Arkansas § 9-6-106 - Operational requirements of shelters receiving domestic violence shelter funds.

§ 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: 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; 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; Provides emergency housing and related supportive services in a safe and protective environment for victims of domestic abuse and their children; 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. 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; Requires all advocates and volunteers who provide direct services to victims to sign a written confidentiality agreement that prohibits the release of: The name or other personal and identifying information about a victim served at the shelter; and The name or other personal and identifying information about a family or household member of a victim served at the shelter. The confidentiality agreement required under subdivision (5)(A) of this section does not: Apply to an advocate who testifies in court under a lawfully issued witness subpoena; or Prevent disclosure for federal grant review, audit, or reporting; Develops and implements a written plan for outreach efforts to aid victims of domestic violence; Provides peer support groups for victims; Provides assistance and court advocacy for victims seeking orders of protection; and Provides training and educational information on domestic violence for professionals, community organizations, and interested individuals.