Faith and Community Based Liaison & Interagency Coordinating Group

Transcription

1 Faith and Community Based Liaison & Interagency Coordinating Group Aggregated Annual Report ReportCompiledby: OneStarFoundation This is an aggregate of appointed state agency faith and community based liaison reports.

2 TableofContents I. ExecutiveSummary 2 II. HouseBill492(81R)Overview 3 III. FBC LiaisonandICGRolesandResponsibilities 3 4 IV. StateAgencyBarrierAssessment 5 V. AnnualReportingofFBC LiaisonandICGDuties 6 9 VI. RecommendedandRequestedAdditionalICGMembers 10 VII. NextStepsfor VIII. Appendix a. HouseBill492(81R) b. AppointedFBC LiaisonsandICGMembers c. BarrierAssessmentReport 1

3 2 I. EXECUTIVESUMMARY HouseBill492passedduringtheRegularSessionofthe81 st TexasLegislature(HB492(81R)),uponwhich severalactivitieshaveoccurredwiththeintentionofstrengtheningpartnershipswithstategovernmental entitiesandnonprofits(faithandcommunitybasedorganizations).onemandatedactivitywasthe appointmentoffaithandcommunitybasedliaisons(fbc Liaisons)fromtheStateCommissiononNational andcommunityservice(onestarfoundation)andfourteen(14)stateagencies.fbc Liaisonswere appointedtoserveastheliaisonwithineachagencyandtoserveasamemberoftheinteragency CoordinatingGroup(ICG).PerHB492(81R),theICGispresidedoverbytheappointedFBC LiaisonofTexas HealthandHumanServicesCommission. During2010,thefirsttaskforeachFBC Liaisonwasthecompletionofaninternalbarrierassessment.Each FBC Liaisonwasresponsibleforcompletingthisassessmenttoidentifychallengesandopportunitiesto partnershipsbetweenstategovernmentalentitiesandfaithandcommunitybasedorganizations(fbcos). Thisassessmentwasthefirststepintheprocessforliaisonstoexamineinternalpracticesanddevelop actionplanswithintheirrespectiveagencies;itwasalsothefirststepfortheicgasawholetoreview aggregatefindingsfromwhichtobaseanactionplanmovingforward. Stateagenciesexaminedeligibilityrequirementsforgrants,contractingrequirements,marketing strategies,programmaticrequirements,etc.thisprocesswassignificantasfbc Liaisonsworkedtogether ontheicgtodetermineacrossagencyactivitiestoaddressinter agencybarrierassessmentfindings. PerHB492(81R),completedassessmentsweresubmittedtoOneStarFoundation(OneStar)for compilation.eachofthefourteenstateagenciescompliedwithcompletionofthebarrierassessment. AggregatedfindingsmaybefoundintheAppendix. ThenextreportingrequirementofFBC Liaisons,duetoOneStar,wasanannualreportthatidentifies activitiesspecifictofbc LiaisonandICGrolesandresponsibilities.Eachofthefourteen(14)stateagencies submittedannualreportsandasevidencedbytheinformationprovided,severalstateagenciesbegan activitiesin2010andplantocontinueeffortsduring2011.whileotherstateagenciesplantomove forwardwithdevelopmentandimplementationofactivitiesduring2011.aggregatedfindingsare highlightedthroughoutthisdocument. Duetotheuniquenessofeachstateagency,variationsonprogresstowardactivitiesmayexist.Individual stateagencyreports,submittedtoonestar,areavailableuponrequest. Thisisanaggregateofappointedstateagencyfaithandcommunitybasedliaisonreports.

4 II. OVERVIEWOFHOUSEBILL492(81R) RenewingOurCommunitiesisaninitiativehighlightedthroughthepassageofHouseBill492duringthe RegularSessionofthe81 st TexasLegislature(HB492(81R)).Thisgroundbreakingbillisdesignedto strengthenthecapacityoffaith basedandcommunityorganizations(fbcos)andtheoverallcapacityof thenonprofitsector bydevelopingstrongerpartnershipsbetweenfbcosandgovernmentalentities. Thesestrongerpartnershipswillinturnallowthenonprofitsectortomoreeffectivelyprovidesocial servicestotexans. OneoftheinitiativesofHB492(81R)istostrengthenpartnershipswithstategovernmentalentitiesand nonprofits(faithandcommunitybasedorganizations).hb492(81r)requiresaninteragencycoordinating Group(ICG)comprisedofappointedFaithandCommunityBasedLiaisons(FBC Liaisons). TheStateCommissiononNationalandCommunityService(alsoknownasOneStarFoundation)servesas anappointedfbc Liaisoninadditiontothefollowingstateagencies: HealthandHumanServicesCommission(HHSC) DepartmentofAgingandDisabilityServices(DADS) DepartmentofAssistiveandRehabilitativeServices(DARS) DepartmentofFamilyandProtectiveServices(DFPS) DepartmentofStateHealthServices(DSHS) TexasCommissiononEnvironmentalQuality(TCEQ) TexasDepartmentofCriminalJustice(TDCJ) TexasDepartmentofHousingandCommunityAffairs(TDHCA) TexasDepartmentofRuralAffairs(TDRA) TexasEducationAgency(TEA) TexasJuvenileProbationCommission(TJPC) TexasVeteransCommission(TVC) TexasWorkforceCommission(TWC) TexasYouthCommission(TYC) III. FBC LIAISONANDICGROLESANDRESPONSIBILITIES HB492(81R)definesthegeneraldutiesofFBC Liaisons,ICGmembers,andspecificreportingrequirements foreach.thelegislationalsoidentifiesthepresidingofficeroftheicgastheappointedhealthandhuman ServicesCommission sfbc Liaison.Thedutiesandreportingrequirementsareoutlinedbelow: FBC LiaisonDuties Sec (a)(1) Identifyandremoveunnecessarybarrierstopartnershipsbetweenthestate agencytheliaisonrepresentsandfaith andcommunity basedorganizations. 3

