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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSupport - Homeless CORP ParticipationRESOLUTION NOS. 2017-28 & 29 CITY OF PALM DESERT SPECIAL PROGRAMS DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT REQUEST: SUPPORT OF PARTICIPATION IN THE REGIONALIZATION OF THE HOMELESS COMMUNITY OUTREACH RESOURCE PROGRAM (CORP) AND PALM DESERT'S PARTICIPATION IN THAT PROGRAM, AS WELL AS OTHER PROGRAMS AVAILABLE TO HOMELESS PERSONS SUBMITTED BY: Frankie Riddle, Director of Special Programs APPLICANT: N/A DATE: March 23, 2017 CONTENTS: 1. Coachella Valley Association of Governments Homeless Committee February 15, 2017, Staff Report 2. Resolution NO. 2017-28 3. Resolution NO. 2017-29 Recommendation By Minute Motion, approve the following: 2. 3. Authorize Palm Desert's support of Coachella Valley Association of Government's (CVAG) intent to participate in the Regionalization of the Homeless Community Resource Program (CORP), and Authorize Palm Desert's participation in the COR Program and other programs available to homeless, and Approve Resolutions No. 2017-28 and No. 2017-29 Strategic Plan Objective Support of CORP does not tie into identified goals within the Strategic Plan. Executive Summary Support of the expansion of CORP to a more regional program as well as participation in the program does not have an associated cost. Through discussions with the CORP Review Panel and Sheri Van Dorn, Executive Assistant to the Chief of Indio Police, it appears as though all parties are in favor of expanding CORP participation to other Support of Regionalization and Implementation of Homeless CORP Program March 23, 2017 Page 2 Coachella Valley communities. In addition, it was noted that many of the agencies that sit on the CORP Panel are tasked with addressing issues relative to homeless persons in the general course of their work. As a result, CORP helps all parties be more efficient and work in conjunction with each other, as opposed to in opposition. It was also noted that the courts do not have an issue with forgiving the fines and penalties through the program as homeless individuals generally do not have the funds to pay these fees and consequently clog the courts with on -going warrants, fines, etc. Background The City of Palm Desert, as well as other local communities, has experienced a continued issue with homelessness and how best to address this issue, including how to provide services to this target group. One of the on -going concerns is the current process utilized by law enforcement, which addresses the impact of homeless populations in communities through ticketing and/or arrest. However, this process has not improved the homeless situation and appears to be having the opposite effect on homeless individuals who desire to change their circumstances. Since homeless persons do not typically have jobs or transportation, they are not likely to be able to pay fines and/or appear in court. As a result, persons caught in this continual loop of racking up fines and warrants without an avenue to rectify the issue feel helpless, and see no way to change their circumstances. In an effort to aid homeless persons, retired Indio Chief of Police Twiss created the COR Program, which has been successful in assisting those who are willing to participate in the program with housing and services as well as forgiveness of fines, etc. CORP was originally established as a pilot program with only certain agencies (i.e., District Attorney's Office, Public Defender's Office, Probation, courts, Indio Police — initially) and nonprofit service providers (i.e., Martha's Village and Kitchen, ABC Recovery Center, Victory Outreach, Mama's House, and Coachella Valley Rescue Mission). The CORP panel reviews potential candidates who are clients of one of the above organizations receiving services, and who have been referred for consideration for inclusion in the program. If selected, the candidates must remain in the service provider's program and graduate; upon graduation, qualifying fines, penalties, and warrants are forgiven. It must be noted that fines and penalties forgiven are only for some misdemeanors and low-level infractions — not all are dismissed (i.e., Victims Restitution, child support). These are some of the types of issues discussed by the panel for each client to determine if they are a viable candidate. It should also be noted that police, service providers, District Attorney, Public Defender, etc. are able to refer a potential homeless candidate for consideration; however, prior to approval the homeless person would need to accept services and enter a facility and then be processed for CORP. Based on feedback from CVAG and CORP, the program is open for expansion on a regional basis. As a result, CVAG staff is currently trying to determine participation interest among local cities in this successful program (there have been 91 candidates with 89 Support of Regionalization and Implementation of Homeless CORP Program March 23, 2017 Page 3 graduating the program). Based on discussions with City staff and the Sheriffs Department, there is agreement that participation in the program would be beneficial and another tool in the City/Police Department's toolbox in addressing and assisting homeless individuals. The Sheriffs Department also favors participating in CORP, as well as utilizing other programs to assist homeless persons such as Homeless Outreach Team (HOT). The HOT Program is a program undertaken through the Riverside County Sheriffs Department, stationed out of Jurupa, California. However, this program utilizes a housing first model with other nuances (e.g., if a homeless person has an outstanding warrant, the police are able to serve the warrant via a ticket, if allowed. This process buys the person time to address the criminal complaint through the courts without being re -arrested) and could be beneficial in assisting homeless persons that are not able to participate in the COR Program, but have a desire to work to improve their life. Staff recommends supporting participation in a regional COR Program, Palm Desert's participation in CORP, and participation in HOT as well as any other homeless programs designed to benefit those homeless persons interested in improving the quality of their life. Fiscal Analysis Based on information provided, there is no cost associated with participation in CORP or other programs. Approval should have no negative impact to the City's General Fund. Submitted by: Approved: FranlZie Riddle Director of Special Programs Reviewed: Rudy KAcosta Assistant City Manager Lauri Aylaian City Manager RESOLUTION NO. 2017- 28 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, PROCLAIMING SUPPORT FOR THE COMMUNITY OUTREACH RESOURCE PROGRAM (CORP) FOR EXPANSION IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY REGION WHEREAS, in an effort to utilize community policing strategies and address the growing homeless population in the Coachella Valley, Indio Police Chief Richard Twiss (Retired) called together representatives from various public and private agencies to discuss the resources available in establishing a homeless court in November 2013; and WHEREAS, members of the program committee included representatives from the Indio Police Department Quality