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 …
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.
Downtown Austin Community Court FISCAL YEAR 2025 BUDGET & FISCAL YEAR 2026 TIMELINE JANUARY 17, 2025 DACC – Budget Highlights • DACC Mobile Court Implementation and Case Management Capacity Expansion • Mobile Court connects people in the community with solutions for resolving cases while providing an immediate connection to services and resource navigation through onsite case managers • • • ◦ ◦ Additions in FY 2024-25 Budget: For Mobile Court: • One Clinical Diversion Program Case Manager • One Program Coordinator to plan and staff the Mobile Court Program $50,000 in funding to schedule a substitute judge to staff mobile events For Homeless Services: Two Clinical Case Managers Approximately $500,000 in funding for corresponding social service dollars ◦ Ensures continuation of the same level of wraparound supports for our clients through social service contracts • $300,000 in one-time funding to continue Mental Health Diversion DACC – Budget Highlights Pilot Program through September 30, 2025 ◦ Program is co-funded by Travis County and Central Health ◦ Services provided primarily by Integral Care • $1,460,340 for Expanded Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (EMCOT) expansion to 24/7 operations ◦ Provides real time response for psychiatric crises, diverting individuals from emergency rooms and jails and providing up to 90 days of follow-up services ◦ Increasing field response staff anticipated to begin in April 2025 City of Austin – Budget Highlights • 4% increase in base pay for regular employees hired on or before April 1, 2024 • An increase in the City’s living wage from $20.80 to $21.63 per hour • No premium rate increase for City medical and dental coverage plans • Fertility Benefits with a lifetime maximum of $20,000 • Employee retirement contributions increased from 9% to 10% of base wages on January 1, 2024 • An increase in the Childcare Assistance Program income limits • Paid Parental Leave Program for non-sworn employees - increase of paid leave from 10 to 12 weeks annually FY24 Budget Timeline Example of previous budget timeline; may have adjustments for upcoming budget process BOARDS & COMMISSIONS BUDGET PRIORITY SURVEY COMMUNITY INPUT MEETINGS MAY Financial Forecast Presentation to Council Department Budget & CYEs due May 3 JULY Proposed Budget Presentation to Council AUGUST Budget Public Hearing, Set Max Tax Rate, and Work Session JULY Community Input and Work Session AUGUST Work Session AUGUST Budget Readings and Tax Rate Hearings OCTOBER First day of the Fiscal Year MARCH Board …
DACC Advisory Board Annual Outlook and Procedures Agenda 1) Introduction 2) City Issued Email 3) Attendance 4) Terms Ending 5) Annual Timeline for Board 6) DACC Forecast Issues for Fiscal Year 2025 DACC Advisory Board Annual Outlook and Procedures 2 Introduction Advise the Downtown Austin Community Court on policy and operational issues and advise City Council about the operations and policies of the court. DACC Advisory Board Annual Outlook and Procedures 3 City Issued Emails • City Code only authorizes the city issued email address for electronic communications to conduct business. We understand its challenging for everyone, but we must do our part. • If a board member uses their personal email, they are subject to open records. Please let us know if you wish to have your personal email taken off the distribution list. DACC Advisory Board Annual Outlook and Procedures Attendance • City Code § 2-1-26 outlines specific reasons that may be considered "Excused" • All other reasons are listed as Samples of “Excused” Board member's illness or injury Illness or injury of a member of the board member's immediate family Birth or adoption of the board member's child, for 90 days after the birth or adoption "Unexcused. " Active military service DACC Advisory Board Annual Outlook and Procedures 5 Terms ending on February 28, 2025 • 5 Board Members and one vacancy • Members can serve for 60 days or until the seat is filled which ever is first, as per City Clerk’s office PRESENTATION TITLE 6 DACC Advisory Board 2025 Calendar January: • Board meets January 17, 2025 • Discuss FY 25-26 Budget Recommendations March • Board meets March 28, 2025 • Statements of Financial Information due April 30, 2024 (Clerk’s Office will contact Members) • Board and Commission budget recommendations due March 31, 2025 April • BC Coordinator will send notice about Annual Internal Review for Board, due in July May • Board meets May 16, 2025 • Election of officers at first regular meeting after April 1, 2024 • Discuss Annual Report, due by July 31, 2025 July • Board meets July 18, 2025 • Annual Report, due by July 31, 2025 September • Board meets September 19, 2025 • Adopt board meeting schedule for 2026 November : • Board meets November 21, 2025 DACC Advisory Board Annual Outlook and Procedures 7 DACC Forecast Issues for FY 2025 Mobile Court Implementation Strategic Implementation Diversion …
Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board DACC Service and Data Overview Board Packet – January 17, 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 – Dec. 2024): 234 FY 2024 (Oct. 2023-Dec. 2023): 227 o Acreage of Work Completed FY 2025 (Oct. 2024 – Dec. 2024): 6.78 FY 2024 (Oct. 2023-Dec. 2023): 4.04 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 – Dec. 2024): 375 FY 2024 (Oct. 2023-Dec. 2023): 386 o Number of Interactions with VKS Participants FY 2025 (Oct. 2024 – Dec. 2024): 7,864 FY 2024 (Oct. 2023-Dec. 2023): 6,305 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 – Dec. 2024): 764 FY 2024 (Oct. 2023-Dec. 2023): 431 o Number of Cases Docketed FY 2025 (Oct. 2024 – Dec. 2024): 2,021 FY 2024 (Oct. 2023-Dec. 2023): 1,128 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 – Dec. 2024): 79 FY 2024 (Oct. 2023-Dec. 2023): 71 o Number of Cases Resolved through Participation in CDP: FY 2025 (Oct. 2024 – Dec. 2024): 109 FY 2024 (Oct. 2023-Dec. 2023): 53 DACC Mobile Court – This program, 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 …
1. REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD NOVEMBER 15, 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, Vice-Chair Tracy Shawn Faye Mills Roy Woody Katy Jo Muncie 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 SEPTEMBER 20, 2024. the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. Downtown Austin Community Court Annual Report update and discussion on Fiscal Year 2024 accomplishments – Robert Kingham, Court Administrator, DACC Briefing and discussion regarding Data Maximization and implementation of new Homeless Services software – Bailey Gray, 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 – Robert Kingham, Court Administrator, 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.
