It is recommended that the City Council authorize the execution of an Agreement with Safe City Commission in the amount of $300,000.00 to operate One Safe Place as a Regional Family Justice Center in Tarrant County during Fiscal Year 2018.

One Safe Place, a Regional Family Justice Center, brings together a multi-agency task force dedicated to providing coordinated services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Tarrant County.  Victims of domestic violence receive coordinated medical, legal, and counseling services and have access to on-site professionals. The on-site professionals include child protective services, law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, and victim advocate specialists. The increased access to professional services at one centralized location encourages victims of domestic violence to report the abuse, provides victims with access to necessary services, and creates an opportunity to break the cycle of violence.

The City of Fort Worth worked closely with Safe City Commission (SCC) to develop the vision of One Safe Place. Under the terms of the Agreement, SCC will be reimbursed during Fiscal Year 2018 in an amount up to $300,000.00 to cover portions of the salaries of the Family Justice Center, 1 family therapist, 1 intake coordinator, 1 full-time and several part-time reception personnel, and a portion of the operating expenses for the physical facility that will provide a centralized, streamlined location for victim advocacy and support.

This Agreement will be effective October 1, 2017, and will end on September 30, 2018.