5 Sec (a)(2) Provideinformationandtraining,ifnecessary,foremployeesofthestate agencytheliaisonrepresentsregardingequalopportunitystandardsforfaith andcommunitybasedorganizationsseekingtopartnerwithstategovernment. Sec (a)(3) Facilitatetheidentificationofpracticeswithdemonstratedeffectivenessfor faith andcommunity basedorganizationsthatpartnerwiththestateagencytheliaisonrepresents. Sec (a)(4) Workwiththeappropriatedepartmentsandprogramsofthestateagencythe liaisonrepresentstoconductoutreacheffortstoinformandwelcomefaithandcommunity based organizationsthathavenottraditionallyformedpartnershipswiththeagency. Sec (a)(5) Coordinatealleffortswiththegovernor sofficeoffaith basedandcommunity initiativesandprovideinformation,support,andassistancetothatofficeasrequestedtotheextent permittedbylawandasfeasible. Sec (a)(6) Attendconferencessponsoredbyfederalagenciesandofficesandother relevantentitiestobecomeandremaininformedofissuesanddevelopmentsregardingfaith and community basedinitiatives. ICGDuties Sec (c)(1) Meetperiodicallyatthecallofthepresidingofficer Sec (c)(2) WorkacrossstateagenciesandwithStateCommissiononNationaland CommunityServicetofacilitatetheremovalofunnecessaryinteragencybarrierstopartnerships betweenstateagenciesandfaith andcommunity basedorganizations. Sec (c)(3) Operateinamannerthatpromoteseffectivepartnershipsbetweenthose agenciesandorganizationstoserveresidentsofthisstatewhoneedassistance. ReportingDuties Sec (a)(1) Provideperiodicreportstotheexecutivecommissionerorotherchief executiveofficerwhodesignatedtheliaison,asapplicable,onascheduledeterminedbytheperson whodesignatedtheliaison. Sec (a)(2) ReportannuallytotheGovernor sofficeoffaithandcommunitybased InitiativesandasnecessarytotheStateCommissiononNationalandCommunityServiceregarding theliaison'seffortstocomplywiththedutiesimposedundersections and Sec (b) EachreportmadeunderSubsection(a)(2)mustbemadeavailabletothepublic throughpostingontheofficeofthegovernor sinternetwebsite,andthereportsmaybe aggregatedintoasinglereportforthatpurpose. 4

6 IV. StateAgencyBarrierAssessment EachFBC Liaisonwasresponsibleforcompletinganinternalbarrierassessmentquestionnairewiththe purposeoflookingwithinprogramrequirements,suchasauthorizingstatutes,eligibilitycriteria,andother procurementprocesses,todetermineexistingbarriersandopportunitiesforpartneringwithfaithand communitybasedorganizations.adetailedreportoffindingsmaybefoundintheappendix. ThebarrierassessmentwastheinitialstepintheprocessforFBC Liaisonstoidentifycurrentpractices, whatisworkingwellandopportunitiesforimprovementandtraining.uponcompletionofthebarrier assessmentanddevelopingconsensusamongfbc Liaisonsonthematicbarriersacrossagencies,ICG membersdevelopednextstepstoaddressidentifiedthemes,bothacrossagenciesandwithineach liaison srespectiveagency. Interagencythematicfindingsfromthebarrierassessmentincluded: Additionaltrainingandoutreachtoenhancecollaboration,streamlineaccess,strengthen governmentandfbcopartnerships,anddevelopnewpartnerships.therewasconsensusacross stateagenciesregardingadesiretoincreaseopportunitiesforpartnershipswithfbcosanddueto alackofperceivedrestrictionsthatmighthinderpartnerships,opportunitiesmaybeexplored addressingthisneed.acrossagencies,thefollowingexamplewasidentifiedasonewaytoaddress theneedforadditionaltrainingandoutreach:developasystemwherebymoreexperiencedfbcos wouldmentorlessexperiencedfbcosonpartneringwithstategovernmentalentities. Fundingandsustainabilityconcerns.Therewasconsensusacrossstateagenciesregardingthe needforincreasedfundingtoassistwithstrengtheningpartnershipsaswellasaneedtoincrease publicizingfundingopportunitiestofbcos,particularlyfbcosinunderservedportionsofthestate. Acrossstateagencies,consensuswasalsoformedontheneedforincreasedawarenessofthecosts associatedwithrunninganonprofitandrecognitionthatlegislativeeffortswouldbeneededto increaseagencyfundinginanefforttoincreasepartnershipsandaddresscostsassociatedwith runninganonprofit. InconsistencieswerefoundacrossagenciesregardingunderstandingofEqualOpportunity treatmentandwheretogetrelatedinformation.acrossstateagencies,additionalinformation andtrainingisneededtoensureaccurateinformationisprovidedinaconsistentandreliable mannertostateagencypersonnel. Basedontheaboveinter agencyconsensusfindings,icgmembersdeterminedthree(3)keyareasoffocus during2011: EnhanceTraining ShareInformationandResources RemoveBarriers 5

