Discussion and possible action to accept the award from the Office of the Governor, Public Safety Office, Criminal Justice Division for Laredo/Webb County Texas Emergency Network Diversion (TEND) Court Program, Grant #4325004, Year 4, in the amount of Two Hundred Forty-Seven Thousand Dollars ($247,000.00) beginning October 1, 2024. The TEND Court will utilize this funding opportunity to prevent the exploitation, human trafficking, and the commercial sexual exploitation of children living in foster care. This formal request shall authorize the County Judge to act as the County's Executive Officer and Authorized Representative in all matters pertaining to the County's participation in this grant and sign all relevant documentation. There is no match requirement for Grant #4325004; therefore, it will not impact the general fund. This contract and agreement commences on October 1, 2024, and terminates on September 30, 2025, as the grant application is submitted yearly for renewal. All required documents were reviewed by the Economic Development Department and the solicitation is compliant with the Webb County Single Point of Contact (SPOC) procedures. [Requested by the Selina Mireles, Judge for TEND Court, Child Protection Court]

Issue: Notice of Award and Activation was received by the Funding Agency on 12/12/2024, and now acceptance by the Commissioners Court is required.
 
Solution: Accept the award for the Texas Emergency Network Diversion (TEND) Court Program and proceed with the continuity of the TEND Court in Laredo/Webb County.
 
Result: The Texas Emergency Network Diversion (TEND) Court program is on its 4th year of funding, and will utilize funding to continue efforts on awareness and prevention of exploitation, human trafficking and the commercial sexual exploitation of children within age groups10 -17, living in foster care, and identified as at-risk.

Issue: 
Notice of Award and Activation was received by the Funding Agency on 12/12/2024, and now acceptance by the Commissioners Court is required. 
Solution: 
Accept the award for the Texas Emergency Network Diversion (TEND) Court Program and proceed with the continuity of the TEND Court in Laredo/Webb County. 
Result: 
The Texas Emergency Network Diversion (TEND) Court program is on its 4th year of funding, and will utilize funding to continue efforts on awareness and prevention of exploitation, human trafficking and the commercial sexual exploitation of children within age groups
10 -17, living in foster care, and identified as at-risk.   

Move forward with the direction/action of the Webb County Commissioners Court as approved: 
1st FY 2021-2022: February 8, 2021,
2nd FY 2022-2023: January 24, 2022,
3rd FY 2023-2024: January 23, 2023, and
4th FY 2024-2025: January 8, 2024, during the regular meeting.