(1) We are not obligated to disburse funds to all domestic violence programs that meet the minimum standards set forth in this chapter. Our goals are to:
- (a) Provide for a statewide network of supportive services, including emergency shelter, and advocacy for victims of domestic violence and their children;
- (b) Provide for culturally specific and appropriate services for victims of domestic violence and their children from populations that have been historically underserved or unserved; and
- (c) Assist communities in efforts to increase public awareness about, and prevention of, domestic violence.
(2) Funding for this program is intended to develop and maintain domestic violence programs that are:
- (a) Focused on victim advocacy, safety, empowerment, maintaining confidentiality, and safety planning;
- (b) Inclusive and responsive to the ethnic, cultural, racial, and socioeconomic diversity of the state; and
- (c) Flexible and designed to meet the needs of domestic violence victims at the local level.
(3) If an organization applies for funding, we will consider such things as:
- (a) Geographic location;
- (b) Population density;
- (c) Specific population needs, including urban and rural areas, and the need for culturally and linguistically appropriate services and prevention efforts;
- (d) Availability and existence of domestic violence outreach and prevention efforts;
- (e) An applicant's demonstrated history and experience in providing domestic violence services and its ability to provide services that comply with the minimum standards of this chapter;
- (f) The availability of other domestic violence programs in a community and the level of collaboration between and among existing programs; and
- (g) The amount of funding we have available to maintain stability and support for domestic violence programs currently funded by the department under this chapter.
[Statutory Authority: Chapter 70.123 RCW. WSR 18-09-015, § 388-61A-1020, filed 4/10/18, effective 5/11/18.]