7 V. AnnualReportingofFBC LiaisonandICGDuties FBC LiaisonsarerequiredtosubmitanannualreporttoOneStaronactivitiesassociatedwithFBC Liaison dutieswithintheirrespectivestateagenciesandicgdutiesacrossagencies.thisreportisthefirstofits kindandisanaggregatedsummaryofactivitiesprovidedfromfbc LiaisonstoOneStar.Resultsarebased onreportssubmittedfromfourteen(14)stateagencies. FBC LiaisonDuties Sec (a)(1) Identifyandremoveunnecessarybarrierstopartnershipsbetweenthestate agencytheliaisonrepresentsandfaith andcommunity basedorganizations. 14outof14stateagenciesconductedaninternalbarrierassessment(aggregatedfindings maybefoundintheappendix). 5outof14stateagenciesindicatedcompletionofactivitiestoaddressandremovebarriers duringdecember1,2009 December1,2010(DFPS;DSHS;TDCJ;TDHCA;TVC). 14outof14projectedthatfuturestepswillbetakenin2011toremoveunnecessary barrierstopartnerships. Examples: TexasDepartmentofCriminalJustice Identifiedlimitedavailabilityofmeetingandclassroomspaceforvolunteerledprogramsand seminars. AddressedbarrierthroughtheCapitalImprovementReviewCommitteethatpartnerswithnonprofit organizationsandvolunteergroupstoassistinconstructingmulti purposespace.windhamschool Districtclassroomsarealsomadeavailableforsomevolunteerprograms. TexasDepartmentofHousingandCommunityAffairs Identifiedtwodivisions/programswithinTDHCAthathavefundingrestrictionswhichprohibit contractingwithfbcos. Addressedbarrierthroughauthorizingprograms subrecipientstheabilitytocontractwithfbcos. TexasDepartmentofStateHealthServices IdentifiedtechnicalassistanceneedstobeprovidedtoFBCOsonareasspecifictocontract management,fiscalaccountability,electronictechnology,applicationand/orproposalsforfunding completionandsubmission,andorganizationalmanagement. Addressedbyprovidingtechnicalassistanceasneededsuchasconferencecalls, s,andsite visits. Sec (a)(2) Provideinformationandtraining,ifnecessary,foremployeesofthestate agencytheliaisonrepresentsregardingequalopportunitystandardsforfaith andcommunitybasedorganizationsseekingtopartnerwithstategovernment. 7outof14stateagenciesreportedtohaveprovidedtrainingsorinformationonEqual OpportunityStandardstostateagencypersonnelduringDecember1,2009 December1, 2010(TCEQ;TDCJ;TDRA;TEA;TVC;TWC;TYC). 6

8 14outof14stateagenciesprojectedtrainingandinformationaleffortstooccurin2011. Examples: TexasCommissiononEnvironmentalQuality ProvidedstateagencystaffwithtrainingonEqualTreatmentRegulationsandFaithandCommunity BasedInitiatives. TexasYouthCommission ProvidedannualEEOCtrainingwithalegalemphasistoallagencystaffinadditiontoseveralother trainingsfocusedonenhancingeffectiverelationshipsbetweenfaithbasedvolunteersandjuvenile correctionsfacilities. Sec (a)(3) Facilitatetheidentificationofpracticeswithdemonstratedeffectivenessfor faith andcommunity basedorganizationsthatpartnerwiththestateagencytheliaison represents. 13outof14stateagenciesreportedtohavebestpracticesforpartneringwithFBCOsduring December1,2009 December1,2010(HHSC;DADS;DARS;DFPS;DSHS;TCEQ;TDHCA; TDCJ;TDRA;TEA;TVC;TWC;TYC). 14outof14stateagenciesprojectedfuturebestpracticestobeidentifiedin2011. Examples: TexasHealthandHumanServicesCommission Initiatedaninternalsurveytoidentifybestpracticesfornonprofitstofollowwhenpartneringwith HHSCtowhichcollaboration,specificknowledgeandtraining,andoutreachwereidentifiedasthe mostprominentthemes.futureeffortstodeterminebestpracticeswillfocusoncoordinationacross HHSCprogramareas,FBCOscurrentlypartneringwithHHSC,anddevelopingoutreachmessagesin theregionstoinformfbcosofbestpracticeswhenpartneringwithhhsc. TexasWorkforceCommission Initiatedandwillcontinuetomaintaina SharingBestPractices segmentonthecharitablechoice websiteinanefforttofacilitateidentificationofeffectivepracticesoffbcosthatpartnerwithtwc. Sec (a)(4) Workwiththeappropriatedepartmentsandprogramsofthestateagency theliaisonrepresentstoconductoutreacheffortstoinformandwelcomefaithandcommunitybasedorganizationsthathavenottraditionallyformedpartnershipswiththeagency. 12outof14stateagenciesreportedtohaveconductedoutreachduringDecember1,2009 December1,2010toFBCOs(HHSC;DADS;DARS;DFPS;DSHS;TCEQ;TDHCA;TDCJ;TEA; TVC;TWC;TYC). 14outof14stateagenciesprojectedfutureoutreacheffortstooccurin2011. Examples: TexasYouthCommission ParticipatedontheStateCommunityResourceCoordinationWorkgroupwithseveralotherstate agenciestoworktogetherondevelopingandprovidingstateagencieswithacommunitybased 7

