To: County of Sonoma Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Department of Health Services
Staff Name and Phone Number: Tina Rivera, 707-565-4774, Kristen Vela, 707-565-6388
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
Sexual Assault Response Team - Memorandum of Understanding with Sonoma County Law Enforcement Agencies
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Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Authorize the Director of Health Services, or designee, to execute a memorandum of understanding with Sonoma County Law Enforcement Agencies, establishing respective roles related to the County providing sexual assault forensic medical examinations as requested by law enforcement agencies and terms for payment to the County for services, with an estimated fiscal year 2023-2024 amount of $235,200, with a term that is automatically extended each fiscal year.
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Executive Summary:
In February 2003, the Board of Supervisors authorized the Director of the Department of Health Services (hereinafter, “DHS” or “the Department”) to implement a Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) of forensic medical examiners, as requested by the Law Enforcement Chiefs Association. This team consists of specially trained medical examiners who conduct sexual assault exams on all adult and child victims of sexual assault in Sonoma County. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) exists between the County and law enforcement agencies within Sonoma County to fund exams as requested by a specific agency. This year, it was determined that an increase to the fee charged for providing these examinations is appropriate, necessitating preparation and execution of an updated MOU.
The term of the new MOU begins on July 1, 2023, and is automatically extended each fiscal year for an additional year, unless terminated or amended by County. In addition, the prior MOU will automatically terminate upon execution of the new MOU.
Discussion:
The Department of Health Services Public Health Division has a team of employees serving as Sexual Assault Examiners providing 24-hour/7-day on call services for adult and child victims of sexual assault or abuse. The team provides a medical examination for the purpose of collecting, documenting, and assessing forensic evidence. Program costs include examination supplies, and labor expense for medical examiners “on call” and examination time, court testimony duties, and meetings with law enforcement and the district attorney’s office.
The Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) participates collaboratively amongst other members of the multidisciplinary team in Sonoma County made up of government and non-government agencies seeking to improve the quality, timeliness, and client service of sexual assault related medical examination services. In February 2003, the Board authorized the Director of Health Services to enter into an agreement with Sonoma County Law Enforcement Agencies, as requested by the Law Enforcement Chiefs Association, to establish respective roles related to the County providing sexual assault clinical services as requested by law enforcement agencies and receiving payment for services.
A revised MOU was prepared in early 2021 to facilitate compliance with changes to the California Penal Code related to sexual assault exams, and the MOU was approved by the Board on March 16, 2021. The new proposed MOU increases the fees charged by the County for conducting sexual assault exams from $1,800 to $2,400 per exam. The increase in the exam fees is due to increased operational and labor costs. Due to staffing shortages, the County relies on exam staff in Solano County when needed. The Solano County exam fee is set at $2,400.
The Department receives reimbursement from law enforcement agencies for the cost of providing SART medical examinations. The MOU is between the DHS and the following Law Enforcement Agencies:
1. Cloverdale Police Department
2. Cotati Police Department
3. Healdsburg Police Department
4. Petaluma Police Department
5. Rohnert Park Police Department
6. Santa Rosa Police Department
7. Santa Rosa Junior College Police Services
8. Sebastopol Police Department
9. Sheriff’s Office
10. Sonoma State University Police Services
Strategic Plan:
N/A
Racial Equity:
Was this item identified as an opportunity to apply the Racial Equity Toolkit?
No
Prior Board Actions:
On March 16, 2021, the Board approved a memorandum of understanding with Sonoma County Law Enforcement Agencies, establishing respective roles related to the County providing sexual assault forensic medical examinations as requested by law enforcement agencies and receiving payment for services, with an estimated fiscal year 2021-2022 amount of $176,400 and a term that is automatically extended each fiscal year.
On January 6, 2009 the Board authorized and approved SART budget fiscal adjustments.
On February 4, 2003 the Board authorized an agreement between Health Services and Law Enforcement for SART services.
Fiscal Summary
|
Expenditures |
FY 23-24 Adopted |
FY 24-25 Projected |
FY 25-26 Projected |
|
Budgeted Expenses |
$235,200 |
$235,200 |
$235,200 |
|
Additional Appropriation Requested |
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Total Expenditures |
$235,200 |
$235,200 |
$235,200 |
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Funding Sources |
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General Fund/WA GF |
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State/Federal |
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Fees/Other |
$235,200 |
$235,200 |
$235,200 |
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Use of Fund Balance |
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Contingencies |
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|
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Total Sources |
$235,200 |
$235,200 |
$235,200 |
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
The adopted FY 2023-2024 budget includes $176,400 for exam fee revenues. Revenues received above $176,400 will offset the use of budgeted 1991 Health Realignment funding of $111,623.
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Staffing Impacts: |
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Position Title (Payroll Classification) |
Monthly Salary Range (A-I Step) |
Additions (Number) |
Deletions (Number) |
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
N/A
Attachments:
Attachment 1 - Memorandum of Understanding with Sonoma County Law Enforcement Agencies
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None