HOMELESS SERVICES CASE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE DACC Advisory Board November 15, 2024 Bailey Gray, LCSW, MPAff Business Process Specialist DATA MAXIMIZATION Purpose: An effort to research, plan, and implement a cohesive departmentwide data strategy. Initial phase evaluated current data collection landscape and future data needs at DACC. Actions and resources identified as needed to achieve a proactive and intentional purpose, collection method, and usage practices around data include: Form digitization Customer Satisfaction Demographic deep dive Reporting Visualization Data Policy Storytelling New Homeless Services Software NEW HOMELESS SERVICES SOFTWARE Staff Desires Primary Considerations • Neither too clinical, nor too defender oriented. • Flexibility • Streamlining • Standardization • Data integration • Cost • Security • Accessibility • Customization • Reporting Capabilities • Scalability BONTERRA/ SOCIAL SOLUTIONS APRICOT Currently used by The Other Ones Foundation (TOOF), Austin-Travis County EMS, Family Eldercare, Mobile Loaves & Fishes, SAFE, Austin Public Health, and Housing Authority of the City of Austin Founded by Social Workers Configured for clientele with little to no IT resources No HIPAA or scalability concerns Permission settings allow access to partner agencies Drag and drop reporting approach in addition to templates PROGRESS & NEXT STEPS Successfully incorporated DACC access to software in active EMS contract as an amendment, approved by Council on August 29, 2024 Project roles include Project Manager, System Admins, and Subject Matter Experts Projected 26-week timeline for implementation began October 31, 2024, with data migration from eCourt tentatively scheduled for late March 2025 Build out aspirations include incorporating our list of clients on a behavior plan, waitlist for case management, referral system, and caseload management QUESTIONS? Bailey Gray, LCSW, MPAff Bailey.Gray@austintexas.gov 512-974-4815
COMMUNITY COURT NEWS A newsletter brought to you by DACC’s Communications Team Top stories in this newsletter JULY-SEPT. 2024 Annual DACC Retreat Mentor Court Site Visit Partner Spotlight DACC’s Numbers Annual DACC Retreat Thank you all for participating in our recent annual staff retreat, aimed at providing opportunities for professional development and networking with your colleagues. Thank you to Chris Anderson for all the time he poured into ensuring we had a fun day together with a meaningful agenda! Help us plan for next year – Leadership is evaluating what went well and areas for improvement to make sure our retreat next year is even more enjoyable and valuable for you all. We appreciate the feedback we’ve already received from staff, and encourage you all to share any input with any member of DACC’s leadership team to help us in our planning efforts for next year! DACC Participation in Work Study Program As of July 26, 2024, DACC has been approved as a Federal Work Study Site for University of Texas at Austin students. So Yong Kim, Yvonne Mboss, Jenna Pywell, and Chris Anderson represented DACC at the UT Austin Work-Study & Part Time Job Fair in August, and the position was posted on UT’s platform, through which DACC received 76 applications. The top two candidates have been identified following an interview process, and are expected to start in October. These two positions will work 12-16 hours per week through May 2025, and will provide administrative support to the Court Services and Homeless Services units. Tasks may include sorting mail, scanning clients’ vital docs, answering the phone calls or other administrative tasks each unit identifies as priorities. How it Works – Students are hired by UT Austin and DACC at the same time; Federal Work Study pays up to $3,500 per semester for their work and DACC pays the remaining balance. This approach creates great opportunities for students while providing critically needed support for our department. Thank you, So Yong Kim for your leadership and bring this support for DACC online and create new opportunities for students! Mentor Court Site Visit DACC is serving as a Mentor three Court for including communities Las Dane County, WI, Vegas, NV, and Paterson, NJ. On September 24, representatives from each of these communities, along with the Center for Justice Innovation who oversees the Mentor Court program, visited DACC to learn inform enhancements in …
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 …