9 approachtoprovidebettercoordinationofservicesforchildren,youth,andadultswithcomplex multi agencyneeds. Sec (a)(5) CoordinatealleffortswiththeGovernor sofficeoffaith Basedand CommunityInitiativesandprovideinformation,support,andassistancetothatofficeasrequested totheextentpermittedbylawandasfeasible. All14stateagenciescompliedwithcompletionandsubmissionofaninternalbarrier assessmenttoonestar. All14stateagenciescompliedwithcompletionandsubmissionofanannualFBC Liaison andicgreporttoonestar. Sec (a)(6) Attendconferencessponsoredbyfederalagenciesandofficesandother relevantentitiestobecomeandremaininformedofissuesanddevelopmentsregardingfaith and community basedinitiatives. 10outof14stateagenciesreportedtohaveattendedconferencesduring2010tobecome andremaininformedofissuesanddevelopmentsregardingfbcos(hhsc;dads;dshs; TDHCA;TDCJ;TDRA;TEA;TVC;TWC;TYC). 14outof14stateagenciesprojectedattendanceatconferencesduring2011. ICGDuties Sec (c)(1) Meetperiodicallyatthecallofthepresidingofficer. FourICGmeetingswereheldthroughout2010.Basedonsubmittedreports,thefollowing agencieswereinattendance: January29,2010:(HHSC;DADS;DARS;DFPS;DSHS;TCEQ;TDHCA;TDRA;TJPC;TEA; TWC;TYC). August18,2010:(HHSC;DADS;DARS;DFPS;DSHS;TCEQ;TDHCA;TDCJ;TDRA;TWC; TYC). October1,2010:(HHSC;DADS;DARS;DFPS;DSHS;TCEQ;TDCJ;TDHCA;TDRA;TWC; TYC). November5,2010:(HHSC;DARS;DSHS;TDCJ;TDHCA;TDRA;TJPC;TWC;TYC). Sec (c)(2) WorkacrossstateagenciesandwithStateCommissiononNationaland CommunityServicetofacilitatetheremovalofunnecessaryinteragencybarrierstopartnerships betweenstateagenciesandfaith andcommunity basedorganizations. 10outof14stateagenciesreportedtohaveworkedacrossstateagenciestofacilitatethe removalofinteragencybarriersduringdecember1,2009 December1,2010(HHSC;DADS; DARS;TCEQ;TDHCA;TDCJ;TDRA;TVC;TWC;TYC). 8

10 14outof14stateagenciesprojectedfutureplanstoworkacrossstateagenciesduring Sec (c)(3) Operateinamannerthatpromoteseffectivepartnershipsbetweenthose agenciesandorganizationstoserveresidentsofthisstatewhoneedassistance. 13outof14stateagenciesreportedtohaveoperatedinamannerthatpromoteseffective partnershipsduringdecember1,2009 December1,2010(HHSC;DADS;DARS;DFPS; DSHS;TCEQ;TDHCA;TDCJ;TDRA;TEA;TVC;TWC;TYC). 14outof14stateagenciesprojectedfutureplanstopromoteeffectivepartnershipsin Thetablebelowdepictsreportedactivitiesassociatedwitheachdutythatoccurredduring2010and projectedeffortsreportedtooccurin2011.whileactivitylevelsvariedin2010,allagenciesprojected futureactivitiesduring Activitiesand2011ProjectedActivities 9

11 VI. RecommendedandRequestedAdditionalICGMembers ICGmembersrecommendedadditionalFBC Liaisonappointmentsfromthreestateofficesandfor theseliaisonstoparticipateasmembersoftheicg.thegovernor sofficewillbenotifyingthe followingagenciesofappointmentstobedesignatedin2011: TexasSecretaryofState soffice TexasComptroller soffice TexasDepartmentofInformationResources VII. NextStepsfor2011 Asadirectresultfrombarrierassessmentfindings,ICGmembershavedeterminedthreekeyareas offocus,bothinternallywithintheirrespectivestateagenciesandacrossstateagencies.these areasare: EnhanceTraining ShareInformationandResources RemoveBarriers WorkgroupsspecifictothesethreeareashavebeendevelopedandwillbeakeyfocusoftheICG during

12 H.B.ANo.A AN ACT relating to the expansion of faith- and community-based health and human services and social services initiatives. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTIONA1.AA(a) Subtitle I, Title 4, Government Code, is amended by adding Chapter 535 to read as follows: 7 CHAPTER 535. PROVISION OF HUMAN SERVICES AND OTHER 8 SOCIAL SERVICES THROUGH FAITH- AND COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS 9 SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS 10 Sec.A AADEFINITIONS. In this chapter: (1)AA"Community-based initiative" includes a social, health, human services, or volunteer income tax assistance initiative operated by a community-based organization. (2)AA"Community-based organization" means a nonprofit corporation or association that is located in close proximity to the population the organization serves. (3)AA"Faith-based initiative" means a social, health, or human services initiative operated by a faith-based organization. (4)AA"Faith-based organization" means a nonprofit corporation or association that: (A)AAis operated through a religious or denominational organization, including an organization that is operated for religious, educational, or charitable purposes and 1

13 H.B.ANo.A that is operated, supervised, or controlled, wholly or partly, by or in connection with a religious organization; or (B)AAclearly demonstrates through the organization s mission statement, policies, or practices that the organization is guided or motivated by religion. (5)AA"State Commission on National and Community Service" means the entity used as authorized by 42 U.S.C. Section 12638(a) to carry out the duties of a state commission under the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Section et seq.). Sec.A AAPURPOSE. The purpose of this chapter is to strengthen the capacity of faith- and community-based organizations and to forge stronger partnerships between those organizations and state government for the legitimate public purpose of providing charitable and social services to persons in this state. Sec.A AACONSTRUCTION. This chapter may not be construed to: (1)AAexempt a faith- or community-based organization from any applicable state or federal law; or (2)AAbe an endorsement or sponsorship by this state of the religious character, expression, beliefs, doctrines, or practices of a faith-based organization. Sec.A AAAPPLICABILITY OF CERTAIN FEDERAL LAW. A power authorized or duty imposed under this chapter must be performed in a manner that is consistent with 42 U.S.C. Section 604a. 2

