Section 9-6-106 - Operational requirements of shelters receiving domestic violence shelter funds

A statewide domestic violence entity that receives a grant under this chapter shall distribute funds to a shelter if the shelter:(1) Develops and implements a written nondiscrimination policy to provide services without regard to race, religion, color, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, or sexual orientation;(2) Provides a facility that is open, accessible, and staffed by an advocate or a volunteer each day of the calendar year and twenty-four (24) hours each day;(3) Provides emergency housing and related supportive services in a safe and protective environment for victims of domestic abuse and their children;(4)(A) Provides a crisis telephone hotline that is answered by an advocate or a volunteer who meets the training requirements under this chapter each day of the calendar year and twenty-four (24) hours each day.(B) The crisis telephone hotline required under subdivision (4)(A) of this section shall not be answered by an answering machine, answering service, or mobile telephone voicemail;(5)(A) Requires all advocates and volunteers who provide direct services to victims to sign a written confidentiality agreement that prohibits the release of: (i) The name or

bile telephone voicemail;(5)(A) Requires all advocates and volunteers who provide direct services to victims to sign a written confidentiality agreement that prohibits the release of: (i) The name or other personal and identifying information about a victim served at the shelter; and(ii) The name or other personal and identifying information about a family or household member of a victim served at the shelter.(B) The confidentiality agreement required under subdivision (5)(A) of this section does not:(i) Apply to an advocate who testifies in court under a lawfully issued witness subpoena; or(ii) Prevent disclosure for federal grant review, audit, or reporting;(6) Develops and implements a written plan for outreach efforts to aid victims of domestic violence;(7) Provides peer support groups for victims;(8) Provides assistance and court advocacy for victims seeking orders of protection; and(9) Provides training and educational information on domestic violence for professionals, community organizations, and interested individuals.Added by Act 2017, No. 583,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017