of Life Team, Riverside County Department of Public Social Services, Riverside County District Attorney's Office, Riverside County Public Defender's Office, Conflict Panel, Probation, Judges, and Commissioners for the Riverside Superior Court, and Riverside University Health System -Behavioral Health; and WHEREAS, the Community Outreach Resource Program (CORP) also includes additional partner providers including the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, ABC Recovery Center, Martha's Village and Kitchen, Mama's House, and Victory Outreach; and WHEREAS, recognizing the stigma of the word "homeless" and the often negative experiences of homeless persons in the justice system, the program was given the name of Community Outreach Resource Program; and WHEREAS, the CORP is designed to reward positive change and assist participants with reentry into society by alleviating financial burdens and eliminating obstacles to future job prospects; and CORP: WHEREAS, there are two ways in which a person can become a participant in (1) By currently participating in a partner provider program and being referred by their case manager; and (2) Through an officer in the Palm Desert Police Department making contact in the field, taking the time to explain CORP, and the person agreeing to begin participation in one of the partner provider programs; and WHEREAS, once the individual is actively participating in a partner program, their case manager can submit an application on their behalf to the Public Defender's Office, which application is then reviewed for any open cases or convicted matters with fines and fees owed; and WHEREAS, if the individual appears appropriate, their case is referred to the District Attorney's Office for a background check; and Resolution No. 2017- 28 WHEREAS, at a quarterly meeting, the individual's application is reviewed by all members of the Committee to determine if they are ready for CORP through a series of topics; and WHEREAS, if the individual is accepted into CORP, their low-level misdemeanors and infractions are dismissed, and qualifying fines and fees already owed for convicted cases are forgiven; and WHEREAS, since implemented, there have been 89 graduates of 91 participants with 27 misdemeanors/infractions dismissed, equating to $234,830.08 in fines and fees dismissed; and WHEREAS, a research partnership was developed with Dr. Cody Telep, Assistant Profession for the School of Criminology & Criminal Justice with Arizona State University, to survey participants and determine and document the success of the program; and WHEREAS, the CVAG Executive Committee would like to encourage its member jurisdictions to participate and implement the CORP program in their cities; and WHEREAS, CORP can be utilized by all residents of the Coachella Valley and can include additional partner providers to assist individuals out of homeless ness that qualify through the CORP stakeholder groups; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, supports the CORP for expansion in the Coachella Valley and commits to partnering with the program. PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 23rd day of March, 2017, by the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: ATTEST: RACHELLE D. KLASSEN, CITY CLERK CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA JAN C. HARNIK, MAYOR 2 RESOLUTION NO. 2017- 29 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, PROCLAIMING SUPPORT FOR THE COMMUNITY OUTREACH RESOURCE PROGRAM (CORP) FOR IMPLEMENTATION IN THE CITY OF PALM DESERT WHEREAS, in an effort to utilize community policing strategies and address the growing homeless population in the Coachella Valley, Indio Police Chief Richard Twiss (Retired) called together representatives from various public and private agencies to discuss the resources available in establishing a homeless court in November 2013; and WHEREAS, members of the program committee included representatives from the Indio Police Department Quality of Life Team, Riverside County Department of Public Social Services, Riverside County District Attorney's Office, Riverside County Public Defender's Office, Conflict Panel, Probation, Judges, and Commissioners for the Riverside Superior Court, and Riverside University Health System -Behavioral Health; and WHEREAS, the Community Outreach Resource Program (CORP) also includes additional partner providers including the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, ABC Recovery Center, Martha's Village and Kitchen, Mama's House, and Victory Outreach; and WHEREAS, recognizing the stigma of the work "homeless" and the often negative experiences of homeless persons in the justice system, the program was given the name of Community Outreach Resource Program; and WHEREAS, the CORP is designed to reward positive change and assist participants with reentry into society by alleviating financial burdens and eliminating obstacles to future job prospects; and WHEREAS, there are ways in which a person can become a participant in CORP, it can include an individual who is currently participating in a partner provider program and is referred by their case manager; and WHEREAS, the City of Palm Desert and/or Palm Desert Police Department (Riverside County Sheriffs Department) will assist in identifying potential homeless clients to partner providers; and WHEREAS, once the individual is actively participating in a partner program, their case manager can submit an application on their behalf to the Public Defender's Office, which application is then reviewed for any open cases or convicted matters with fines and fees owed; and WHEREAS, if the individual appears appropriate, their case is referred to the District Attorney's Office for a background check; and Resolution No. 2017- 29 WHEREAS, at a quarterly meeting, the individual's application is reviewed by all members of the Committee to determine if they are ready for CORP through a series of topics; and WHEREAS, since implemented, there have been 89 graduates of 91 participants with 27 misdemeanors/infractions dismissed, equating to $234,830.08 in fines and fees dismissed; and WHEREAS, a research partnership was developed with Dr. Cody Telep, Assistant Profession for the School of Criminology & Criminal Justice with Arizona State University, to survey participants and determine and document the success of the program; and WHEREAS, the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) Homelessness and Public Safety Committee recognizes its proven success and has gained support from regional stakeholders; and WHEREAS, the CVAG Executive Committee would like to encourage its member jurisdictions to participate and implement the CORP program in their cities; and WHEREAS, CORP can be utilized by all residents of the Coachella Valley and can include additional partner providers to assist individuals out of homeless ness that qualify through the CORP stakeholder groups; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, supports the CORP for implementation in the City of Palm Desert PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 23rd day of March, 2017, by the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: ATTEST: RACHELLE D. KLASSEN, CITY CLERK CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA JAN C. HARNIK, MAYOR 2