14 H.B.ANo.A492 1 [Sections reserved for expansion] 2 SUBCHAPTER B. GOVERNMENTAL LIAISONS FOR FAITH- AND COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS Sec.A AADESIGNATION OF FAITH- AND COMMUNITY-BASED LIAISONS. (a) The executive commissioner, in consultation with the governor, shall designate one employee from the commission and from each health and human services agency to serve as a liaison for faith- and community-based organizations. (b)aathe chief administrative officer of each of the following state agencies, in consultation with the governor, shall designate one employee from the agency to serve as a liaison for faith- and community-based organizations: (1)AAthe Office of Rural Community Affairs; (2)AAthe Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; (3)AAthe Texas Department of Criminal Justice; (4)AAthe Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs; (5)AAthe Texas Education Agency; (6)AAthe Texas Juvenile Probation Commission; (7)AAthe Texas Veterans Commission; (8)AAthe Texas Workforce Commission; (9)AAthe Texas Youth Commission; and (10)AAother state agencies as determined by the governor. Sec.A AAGENERAL DUTIES OF LIAISONS. (a) A faith-aand community-based liaison designated under Section shall: (1)AAidentify and remove unnecessary barriers to 3

15 H.B.ANo.A partnerships between the state agency the liaison represents and faith- and community-based organizations; (2)AAprovide information and training, if necessary, for employees of the state agency the liaison represents regarding equal opportunity standards for faith- and community-based organizations seeking to partner with state government; (3)AAfacilitate the identification of practices with demonstrated effectiveness for faith- and community-based organizations that partner with the state agency the liaison represents; (4)AAwork with the appropriate departments and programs of the state agency the liaison represents to conduct outreach efforts to inform and welcome faith- and community-based organizations that have not traditionally formed partnerships with the agency; (5)AAcoordinate all efforts with the governor s office of faith-based and community initiatives and provide information, support, and assistance to that office as requested to the extent permitted by law and as feasible; and (6)AAattend conferences sponsored by federal agencies and offices and other relevant entities to become and remain informed of issues and developments regarding faith- and community-based initiatives. (b)aaa faith- and community-based liaison designated under Section may coordinate and interact with statewide organizations that represent faith- or community-based organizations as necessary to accomplish the purposes of this 4

16 H.B.ANo.A chapter. Sec.A AAINTERAGENCY COORDINATING GROUP. (a) The interagency coordinating group for faith- and community-based initiatives is composed of each faith- and community-based liaison designated under Section and a liaison from the State Commission on National and Community Service. (b)aathe commission employee designated as a liaison under Section is the presiding officer of the interagency coordinating group. (c)aathe interagency coordinating group shall: (1)AAmeet periodically at the call of the presiding officer; (2)AAwork across state agencies and with the State Commission on National and Community Service to facilitate the removal of unnecessary interagency barriers to partnerships between state agencies and faith- and community-based organizations; and (3)AAoperate in a manner that promotes effective partnerships between those agencies and organizations to serve residents of this state who need assistance. Sec.A AAREPORTS. (a) A liaison designated under Section shall: (1)AAprovide periodic reports to the executive commissioner or other chief executive officer who designated the liaison, as applicable, on a schedule determined by the person who designated the liaison; and (2)AAreport annually to the governor s office of 5

17 H.B.ANo.A faith-aand community-based initiatives and as necessary to the State Commission on National and Community Service regarding the liaison s efforts to comply with the duties imposed under Sections and (b)aaeach report made under Subsection (a)(2) must be made available to the public through posting on the office of the governor s Internet website, and the reports may be aggregated into a single report for that purpose. [Sections reserved for expansion] 10 SUBCHAPTER C. RENEWING OUR COMMUNITIES ACCOUNT Sec.A AADEFINITION. In this subchapter, "account" means the renewing our communities account. Sec.A AAPURPOSES OF SUBCHAPTER. Recognizing that faith- and community-based organizations provide a range of vital charitable services to persons in this state, the purposes of this subchapter are to: (1)AAincrease the impact and effectiveness of those organizations; (2)AAforge stronger partnerships between those organizations and state government so that communities are empowered to serve persons in need and community capacity for providing services is strengthened; and (3)AAcreate a funding mechanism that builds on the established efforts of those organizations and operates to create new partnerships in local communities for the benefit of this state. Sec.A AARENEWING OUR COMMUNITIES ACCOUNT. (a) The 6

18 H.B.ANo.A renewing our communities account is an account in the general revenue fund that may be appropriated only to the commission for the purposes and activities authorized by this subchapter and for reasonable administrative expenses under this subchapter. (b)aathe account consists of: (1)AAall money appropriated for the purposes of this subchapter; (2)AAany gifts, grants, or donations received for the purposes of this subchapter; and (3)AAinterest earned on money in the account. (c)aathe account is exempt from the application of Section (d)aathe purposes of the account are to: (1)AAincrease the capacity of faith- and community-based organizations to provide charitable services and to manage human resources and funds; (2)AAassist local governmental entities in establishing local offices to promote faith- and community-based initiatives; and (3)AAfoster better partnerships between state government and faith- and community-based organizations. Sec.A AAPOWERS AND DUTIES REGARDING ACCOUNT. (a) The commission shall: (1)AAcontract with the State Commission on National and Community Service to administer funds appropriated from the account in a manner that: (A)AAconsolidates the capacity of and strengthens 7

19 H.B.ANo.A national service and community and faith- and community-based initiatives; and (B)AAleverages public and private funds to benefit this state; (2)AAdevelop a competitive process to be used in awarding grants from account funds that is consistent with state law and includes objective selection criteria; (3)AAoversee the delivery of training and other assistance activities under this subchapter; (4)AAdevelop criteria limiting awards of grants under Section (1)(A) to small and medium-sized faith- and community-based organizations that provide charitable services to persons in this state; (5)AAestablish general state priorities for the account; (6)AAestablish and monitor performance and outcome measures for persons to whom grants are awarded under this subchapter; and (7)AAestablish policies and procedures to ensure that any money appropriated from the account to the commission that is allocated to build the capacity of a faith-based organization or for a faith-based initiative, including money allocated for the establishment of the advisory committee under Section , is not used to advance a sectarian purpose or to engage in any form of proselytization. (b)aainstead of contracting with the State Commission on National and Community Service under Subsection (a)(1), the 8

