Florida Administrative Code
65 - DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
65H - Domestic Violence
Chapter 65H-1 - DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Section 65H-1.012 - Application and Certification Process

1. Satisfactory environmental health inspection report completed within the last 365 days by the local health department.

2. Satisfactory fire safety inspection report completed within the last 365 days by the local fire authority.

3. Financial ability to provide services and shelter.

4. Maintenance of all records pertaining to the operation of the domestic violence program and provision of services in a manner such that the records are readily accessible.

1. Executive Summary. The executive summary shall include, at a minimum, the mission, goals, objectives, and history of organization.

2. Community Support. The applicant must demonstrate that the organization is publicly supported, both programmatically and financially. The financial documentation shall demonstrate a 25 percent local match in the form of cash, in-kind services, or a combination thereof. Written endorsement by local law enforcement agencies, and three letters of support from community partners shall also be included.

3. Financial Plan. The financial plan shall include the organization's income statement, which identifies revenues by source and expenditures by category; 25 percent local match in the form of cash, in-kind services, or a combination thereof; an independent financial audit covering the previous 18 months operation as a domestic violence program, conducted by a certified public accountant licensed under Chapter 473, F.S.; and a plan for sustainability with projected revenues and expenditures for the 24 months of operation following date of certification.

4. Management Plan. The management plan shall include a detailed description of the organization's legal and organizational structure, including names, contact information and resumes for the management team, board of directors, and, if applicable, any advisory boards. The plan must include documentation of the selection process, code of conduct, duties and responsibilities, training requirements, and minutes from the past six meetings of the board of directors, and, if applicable, any advisory boards. Copies of by-laws, IRS tax exemption determination letter, Federal Employment Identification (FEID) number, city business license, county business license, and certificate of status or acknowledgement letter of registration from the Florida Department of State shall also be included.

5. Market Analysis and Plan. The market analysis shall include a description of the local need for domestic violence services and how those needs are met or unmet. The applicant must demonstrate that services address a need identified in the most current statewide needs assessment approved by the Department. The current needs assessment may be obtained from the Domestic Violence Program Office or on the Department's website at http://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/domestic-violence/reports-publications. Descriptions of the service area and demographics, efforts to avoid duplication of services, and strategies for public awareness and fundraising shall also be included.

6. Personnel Plan. The personnel plan shall include an organizational chart identifying all center employees. The plan must clearly describe each employee's responsibilities, and include clear lines of authority, accountability, and lines of communication; processes for evaluations and disciplinary action; position descriptions; and the shift schedule for the emergency shelter. The personnel plan must also include the provider's staff training and development plan and meet the requirements provided in Rule 65H-1.013, F.A.C., and an explanation of measures utilized to maintain the safety of persons receiving services, including, at a minimum, any background screening, reference checks, verification of previous employment, and certifications of center employees.

7. Operations Plan. The operations plan shall include a description of the facilities with city of location, equipment, and assets. Approval of the shelter facilities signed by local authorized zoning, building, and other applicable permitting agencies, based upon inspections not more than 60 days prior to the date of filing the certification application is also required. Those buildings that have pre-established schedules with local regulatory agencies for annual re-inspection may submit written documentation of the results of such inspection held within the past calendar year. The operations plan must also include the provider's emergency management plan and meet the requirements provided in Rule 65H-1.013, F.A.C.

8. Service Plan. The service plan shall include an identification and comprehensive description of each service required by Section 39.905, F.S., and any additional services and programs provided by the provider. The description must illustrate the manner in which services will be integrated with existing resources for domestic violence victims, for example, inter-agency agreements. For each of the services required in Section 39.905, F.S., the applicant must address the needs of underserved populations, including populations that are underserved because of disabilities, ethnicity, race, language, or geographic isolation, and specific efforts to reach each of these populations within the organization's service area. Documentation of services shall include services provided during the previous 18 months of operation as a domestic violence program and include the number of persons served for each required service, and the gender, age, and ethnicity of the people served.