City Council Study Session Agenda and Packet 2017 07 11

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Community Safety Community safety includes a broad range of services, including law enforcement and the criminal justice system. But there are many other services that focus on keeping children, families and vulnerable adults safe from harm. Worthy Cause has long supported nonprofits that provide safe services for community members at risk, and also educate the community about child and elder abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crimes that affect the safety of vulnerable populations. As is true in any community, Boulder County experiences some instances of child abuse and neglect, elder abuse, domestic violence, and other crimes against vulnerable populations. Boulder County's nonprofit network includes partners who are focused on reducing and preventing acts of abuse or violence, and when traumatic events do occur, they are equipped to help people move forward into healthy, productive lives. Domestic Violence Services: The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence estimates that in a typical year, between two million and four million women experience abuse at the hands of their spouses or partners. An incidence of violence or abuse might require a family or individual to move from their current situation unexpectedly. The availability of emergency shelters gives abused spouses or partners - and possibly their children - a short- term safe place to stay, along with other services that might include case management, counseling , legal services and assistance finding safe, long-term housing. Education: The protection of at -risk populations requires the involvement of the entire community. There may be signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation that could be detected by individuals who interact with victims. Through training or education to help people recognize signs of abuse, community members might be able to identify children who are at risk before the danger becomes critical. In addition, sexual assault and abuse may be prevented by educating children and young adults about strategies to keep themselves safe and out of harmful situations. Several Worthy Cause -supported nonprofits offer classes designed to help prevent this type of crime. Blue Sky Bridge, 2617 Iris Hollow Place, Boulder, CO Blue Sky Bridge provides prevention and intervention services for child abuse or neglect and child sexual abuse. As the primary provider of forensic interviews with children experiencing trauma from abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse, and with the growing demand for prevention and education services around child safety, Blue Sky Bridge has struggled to meet the demand for services countywide. To meet the increased need, Blue Sky Bridge made a plan to expand its facilities, and Worthy Cause funding helped make that expansion possible. Worthy Cause contributed $400,000 over three years to support the remodeling and expansion of Blue Sky Bridge's facility in Boulder. As of February 2017, a project was underway that would more than double Blue Sky Bridge's facility - from 2,200 square feet to 5,300 square feet. The facility will include a new room for specialized medical exams for child victims of sexual abuse. Currently, clients in need of these exams must travel to Arvada or Loveland. The new facility will also include a forensic interview room, play rooms for children, rooms for therapy services, space for detectives and case workers, extra office space, a staff break room, and a conference room for larger meetings. The space will expand Blue Sky Bridge's capacity to handle larger volumes, but perhaps more importantly will reduce waiting time for children who require specialty services. 13 Boulder County 1 Worthy Cause 111 Community Safety Worthy Cause Recipients Blue Sky Bridge 2015 $200,000 • 20161 $50,000 • 20171 $150,00 Safehouse Progressive Alliance 20111 $50,000 • 20131 $85,000 • 20141 $250,000 • 20161 $50,000 • 20171 $25,000 Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley 20121 $50,000 • 20141 $15,400 18