20 H.B.ANo.A commission may award account funds appropriated to the commission to the State Commission on National and Community Service in the form of a grant. (c)aaany funds awarded to the State Commission on National and Community Service under a contract or through a grant under this section must be administered in the manner required by this subchapter, including Subsection (a)(1). (d)aathe commission or the State Commission on National and Community Service, in accordance with the terms of the contract or grant, as applicable, may: (1)AAdirectly, or through agreements with one or more entities that serve faith- and community-based organizations that provide charitable services to persons in this state: (A)AAassist faith- and community-based organizations with: (i)aawriting or managing grants through workshops or other forms of guidance; (ii)aaobtaining legal assistance related to forming a corporation or obtaining an exemption from taxation under the Internal Revenue Code; and (iii)aaobtaining information about or referrals to entities that provide expertise in accounting, legal, or tax issues, program development matters, or other organizational topics; (B)AAprovide information or assistance to faith-aand community-based organizations related to building the organizations capacity for providing services; 9

21 H.B.ANo.A (C)AAfacilitate the formation of networks, the coordination of services, and the sharing of resources among faith-aand community-based organizations; (D)AAin cooperation with existing efforts, if possible, conduct needs assessments to identify gaps in services in a community that present a need for developing or expanding services; (E)AAwork with faith- and community-based organizations to identify the organizations needs for improvements in their internal capacity for providing services; (F)AAprovide faith- and community-based organizations with information on and assistance in identifying or using practices with demonstrated effectiveness for delivering charitable services to persons, families, and communities and in replicating charitable services programs that have demonstrated effectiveness; and (G)AAencourage research into the impact of organizational capacity on program delivery for faith- and community-based organizations; (2)AAassist a local governmental entity in creating a better partnership between government and faith- and community-based organizations to provide charitable services to persons in this state; and (3)AAuse funds appropriated from the account to provide matching money for federal or private grant programs that further the purposes of the account as described by Section (d). (e)aathe commission shall monitor the use of the funds 10

22 H.B.ANo.A administered by the State Commission on National and Community Service under a contract or through a grant under this section to ensure that the funds are used in a manner consistent with the 4 requirements of this subchapter. Records relating to the award of a contract or grant to the State Commission on National and Community Service, or to grants awarded by that entity, and records relating to other uses of the funds are public information subject to Chapter 552. (f)aaif the commission contracts with or awards a grant to the State Commission on National and Community Service under this section, this subchapter may not be construed to: (1)AArelease that entity from any regulations or reporting or other requirements applicable to a contractor or grantee of the commission; (2)AAimpose regulations or reporting or other requirements on that entity that do not apply to other contractors or grantees of the commission solely because of the entity s status; (3)AAalter the nonprofit status of that entity or the requirements for maintaining that status; or (4)AAconvert that entity into a governmental entity because of the receipt of account funds through the contract or grant. Sec.A AAADMINISTRATION OF ACCOUNT FUNDS. If under Section the commission contracts with or awards a grant to the State Commission on National and Community Service, that entity: 11

23 H.B.ANo.A492 1 (1)AAmay award grants from funds appropriated from the 2 account to: (A)AAfaith- and community-based organizations that provide charitable services to persons in this state for capacity-building purposes; and (B)AAlocal governmental entities to provide seed money for local offices for faith- and community-based initiatives; and (2)AAshall monitor performance and outcome measures for persons to whom that entity awards grants using the measures established by the commission under Section (a)(6). Sec.A AAREPORTS AND PUBLIC INFORMATION. (a) The commission shall provide a link on the commission s Internet website to the Internet website of the State Commission on National and Community Service if the commission contracts with or awards a grant to that entity under Section website must provide: The entity s Internet (1)AAa list of the names of each person to whom the entity awarded a grant from money appropriated from the account and the amount and purpose of the grant; and (2)AAinformation regarding the methods by which the public may request information about those grants. (b)aaif awarded a contract or grant under Section , the State Commission on National and Community Service must provide to the commission periodic reports on a schedule determined by the executive commissioner. The schedule of periodic reports must include an annual report that includes: 12

24 H.B.ANo.A (1)AAa specific accounting with respect to the use by that entity of money appropriated from the account, including the names of persons to whom grants have been awarded and the purposes of those grants; and (2)AAa summary of the efforts of the faith- and community-based liaisons designated under Section to comply with the duties imposed by and the purposes of Sections and (c)aathe commission shall post the annual report made under Subsection (b) on the commission s Internet website and shall provide copies of the report to the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the members of the legislature. Sec.A AATASK FORCE ON STRENGTHENING NONPROFIT CAPACITY. (a) The executive commissioner, in consultation with the governor, shall establish a task force to make recommendations for strengthening the capacity of faith- and community-based organizations for managing human resources and funds and providing services. The members of the task force must include: (1)AArepresentatives from state agencies, nonprofit 20 organizations, the academic community, and the foundation community; and (2)AAother individuals who have expertise that would be valuable to the task force. (b)aausing money appropriated from the account, the task force shall hold at least three public hearings in various geographic areas of this state, at least one of which must be 27 outside of Central Texas. The task force shall hear testimony at 13

