an update was provided that Community Services applied for and was awarded a $22,000 grant to install water lines in the community garden. Data point collects how long a person has actively used VKS site and will reflect those that have abandoned their storage after 90 days. The number of Court Services has grown as the area of jurisdiction expanded. 4. Presentation on DACC Medication Storage Program, which provides unhoused individuals a safe place to store and access their prescription medications. (Downey Gallatin/Golden) – Kate Ballew, Clinical Case Manager Supervisor, DACC Program launched at the end of April 2024. Developed for clients experiencing unsheltered homelessness. …
1. REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD MARCH 22, 2024 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, Vice-Chair Dr. Anu Kapadia Faye Mills Katy Jo Muncie Lauren Pena Robin G. Sontheimer Roy Woody AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 5 (five) 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES the minutes of Approve ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR CALLED MEETING on JANUARY 19, 2024. the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT DISCUSSION ITEMS Individuals sharing first-hand account regarding their experiences being served through Austin’s homelessness response system. Speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will be allowed a three-minute allotment to provide their feedback to the Board. DACC Mobile Court Pilot Update on services provided, outcomes achieved and recommendations for continuing a Mobile Court program. (Downey Gallatin/ Golden) – Chris Anderson, Court Operations Manager, DACC and Bonnie Sultan with Sultan Justice Consulting Status of DACC operational areas including performance measures and services delivered through Community Services, Court Services, Homeless Services and Support Services. (Downey Gallatin/Golden) – Robert Kingham, Court Administrator, DACC ACTION ITEMS Approve FY25 DACC Budget Recommendation to support City Council initiatives, increase DACC service capacity to meeting community needs and increase resources for DACC operational needs. (Downey Gallatin/Golden) – Robert Kingham, Court Administrator, DACC 2. 3. 4. 5. 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. …
DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20240322-005 Subject: Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget Recommendations Date: March 22, 2024 Motioned By: Katy Jo Muncie Seconded By: Mikaela Frissell Introduction The DACC Advisory Board would like to thank the Austin City Council for supporting DACC, especially within the last year. Recent Council involvement with DACC has included the addition of two new housing-focused case managers and social service dollars, expanding DACC’s jurisdiction, and providing direction to implement a Mobile Court Pilot. DACC has made great strides forward this year, and has also seen a significant increase in demand for their services. Keeping in mind the anticipated limitations the City faces in the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget process, the DACC Advisory Board has targeted its recommendations to address the most pressing needs for the people DACC serves. Our recommendations fall into three categories: (1) support for City Council initiatives, (2) increasing service capacity to meet community needs, and (3) increasing resources for operational needs. Recommendations Category 1: Support for City Council Initiatives 1. $254,178 of ongoing funding to fund full implementation of DACC Mobile Court. Category 2: Increase Service Capacity to Meet Community Needs 2. $729,116 of ongoing funding to augment DACC’s Intensive Case Management capacity by adding two housing-focused case manager FTEs and programmatic funding to continue connecting clients to housing. Category 3: Increase Resources for Operational Needs 3. $82,950 of ongoing funding for one Court Clerk Lead FTE to address increase in cases and support operational efficiencies. 4. $250,000 of ongoing funding and $87,500 one-time funding to support and enhance operations of the Violet KeepSafe Storage Program. 5. $250,000 for facility enhancements at DACC to support a trauma-informed environment and address operational needs. 6. Future Considerations: Plan for $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. Description of Recommendation to Council Category 1: Support for City Council Initiatives 1. $254,178 of ongoing funding to fund full implementation of DACC Mobile Court – As directed by Resolution No. 20230816-016, DACC implemented a Mobile Court Pilot to provide connection to court and case management services in geographically dispersed locations where people were already accessing services in the community. Data reflects that across the 18 Mobile Court service events during the Pilot, that services were well received and impactful for the people who engaged. During the …
Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board DACC Service and Data Overview Board Packet – March 22, 2024 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 2024 (Oct. 2023-Feb. 2024): 439 o Acreage of Work Completed FY 2024 (Oct. 2023- Feb. 2024): 15.99 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 Interactions with VKS Participants FY 2024 (Oct. 2023- Feb. 2024): 438 o Number of Active VKS Participants FY 2024 (Oct. 2023- Feb. 2024): 10,470 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 2024 (Oct. 2023- Feb. 2024): 837 o Number of Cases Docketed 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 2024 (Oct. 2023- Feb. 2024): 96 o Number of Cases Resolved through Participation in CDP: FY 2024 (Oct. 2023- Feb. 2024): 173 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 resource navigation through case managers onsite. o Warrants Cleared during Mobile Court: FY 2024 (Oct. 2023- Feb. 2024): 49 o Cases Docketed during Mobile Court: FY 2024 (Oct. 2023- Feb. 2024): 73 Homeless Services Walk-in Case Management – Provides assistance obtaining identification documents and signing up for public benefits, access to basic needs, and linkages to mental health, physical health, and substance …
DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT MOBILE COURT PILOT DACC Advisory Board, March 22, 2024 Christopher Anderson, DACC Court Operations Manager Bonnie Sultan, Sultan Justice Consulting OBJECTIVES FOR TODAY ▪ Brief overview of Mobile Court ▪ Third-party analysis and recommendations ▪ Data ▪ Next steps MOBILE COURT OVERVIEW DACC MOBILE COURT OVERVIEW How it began: ▪ Previous site visits and best practice research by DACC Judge Coffey asked staff to develop a mobile court strategy ▪ Created by Council Resolution 20230816-016 Overall purpose: ▪ Community-based program - meeting people where they are already engaging in services ▪ Connect individuals with solutions for resolving outstanding cases and warrants ▪ Immediate connection to services through case manager DACC MOBILE COURT PROGRESS How it works: ▪ Court case checks & education about DACC services ▪ Virtual access to judge and prosecutor ▪ Case manager onsite Service day frequency and locations: ▪ Approximately 5 service days per month during Pilot period ▪ Austin Public Health Neighborhood Centers, Austin Public Library, North Bridge Shelter, Pop-up Resource Clinics, Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center, The Charlie Center at Mosaic Church Feedback collected from: • DACC Units • Austin Homelessness Advisory Council • BHCJAC • DACC Advisory Board External consultant • Ongoing efforts • Boards & Comms. • Designing broad engagement process STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT MOBILE COURT PILOT DATA During the 18 events in the Pilot period of October 18, 2023 through February 5, 2024: ▪ 383 individuals had their court case status checked by DACC ▪ 125 individuals had one or more open AMC or DACC court cases ▪ 35 individuals participated in a DACC Mobile Court hearing 69 cases were docketed for these individuals 48 warrants were cleared ▪ 8 individuals were enrolled into DACC’s CDP for ongoing case management THIRD PARTY ANALYSIS Process Included in planning processes Conducted focus groups Surveys and data collection ▪ Coordination with DACC staff and partners ▪ Compare to peer programs and best practices ▪ Data analysis THIRD PARTY ANALYSIS Findings model barriers ▪ Agile approach to service innovations ▪ Program aligned with DACC’s community court ▪ Meaningful outcomes for program participants ▪ Services rooted in building trust and addressing THIRD PARTY ANALYSIS Recommendations ▪ Implement a sustainable, fully staffed, DACC Mobile Court Program. ▪ Continue and expand upon stakeholder engagement to scale Mobile Court implementation. ▪ Study the impact on existing requests for current DACC services with …
