SECTION 75:1-7-5. Procedures for application for certification

(a)   Applications for certification as a domestic violence shelter or program, sexual assault program, including programs serving adult victims of sex trafficking, or batterers intervention program must be made to the Office of the Attorney General in writing on a form and in a manner prescribed by the Attorney General and include the following:

(1)   A fully completed application for certification form signed by authorized officials;

(2)   The necessary written documentation or supporting evidence required on the application for certification form; and

(3)   The required certification fee(s) in the form of a check or money order, payable to the Office of the Attorney General.

(b)   The following fees are required of Applicants for domestic violence shelters, domestic violence programs, sexual assault programs, adult human sex trafficking programs, and batterers intervention programs. For every program seeking approval, the applicant shall submit $150.00 for each initial application and $150.00 for each renewal application. Fees paid by applicants are not refundable.

(c)   The application for certification form, required written documentation and fee(s) must be submitted to the Office of Attorney General, Victims Services Unit.

(d)   The application requires specification of all services provided by the applicant, as well as information about the applicant including but not limited to governing authority, administrative, fiscal, all locations or sites where applicant will provide services and types of services to be provided.

(e)   If, after being certified, a program desires to change the program name, program location, program delivery location or provide services at a new or different location maintained and operated by the certified program, or change its current office location, the facility must submit an application on a form and in a manner prescribed by the Victims Services Unit of the Office of the Attorney General, the required documentation and fee, if any. Approval may be granted by the Attorney General upon submission of the required application and documentation to the Victims Services Unit. Before constructing a new facility, the program shall consult with the OAG for review and recommendations regarding victim safety and confidentiality. Approval from the Attorney General must be obtained prior to providing services at the new location. The Victims Services Unit may conduct a visit of the facility in accordance with 75:1-7-8.

(f)   If, after being certified, a program desires to provide services at a public facility maintained for or used by the people or community, the certified program must notify the Victim Services Unit in writing of the name and location of the public facility and the type of service(s) offered. Additionally, the certified program must assure that the facility provides the necessary safety, confidentiality, and privacy of individuals being served. Approval may be granted by the Attorney General upon submission of the required documentation to the Victims Services Unit. Approval from the Attorney General must be obtained prior to providing services at the new location.

(g)   If after being certified, a program desires to offer a new type of service, the facility must submit an application for certification, the required documentation and fee to the Victims Services Unit of the Office of Attorney General prior to providing a new service. Failure to become certified prior to providing services shall be grounds for injunctive relief pursuant to 74 O.S. § 18p-7.

[Source: Added at 23 Ok Reg 329, eff 11-8-05 (emergency); Added at 23 Ok Reg 2189, eff 7-1-06; Amended at 25 Ok Reg 1834, eff 7-1-08; Revoked and reenacted at 28 Ok Reg 1903, eff 7-11-11; Amended at 35 Ok Reg 858, eff 9-14-18]