25 H.B.ANo.A the hearings regarding strengthening the capacity of faith- and community-based organizations to manage human resources and funds and provide services. (c)aathe task force is not required to hold a public hearing if the remaining money appropriated from the account to the commission for the state fiscal biennium is insufficient for the performance of the duties or activities under this subchapter. (d)aathe task force shall present a report and legislative recommendations to the House Committee on Human Services or its successor, the House Committee on Public Health or its successor, and the Senate Health and Human Services Committee or its successor not later than September 1, 2010, regarding its recommendations. (e)aathis section expires September 1, Sec.A AARENEWING OUR COMMUNITIES ACCOUNT ADVISORY COMMITTEE. (a) The executive commissioner shall appoint leaders of faith- and community-based organizations in this state to serve on the renewing our communities account advisory committee. The advisory committee members must be representative of the religious, cultural, and geographic diversity of this state and the diversity of organization types and sizes in this state. (b)aathe advisory committee shall make recommendations to the executive commissioner regarding the powers and duties with respect to the account as described by Section (c)aaexcept as otherwise provided by this subsection, the advisory committee shall meet at least twice each calendar year. The advisory committee is not required to meet if the remaining amount appropriated from the account to the commission for the 14

26 H.B.ANo.A state fiscal biennium is insufficient for the performance of any duties or activities under this subchapter. (d)aachapter 2110 does not apply to the advisory committee. (e)aathe advisory committee is subject to Chapter 551. (b)aathe executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission and the chief executive officers of the Office of Rural Community Affairs, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, the Texas Education Agency, the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission, the Texas Veterans Commission, the Texas Workforce Commission, the Texas Youth Commission, and any other state agency as determined by the governor shall designate the liaisons for faith- and community-based initiatives as required under Section , Government Code, as added by this section, not later than December 1, (c)aathe interagency coordinating group established under Section , Government Code, as added by this section, shall hold its first meeting not later than February 1, SECTIONA2.AAThis Act does not make an appropriation. A provision in this Act that creates a new governmental program, creates a new entitlement, or imposes a new duty on a governmental entity is not mandatory during a fiscal period for which the legislature has not made a specific appropriation to implement the provision. SECTIONA3.AAIf before implementing any provision of this Act a state agency determines that a waiver or authorization from a 15

27 H.B.ANo.A federal agency is necessary for implementation of that provision, the agency affected by the provision shall request the waiver or authorization and may delay implementing that provision until the waiver or authorization is granted. SECTIONA4.AAThis Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as 7 provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this 8 9 Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1,

28 H.B.ANo.A492 AAAAPresident of the Senate Speaker of the HouseAAAAAA I certify that H.B. No. 492 was passed by the House on April 24, 2009, by the following vote:aayeas 119, Nays 15, 1 present, not voting; and that the House concurred in Senate amendments to H.B. No. 492 on May 18, 2009, by the following vote:aayeas 139, Nays 2, 2 present, not voting. Chief Clerk of the HouseAAA I certify that H.B. No. 492 was passed by the Senate, with amendments, on May 14, 2009, by the following vote:aayeas 31, Nays 0. Secretary of the SenateAAA APPROVED: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADateAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGovernorAAAAAAA 17

29 Faith- and Community-Based Liaisons Contact Information As of November 2010 Health and Human Services Commission (Chair): Liz Garbutt, Director, Office of Community Access Phone: State Commission on National and Community Service: Elizabeth Darling, CEO, OneStar Foundation Phone: Department of Aging and Disability Services: Kristi Jordan, Director, Center for Consumer and External Affairs Phone: Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services: Glenn Neal, Director, Program and External Relations Phone: Department of Family and Protective Services: Beth Engelking, Assistant Commissioner, Adult Protective Services Phone: Department of State Health Services: Kirk Cole, Director, Center for Consumer and External Affairs Phone: Department of Rural Affairs Kim White, Legislative Liaison, Governmental Relations/Research & Policy Phone: Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Brian Christian, Director, Small Business & Environmental Assistance Phone: Page 1 of 2

30 Texas Department of Criminal Justice: Marvin Dunbar, Rehabilitation Programs Phone: Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs: Elizabeth Yevich, Manager, Housing Resource Center Phone: Texas Education Agency: Lillie Elizondo-Limas, Director, School Readiness and Partnerships Phone: Texas Juvenile Probation Commission: Nydia D. Thomas, Deputy General Counsel Phone: Texas Veterans Commission: David Nobles, Grants Coordinator Phone: Texas Workforce Commission: Janie Young, Program Administrator, Workforce Development Division Phone: Texas Youth Commission: John Stutz, Manager, Faith-Based Services Phone: Page 2 of 2

31 State Agency Internal Barrier Assessment Aggregate Report of Findings August 18, 2010 Report Compiled by: OneStar Foundation This is an aggregate of assessments submitted by appointed state agency faith and community based liaisons.

32 I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Interagency Coordinating Group, comprised of fourteen state agency Faith and Community Based Liaisons (FCB-Liaisons) and OneStar Foundation, also known as the Governor s Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives, completed an internal barrier assessment questionnaire with the purpose of looking within program requirements, such as authorizing statutes, eligibility criteria, and other request for proposal processes to determine existing barriers and opportunities for partnering with faith and community based organizations. Recommendations were provided by OneStar in an effort to assist agency programs in completing the assessment. Recommendations included an examination of programs under major funding streams with an emphasis on examining request for proposals and contractual requirements, in addition to any statutory or programmatic requirements. For agencies with a multitude of programs, it was recommended that these agencies select a sample of programs that could be a representative snapshot of other programs, and to assess those that have newly released requests for proposals. As subject matter experts for their respective agencies, liaisons were tasked with determining eligible programs to complete the assessment. II. METHODOLOGY OVERVIEW The findings below are provided by responses to an internal barrier assessment and are based on answers from 107 state agency programs that completed the state agency barrier assessment in its entirety. One state agency indicated that FBCOs are ineligible partners and therefore, the assessment was not completed past the first section, in compliance with stated instructions. In addition to findings from state agency programs, supplemental information has been provided from public hearings of the Task Force for Strengthening Nonprofit Capacity. Recommendations from national resources are also included. Findings are based on response counts to questions and a content analysis of the information provided. Both quantitative and qualitative information were analyzed. Footnotes are embedded throughout the document to provide metrics associated with the language provided. Findings are placed under barrier assessment category headers in an effort to organize the depth of information provided. 2

