Applicants and Participants - Enrollment

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• Applicants- Important Information Before You Enroll
• Am I Eligible to Enroll?
• About Enrolling Agencies and Advocates
• Enrolling Agency List / Printable Enrolling Agency List
• How do I Enroll?
• Why Enroll?
• What Happens Once I am Enrolled?

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Applicants- Important Information Before You Enroll

• Application Review Process Timeframe: The application review takes approximately two weeks.

• Agent for Service of Process: The Secretary of State’s Office becomes your agent for service of process and mail receipt. If service of process or mail is refused, your participation in the program may be terminated. (per Government Codes §6206(a)(5), 6206.7)

• Changes of Address: You must complete a Change of Address form and notify Safe at Home seven (7) days before moving of your new address and phone number or your status may be suspended and your mail returned to sender. (per Government Code §6206.7(b)(3))

• Child Custody:Children in your physical custody should be enrolled in the program. If you do not currently have legal custody of your child/children, it must be established once enrolled. If you use enrollment in the program to avoid establishing legal custody and/or visitation, your participation in the program may be terminated and you may face criminal charges. (per Government Code §6206.7)

• Other Parent Notification: Section Six of the application must be completed in its entirety or your application will be rejected. Safe at Home is required by law to notify the other parent(s) of your child/children of how to properly serve you with court documents within ten days of your application to the program. (per Government Codes §6206(a)(4) and 6206(d))

• Pending Court Matters: In cases where you and the abuser are involved in pending court matters, the Safe at Home P.O. Box and ID number should be used on all court correspondence to protect the whereabouts and safety of your family. (per Government Code §6207(a))

• Safety Planning: Safe at Home will not provide complete protection against future abuse. The services provided should be used in conjunction with an overall safety plan.

• Use of the Safe at Home Address: Along with the P.O. Box, the four digit ID number must be used next to your name, in a separate line, or as a box # on all mail received for you at Safe at Home. (per Government Code §6207(a))

• Illegal Use of Program Services: You cannot apply to the Safe at Home program to illegally avoid child custody and/or visitation with your child/children's other parent(s), nor can enrollment be used to avoid legal actions or to evade law enforcement. A determination that a participant has used the program illegally may result in immediate termination of program participation and disclosure of address information to law enforcement. (per Government Codes §6206.7(b)(2) and 6206.7(g))

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Am I Eligible to Enroll?

Eligibility: To be eligible to enroll, you (or a minor child or an incipacitated person for who you are applying), must: (per Government Codes §6205, 6205.5, 6206, 6209)

• be a victim of domestic violence (per Family Code §6211), stalking (per Penal Code §646.9) or sexual assault; (per Evidence Code §1036.2)
• be currently domiciled in California;
• provide a sworn statement, signed under penalty of perjury that you are a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault and that you are in fear for your safety;
• complete and sign the Application Form;
• agree to follow the program rules and sign the Application Acknowledgement Form; and
• provide name and address information for your minor children, the name and address information of the other parent(s) of your children, all court orders related to the custody, visitation or support of those minor children, and the name and address information of the legal counsel of record in those cases.

To support your sworn statement, you may also provide:

• a police report;
• a restraining order;
• a police, court or government agency record or file;
• a letter signed by a victim advocate with substantial knowledge of the abuse, harassment, or threats;
• documentation signed by a legal, clerical, medical or other professional; or
• another form of documentation that supports the victim’s sworn statement.

 

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About Enrolling Agencies and Advocates

You cannot apply directly with the Secretary of State for enrollment in the Safe at Home Program. (per Government Code §6206(a)) Safe at Home partners with state-designated agencies for enrollment assistance, (per Government Code 6208.5) such as: Domestic Violence Shelters, Sexual Assault Crisis Centers, District Attorney’s Victims Assistance programs, Family Justice Centers, and Reproductive Healthcare Centers.

 

Enrolling agency advocates:

• provide counseling and information about Safe at Home and its services;
• help you complete the Safe at Home application paperwork;
• forward the completed application materials to Safe at Home;
• provide follow-up assistance; and
• assist you with applying for other valuable services, so please be sure to ask the advocate you meet with for any assistance you may need.

 

To find an enrolling agency in your area, search our Enrolling Agency List or call us toll free at (877) 322-5227.

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How do I Enroll?

To apply for the program, you must make an appointment with an advocate at a certified enrolling agency. (per Government Codes §6206(a), 6208.5)

• A list of Enrolling agencies in your area can be found here on our web site or by contacting our toll free number: (877) 322-5227.
• The enrolling agency advocate forwards your completed application materials to Safe at Home.
• Safe at Home reviews the materials to make a determination to accept or deny the application.
• If the application is rejected, you or the enrolling agency advocate may be notified. If the enrolling agency advocate is notified, he or she may provide some follow-up assistance to you.
• If the application is accepted, you will receive a packet of information about the program services and how to use your new mailing address.

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Why Enroll?

• State and local agencies work together to protect and assist survivors. (per Government Codes §6205, 6207)
• Response to public records requests can be completed without disclosure of your confidential location.
• The program services may enable you to reestablish yourself and your family in safety.
• Along with an overall safety plan, your enrollment in the program may provide you peace of mind.

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What Happens Once I am Enrolled?

Once enrolled, you will receive:

• a Safe at Home laminated ID card;
• an official certificate of enrollment;
• a Safe at Home P.O. Box in Sacramento to use as your mailing address; (per Government Code §6207(a))
• a unique four digit ID number, which must be provided on ALL mail received; and
• information about the other available services and how to apply for them.

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Safe at Home Participant

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Safe at Home Participant

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Safe at Home Participant