§ 9-4-106 — Program requirements

Every shelter shall: (1) Develop and implement a written nondiscrimination policy to provide services without regard to race, religion, color, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, or sexual preference; (2) Provide 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) Provide emergency housing and related supportive services in a safe, protective environment for victims of domestic abuse and their children; (4) (A) Provide 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 shall not be answered by an answering machine, answering service, or mobile telephone; (5) (A) Require all advocates and volunteers who provide direct services to victims to sign a written confidentiality agreement that prohibits the release of the following: (i) The names or other personal and identifying information about the victims who are served at the shelter; and (ii) The names or other personal and identifying information about the family or household members of the victims who are served at the shelter. (B) The confidentiality agreement shall not apply to advocates who testify in court. (C) The confidentiality agreement shall not prevent disclosure from federal grant review, audit, or reporting; (6) Develop and implement a written plan for outreach efforts to aid victims of domestic violence; (7) Provide peer support groups for victims; (8) Provide assistance and court advocacy for victims seeking orders of protection; and (9) Provide training and educational information on domestic violence for professionals, community organizations, and interested individuals.

Legislative History

Acts 2003, No. 1276, § 1