Discussion and possible action to approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Webb County, through the Webb County Sheriff’s Office, the 406th District Court and Casa de Misericordia Domestic Violence Shelter, establishing the coordinated roles, responsibilities and collaborative partnership necessary to support the implementation of the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) Fiscal Year 2026 Justice for Families Program Grant contingent upon grant award; and any other matters incident thereto. This MOU is a required component of the grant application. The grant requires no cash match and will have no impact on the General Fund. [Requested by Martin Cuellar, Webb County Sheriff]

Issue: Families affected by domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, child abuse, neglect, and high-conflict custody matters may require safe and coordinated services to protect children and support victims. Continued collaboration among law enforcement, the courts, and victim service providers is essential to ensure families have access to secure supervised visitation, safe exchange services, advocacy and appropriate referrals.

Solution: Approve the MOU formalizing the partnership among the Webb County Sheriff’s Office Safe Haven Program, the 406th District Court, and Casa de Misericordia Domestic Violence Shelter. The agreement will define each partner’s role and commitment to coordinating services, sharing resources and supporting the goals and implementation of the Justice for Families Program Grant.

Result: The partnership will strengthen coordinated services for families in Webb County affected by violence and high-conflict custody matters. If awarded, grant funding will support a collaborative response that promotes child safety, improves access to supervised visitation and safe exchange services, and enhances victim support, recovery, privacy, justice and dignity.

The proposed MOU is a required component of the OVW Justice for Families Program Grant application and demonstrates the County’s commitment to a coordinated community response. The agreement memorializes the ongoing collaboration between the Webb County Sheriff’s Office, the 406th District Court and Casa de Misericordia Domestic Violence Shelter in serving vulnerable children and families throughout Webb County.