33 III. FINDINGS Basic Information Survey responses indicate a large number of state agency programs include FBCOs as eligible partners 1 (1.8) Survey responses show partnerships with FBCOs are primarily through contracts, followed by grants, other formal agreements (MOUs, MOAs, etc.), other (varied by agency), and informal agreements with no money rendered for services (1.8a) Survey responses show a small number of programs that allow for subgrants, subcontracts, or subawards and FBCOs are ineligible to receive such awards 2 (1.9) Eligible Partners Majority of state agencies are not limited by statutes, rules, or regulations that limit partnerships with FBCOs 3 (2.1) State agency programs did not identify any programmatic restrictions for partnering with 4 FBCOs (2.2) Two state agencies indicated a court opinion, legal memo or court ruling that restricts or limits the ability to partner with FBCOs (2.3) Several state agencies offered recommendations on training needs for FBCOs (examples provided below) o Training on eligibility requirements o How to partner with the state agencies including contract procurement, language and terminology used, and recommendations for services o Provide training to school districts on how to collaborate and partner with FBCOs Current Involvement with FBCOs Survey findings indicate a number of state agencies have FBCOs involved with or supported by their programs 5 (3.1) Opportunities to expand partnerships and current initiatives were identified for several of state 6 agency programs (3.2a) (examples provided below) o Continue contracts with organizations that can provide capacity building training to FBCOs 1 Large number in this case refers to 86% 2 Small number in this case refers to 20% 3 Majority in this case refers to 89% 4 100% of respondents responded the same way 5 Number of in this case refers to over six 6 Several in this case refers to at least six 3

34 o Enhance FBCOs public awareness and knowledge of services and programs provided by state agencies o Expand partnership with FBCOs including providing funding opportunities for which FBCOs can apply o Strengthen community partnerships at the grassroots level Survey responses show varying levels of program funding going to FBCOs through grants, vouchers, etc., ranging from 0-100% (3.3) Some agencies use informal agreements with FBCOs and if entered into, these agreements do not involve funding 7 (1.8a) (3.4) Several state agencies offered best practices related to their current involvement of FBCOs (3.5) (examples below) o Connecting with underserved populations by partnering with FBCOs in the community o Ensuring training and technical assistance is available, especially financial training and assistance o Having a centralized project management location whereby the office manager facilitates the collaboration process by drafting memorandums of understanding, conducting implementation meetings, analyzing the impact of partnerships, and evaluating the process o Providing professional development on how school districts can partner with FBCOs Several state agencies offered recommendations for trainings and outreach for FBCOs (examples below) o Encourage FBCOs to learn from each other, create a mentoring relationship with other more experienced FBCOs o FBCOs perceived to be technology challenged with some not knowing how to use a computer; therefore, technology training was identified o How to expand marketing procurements to ensure FBCOs are receiving updates and notices of contracts and other agency initiatives and outreach to continue efforts to involve FBCOs o How to maintain fiscally responsible business practices, highlight exemplars of nonprofit partnerships in workshops, panel discussions, roundtables o How to partner and collaborate 7 Some in this case refers to 14% 4

35 Partnership Challenges between State Agency Programs and FBCOs Survey responses indicate inconsistencies across state agencies regarding whether or not nonprofit status must be demonstrated when partnering with FBCOs 8 (4.1) Survey responses indicate that requirements surrounding demonstration of nonprofit status is 9 not perceived as a barrier for state agency programs to partner with FBCOs (4.1b) Majority of state agency programs indicated no requirement for FBCOs to show proof of 501(c) (3) status from IRS 10 and for those that do, a small number require something different from other grantees, contractors, and/or formal and informal partners 11 (4.2)(4.2a) State agencies do not perceive requiring FBCOs to show proof of 501(c) (3) status as a barrier to 12 partnering (4.2c) Some state programs subject FBCOs to different defined standards of fiscal accountability than 13 other grantees, contractors, and/or formal and informal partners (4.3) A small number of agency programs perceived fiscal accountability requirements as a barrier to 14 partnering with FBCOs (4.3c) Some state programs subject FBCOs to different reporting requirements, assurances, or 15 certification than other grantees, contractors, and/or formal and informal partners (4.4)(4.4a) 16 State agencies do not perceive reporting requirements as barriers to partnering with FBCOs (4.4c) Some state agency programs subject FBCOs to different performance monitoring standards than 17 other grantees, contractors, and/or formal and informal partners (4.5) (4.5a) A small number of state agency programs perceived performance monitoring standards as 18 barriers to partnering with FBCOs (4.5c) Some state programs that partner with FBCOs require minimum budget size, years of operation, 19 and/or previous grant management experience (4.6) A small number of state agency programs perceive requirements of minimum budget size, number of years of operation, and/or previous grant management experience as barriers to 20 partnering with FBCOs (4.6c) 8 Inconsistencies in this case refers to 64% responding one way and 37% responding the other way 9 100% responded a particular way 10 Majority in this case refers to 76% 11 Small number in this case refers to 14% % responded a particular way 13 Some in this case refers to 19% 14 Small number in this case refers to 3% 15 Some in this case refers to 5% % responded a particular way 17 Some in this case refers to 5% 18 Small number refers to 7% 19 Some in this case refers to 39% 5