Discussion and possible action to authorize the submission of a grant application to the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Justice for Families Program Grant, in an amount not to exceed $650,000.00, to support full-time personnel, training and travel, equipment, supplies, and other program-related needs for the Webb County Sheriff’s Office Safe Haven Program; to designate the Webb County Judge as the Authorized Official for all matters related to this grant; and any other matters incident thereto. This grant does not require a match and will have no impact on the General Fund. All required documents were submitted for review through the Economic Development Department, and the solicitation is compliant with the Webb County Single Point of Contact (SPOC) procedures. [Requested by Martin Cuellar, Webb County Sheriff; Grant Fund #2607]

Issue: The Safe Haven Program provides secure supervised visitation and safe exchange services for minor children in the Webb County community. These services are essential for families involved in high-conflict custody matters, allegations of child abuse or neglect, family or domestic violence, and other serious family disputes. Continued funding is needed to support staffing, security, equipment, supplies, and other operational needs necessary to ensure these services remain available to vulnerable children and families.

Solution: Approval to submit the grant application will allow Webb County to seek funding to support the Safe Haven Program, including full-time personnel, training and travel, equipment, supplies, and other program-related needs necessary to continue providing supervised visitation and safe exchange services to families in the community.

Result: If awarded, grant funding will help ensure that the Webb County/Laredo community continues to have access to supervised visitation and safe exchange services. Continued operation of the Safe Haven Program will promote child safety, support families experiencing high-conflict situations, and help reduce or prevent incidents of serious family violence.

The purpose of the Office on Violence Against Women Justice for Families Program Grant is to support supervised visitation and safe exchange services that protect children and families affected by domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, child abuse, neglect, and high-conflict custody matters. Grant funds will assist the Webb County Sheriff’s Office Safe Haven Program in maintaining a safe, secure, and neutral environment for court-ordered visits and exchanges while promoting child safety and reducing the risk of further family violence.