Primary Department: Domestic Relations
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: David W. Simpson, J. D., Executive Director
Secondary Department: N/A
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official:
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Grant - Application
Project ID (if applicable): N/A
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): Texas Bar Foundation
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable):
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable):
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): 0%
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): Grantor does not allow indirect cost capture
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request by Domestic Relations for approval to submit an application to the Texas Bar Foundation for grant funds in the amount of $5,025, with no required match, for the FY26-27 Child Possession/Access Attorney Consultations Grant Program.
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Background and Discussion:
Since 1983, the Harris County Domestic Relations Office (DRO) has provided attorney consultations to clients who are low-income and are in need of guidance with possession/access to their children, child support, establishment or enforcement of their family law case. Currently, we assist clients with possession/access enforcement services. When issues remain unresolved, parents meet with a DRO attorney to review the enforcement process, discuss the court order, gather case facts, and prepare for possible litigation. The attorney determines whether the case is appropriate for legal action, considering factors such as safety concerns, criminal history, domestic violence, and prior case activity. Court intervention is used only when necessary, but can be an effective remedy for repeated denial of parenting time.
Domestic Relations is seeking a grant from the Texas Bar Foundation to fund the cost of attorney consultations for the Child Possession/Access Attorney Consultati...
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