Title
District Attorney recommending the Chairman be authorized to sign a grant application to be submitted to California Emergency Management Agency, Law Enforcement and Victim Services Division (CalEMA 2-101) for the Fiscal Year 2009-2010 Recovery Act- VAWA Stimulus funding in the amount of $16,308 for the period July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010 to be used to enhance the existing Victim Witness Assistance program.
Body
BUDGET SUMMARY: |
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Total Estimated Cost |
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$16,308 |
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|
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Funding |
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Budgeted |
$ |
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New Funding |
$16,308 |
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Savings |
$ |
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Other |
$ |
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Total Funding Available |
$ |
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Change To Net County Cost |
|
$ |
Fiscal Impact/Change to Net County Cost: There will be no change to net county cost.
Background: This new funding is part of the 2009-2010 stimulus package released by the federal government. This funding is being used to enhance the existing Victim Witness Assistance program.
Reason for Recommendation: The Victim Witness Assistance program requires more personnel than funding allows especially since the passing of Marcy's Law. This grant will allow the program to hire a part-time extra help advocate as long as grant funding is available. Should funding be discontinued in the future, the use of extra help will be eliminated as well. This individual will work in conjunction with existing staff to provide direct service to victims increasing the grant objectives from 1100 new victims to 1400 new victims. The extra help advocate will provide notification to victims, assist with new victim contacts, and follow up with victims on restitution issues.
The District Attorney's office recently became aware of this grant opportunity. Even though it is retroactive to July 1, 2009, there is still time for an application to be submitted. The Department will return to Board with a budget transfer upon successful application and award.
Action to be taken following Board approval: Certified copy of signed certification to be returned to District Attorney's Office and grant package forwarded to CalEMA.
Contact: Jodi Albin, 6421
Concurrences: County Counsel & Risk Management