Client Eligibility Policy


In determining eligibility for individuals seeking services from the Panhandle Crisis Center, it is our policy that screening procedures are based solely on the individual’s status as a victim of family violence, as defined by Chapter 51 of the Human Resources Code, or as a victim of sexual assault, as defined by Texas Evidence Collection Protocol from Office of the Attorney General. 
 
Applicable Laws:
When determining client eligibility, the Panhandle Crisis Center will comply with the applicable state and federal laws and any amendments these laws:
  • Human Resources Code, Title II, Chapter 51;
  • the Texas Evidence Collection Protocol from Office of the Attorney General;
  • Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (public Law 88-352);
  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Public Law 93-112);
  • Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-336);
  • the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (42 U.S.C. §6101-6107);
  • Health and Human Services Commission regulations regarding civil rights;
  • Texas Health and Safety Code, §85.113 relating to HIV/AIDS,
  • Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (42 U.S.C. Chapter 110),
  • Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. §1681-1688, and
  • Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. §2011 et seq).
 
These acts collectively provide in part that no persons in the United States shall be excluded from participating, or denied, any aid, care, service or other benefits provided by federal and or state funding, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination on the grounds of race, color, national origin, limited English Proficiency, gender, gender identity (or expression), sexual orientation, age, disability, AIDS/HIV infection, political beliefs, or religion. 
 
A summary of these laws will accompany the screening procedures for employee training purposes and will be updated as needed by the Executive Director.  Staff and volunteers will be trained on client eligibility, all applicable federal and state laws, and screening procedures.
 
Panhandle Crisis Center will not charge or solicit contributions from victims in return for Health and Human Services Commission-contracted services or for any victims’ services under which the Center has been contracted to provide grant-funded services to victims at no charge. 
 
Denial of Services:It is the policy of Panhandle Crisis Center that an otherwise eligible victim of family violence and sexual assault is precluded from receiving services only if the organization has direct knowledge that the victim may pose a dangerous threat to herself/himself or others or the Center has knowledge of behaviors that threaten the safety and security of staff and/or clients.  This policy shall be applied equally to all persons and comply with anti-discrimination laws and regulations.  Advocates will consider the safety of the victim denied services and provide referrals when appropriate to enable the victim to address the behaviors which resulted in the denial of services.   
 
Eligibility of Previously Involuntarily Terminated Residents or Nonresidents:If services have been previously terminated and an eligible victim is requesting re-admission, it is the policy of this agency that the victim’s current circumstances will be reassessed to determine if the behaviors that resulted in the previous termination are still present.  If it is determined that the behaviors are no longer present, then the victim may be considered for re-admission.  If it is determined that the behaviors are still present, then a staff member or volunteer will make every reasonable effort to develop a safety plan with the victim and provide appropriate referrals.