§ 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:

1. (1) 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;

2. (2) 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;

3. (3) Provides emergency housing and related supportive services in a safe and protective environment for victims of domestic abuse and their children;

4. (4)

   1. (A) 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.

   2. (B) 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;

5. (5)

   1. (A) Requires all advocates and volunteers who provide direct services to victims to sign a written confidentiality agreement that prohibits the release of:

      1. (i) The name or other personal and identifying information about a victim served at the shelter; and

      2. (ii) The name or other personal and identifying information about a family or household member of a victim served at the shelter.

   2. (B) The confidentiality agreement required under subdivision (5)(A) of this section does not:

      1. (i) Apply to an advocate who testifies in court under a lawfully issued witness subpoena; or

      2. (ii) Prevent disclosure for federal grant review, audit, or reporting;

6. (6) Develops and implements a written plan for outreach efforts to aid victims of domestic violence;

7. (7) Provides peer support groups for victims;

8. (8) Provides assistance and court advocacy for victims seeking orders of protection; and

9. (9) Provides training and educational information on domestic violence for professionals, community organizations, and interested individuals.