Discussion and possible action to authorize the submission of the renewal Grant Application in the amount of Three Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($325,000) to the Office of the Governor-Public Safety Office Criminal Justice Division for year five (October 1, 2025 - September 30, 2026) for the Laredo/Webb County Texas Emergency Network Diversion (TEND) Court to focus on awareness, intervention, and prevention of exploitation, human trafficking, and commercial exploitation of children and young adults in foster care and authorizing the County Judge to act as the County’s Executive Officer and Authorized Representative in all matters pertaining to this grant, and any other matters incident thereto. This grant does not require any kind of match; thus, there is no financial impact on the General Fund. [Requested by Child Protection Court, Associate Judge Selina L. Mireles, Fund #2747]

Issue: There is a need in Laredo/Webb County for resources to address the issue of exploitation, human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of children and young adults in our community. Persons who have suffered abuse in childhood or adolescence are susceptible to being exploited, human trafficked, or commercially sexually exploited. There is a need to train the community and those involved in the criminal justice system on how to identify potential and current victims and stop the cycle of exploitation. The Office of the Governor of Texas has provided available resources through a grant opportunity to enhance awareness, intervention, and prevention of this serious issue.

Solution: Authorize the submission of this grant application as set forth above to ensure that Laredo/Webb County, CPS, and the CPC TEND Court continue to provide awareness, intervention, and prevention of exploitation, human trafficking, and commercial sexual exploitation of children and young adults living in foster care.  

Result: TEND Court will be in compliance with SPOC, and with the submission rules and regulations set forth by the funding agency.

Issue:
There is a need in Laredo/Webb County for resources to address the issue of exploitation, human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of children and young adults in our community. Persons who have suffered abuse in childhood or adolescence are susceptible to being exploited, human trafficked, or commercially sexually exploited. There is a need to train the community and those involved in the criminal justice system on how to identify potential and current victims and stop the cycle of exploitation. The Office of the Governor of Texas has provided available resources through a grant opportunity to enhance awareness, intervention, and prevention of this serious issue.

Solution:
Authorize the submission of this grant application as set forth above to ensure that Laredo/Webb County, CPS, and the CPC TEND Court continue to provide awareness, intervention, and prevention of exploitation, human trafficking, and commercial sexual exploitation of children and young adults living in foster care.  

Result:
TEND Court will be in compliance with SPOC, and with the submission rules and regulations set forth by the funding agency.

 

The grant was previously approved for the 4th year during the regular Commissioners Court meeting on 1/8/25.