2014-094 I r
CHILD PROTECTION INVESTIGATIONS PROJECT:
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding is to coordinate services of the Clermont Police
Department and Haven of Lake & Sumter Counties, Inc through partnership and collaboration. By
participating in this agreement, all partners are expressing their commitment to work as equals within
their own unique roles to accomplish their mission, while understanding that addressing the overall
problem of domestic violence and child abuse requires a respectful, shared response.
I. DESCRIPTION OF PARTNERS
Haven of Lake& Sumter Counties,Inc.(Haven)is the certified provider of comprehensive services
to adult survivors of domestic violence and their children in Lake&Sumter Counties. Haven's mission
is to provide unduplicated services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Clermont Police Department represents the state of Florida in criminal prosecutions lawsuits P ons and la suits in
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Lake& Sumter Counties.
II. HISTORY OF RELATIONSHIP
Haven and Clermont Police Department have demonstrated a history of successful collaborations
since 1977. These agencies have worked together to provide referral and information services for many
years.
III.ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Haven and Clermont Police Department will work together in the CPI Domestic Violence Advocate
Project as indicated:
1. Leadership from Clermont Police Department will meet initially to develop protocols for
screening, serving, and referring cases involving domestic violence. Clermont Police
Department will ensure that the appropriate supervisors also attend the meeting(s) to establish
communication procedures and guarantee consistent messaging with all staff involved with the
project.
2. Leadership from Clermont Police Department will meet, at minimum, on a quarterly basis to
enhance adult and child survivor safety,increase perpetrator accountability,discuss and resolve
bathers to collaboration,and develop strategies to resolve emerging issues that arise in the CPI
Project. The Leadership Team members will develop the project's mission and vision
statements.
3. Haven Domestic Violence Child Welfare Advocate (DVCW) and supervisor, and a
representative(s) from Clermont Police Department will participate in ongoing monthly
meetings to discuss successes; address barriers to collaboration; and develop strategies to
resolve emerging issues throughout the project period.
4. Haven and Clermont Police Department will invite and encourage local representatives from
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other agencies to attend the monthly meetings to broaden the participation in the effort to
address the co—occurrence of domestic violence and child abuse. Upon request, Haven will
conduct trainings on issues related to addressing the co-occurrence of domestic violence and
child abuse, understanding batterer behavior, safety planning, and importance of services for
staff members of Clermont Police Department.
5. Haven DVCW Advocate will provide support and referral services for survivors of domestic
violence and their children. Haven will offer a range of direct services to the survivor and the
children upon referral including options such as emergency shelter, outreach counseling,
advocacy including with the partners to this agreement and other types of services as available
and determined by the survivor.
6. Haven will share information regarding survivors of domestic violence as permitted by and in
compliance with Florida confidentiality and privilege laws as outlined in Florida Statutes
sections 39.908; 90.5035 and 90.5036, and the Federal Violence against Women Act of
2005. Haven agrees to inform the parent whenever Clermont Police Department request
information. However, communication between the Haven and DCF/CPI relating to a parent's
confidential information is at the discretion of and with the informed,reasonably time-limited written
consent of the parent. Haven will not utilize Florida Safe Families Network (FSFN) for
information sharing purposes.
7. Haven and Clermont Police Department will ensure all information released to community
partners adheres to all applicable Florida and Federal confidentiality and privilege laws, and
any protocols agreed to by Clermont Police Department and Haven addressing information
sharing and cooperation in domestic violence prevention and investigation.
8. Clermont Police Department will support the efforts of the child welfare agencies and the
Domestic Violence Center to provide protection to the child and adult victims of abuse by
enforcing all laws pertaining to child abuse and neglect and domestic violence and through the
enforcement of court orders established by the injunctive process.In addition,Clermont Police
Department will assume a leadership role with holding the perpetrator accountable through
methods including, but not limited to: arrest and removal of the batterer from the home;
thoroughly reviewing domestic violence reports/cases to ensure the correct charges were placed
on the suspect; ensure written statements were documented from all possible parties; ensure
that evidentiary photos were taken; review the batterer's criminal history, including
communication with any current or past probation officer; determine if there are any other
witnesses who might provide a statement; determine if there is any other evidence that may be
collected to support or enhance charges;determine if there are injuries that may enhance charges
such as strangulation; follow up with the victim to determine if any injuries or new bruising is
now evident and photograph those injuries to update the evidence for prosecution; and inquire
if the victim has seen a medical provider since the time of the incident. Clermont Police
Department will provide victims with information about the certified domestic violence center
and connect them with the local 24 hour domestic violence hotline or the Florida Domestic
Violence Hotline if the victim would like to speak with a domestic violence advocate.
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IV. COMMITMENT
By signing this Memorandum of Understanding, the project partners acknowledge their commitment
to achieve the stated purpose of the project. It is further agreed that this MOU can be amended at any
time upon consent of all parties and will require renewal one year from the date of signing.
As indicated by my signature, I have read and agree with the Memorandum of Understanding.
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e y m 1 ridge,Executive irector Date
Haven of ,ake : Sumter- ounties, i c
.ArdArLako 7—IL(
Chie Charles Broadway Date
Clermont Police Department
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