Commissioners approve MOU with Heights Ellis County Family Resources

WAXAHACHIE – Ellis County Commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding last week with The Heights Ellis County Family Resources regarding a grant that will provide for a sexual assault nurse examiner at The Heights clinic.

The MOU allows Ellis County and The Heights to work in an agent partner relationship for the receiving of the SANE grant.

A representative from The Heights told commissioners the clinic had received a grant from the Office of Violence Against Women that includes the addition of a sexual assault nurse for adults. 

This service is not currently offered in the program at The Heights. Protocol now involves the law enforcement officer to take the sexual assault victim for services outside Ellis County. 

It was pointed out this grant will save the county money since the officer is required to stay with the victim, which can be up to five or six hours.

With this service in Ellis County, it will allow for forensic result exams within county limits paired alongside medical services, the investigation and the advocacy, all within Ellis County limits.

Ellis County Judge Todd Little said this also helps the Ellis County Sheriff’s Department and local police department in the county. Little added, “It is hard enough to get some victims to come forward, so removing any barriers is crucial.”