Title
District Attorney recommending the Board:
1) Authorize the District Attorney to accept a grant from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services for the Victim Witness Assistance Program with a total project cost of $503,891 for the period of October 1, 2023 - September 30, 2024, based on the received Letter of Intent;
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 and required documents, including any extensions or amendments thereof which would not increase net county cost, contingent upon review and approval by County Counsel.
FUNDING: California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Victims of Crime Act Fund.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The District Attorney's Office has operated the Victim Witness Assistance (VW) Program since 1980. The purpose of the VW Program is to provide comprehensive services to victims and witnesses of all types of violent crime. 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.
Cal OES grant program funding typically runs for a 3-year cycle with annual renewals. During the first year, a Request for Proposal (RFP) is submitted. In the subsequent years, a Request for Application (RFA) is submitted based on the funding amount Cal OES has advised each agency is eligible to apply for. The District Attorney's Office is currently beginning the seventh year for this program's RFP cycle. For FY 2023-24, the District Attorney's Office was advised funding may be reque...
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