Title
District Attorney recommending the Board consider the following:
1) Authorize the submission of a grant application to the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services for the Victim Witness Assistance Program for Federal Fiscal Year 2017/18;
2) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign the Certification of Assurance of Compliance; and
3) Authorize the District Attorney to execute the Grant Award Agreement including any extension or amendments.
FUNDING: California Governor's Office of Emergency Services Victims of Crime Act Fund.
Body
DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
District Attorney recommending the Board consider the following:
1) Authorize the submission of a grant application to the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services for the Victim Witness Assistance Program for Federal Fiscal Year 2017/18;
2) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign the Certification of Assurance of Compliance; and
3) Authorize the District Attorney to execute the Grant Award Agreement including any extension or amendments, subject to review and approval by County Counsel and Risk Management.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The District Attorney's Office has operated the Victim Witness Assistance Program since 1980. The program serves as a resource to crime victims. The advocates funded under this grant are required to provide the following services: crisis intervention, emergency assistance, resource referral and assistance, direct counseling and therapy, claim assistance, property return, orientation to the criminal justice system, court escort, presentations and training for criminal justice agencies, public presentations and publicity, case status/disposition, notification of family and friends, employer notification/intervention and restitution.
The County is eligible to receive project funding up to $295,800, which includes a local cash match in the amount of $11,567, in Victim/Witness Assistance Program funding for Federal FY 2017/18. The County will continue to fund three FTE Victim Witness Program Specialist positions with the grant award as well as 60% of the FTE Program Manager position. To meet the local cash match requirement, the District Attorney's Office will utilize Department of Justice Equitable Sharing funds.
As set forth in the Request for Application (RFA), the District Attorney is required to obtain written authorization from the Board of Supervisors that the official executing the agreement is authorized to do so. The District Attorney recommends the Board approve the submission of the grant application and authorize the Chair to sign the Certification of Assurance and Compliance (Rev. 5/2017) for the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Fund. The Certification of Assurance of Compliance includes details regarding Federal Grant Funds, Equal Employment Opportunity Program, Drug Free Workplace Compliance, California Environmental Quality Act, Lobbying, Debarment and Suspension requirements, Proof of Authority from the Governing Board, Civil Rights Compliance and the special conditions for Subaward.
ALTERNATIVES
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
N/A
CAO RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no change to Net County Cost. Department of Justice Equitable Sharing funds were included during the FY 2017/18 addenda process.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Board Chair to sign two certified copies of the Certification of Assurance of Compliance and return to the Chief Administrative Office.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Public Safety
CONTACT
Megan Arevalo