Title
District Attorney recommending the Board adopt Resolution 108-2011 authorizing the District Attorney and/or the Chief District Attorney to sign the Standard Agreement with the California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board for the Victim Witness Claims Grant for Fiscal Year 2011-2012 and any amendments or extensions thereof to operate a Victim Witness Center in the County.
FUNDING: California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board.
Body
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BUDGET SUMMARY: |
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Total Estimated Cost |
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$163,273 |
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Funding |
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Budgeted |
$163,349 |
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New Funding |
$ |
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Savings |
$ |
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Other |
$ |
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Total Funding Available |
$163,349 |
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Change To Net County Cost |
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($76) |
Fiscal Impact/Change to Net County Cost: There is no net county cost for FY 11/12.
Background: The Victim Witness Claims Program historically provided funding for two in-house specialists, one office assistant and one program coordinator. Funding levels have been reduced for FY 11/12 by 5% resulting in one specialists being reduced from .80 FTE to .75 FTE and the office assistant from .80 FTE to .62 FTE. It is anticipated that the program will be fully operational even with these reductions by a shift in assignments.
Program responsibilties include application intake, data entry, determination of eligibility, loss verification, including: medical, dental, wage loss, support loss, mental health counseling, funeral, burial and relocation expenses. The benefit of having claims processed in our county is that bills can be paid in a timely manner. The average processing time of claims done directly by the VCP Board is 3-6 months which causes ongoing stress to victims as providers will cut off services until payment is received.
Reason for Recommendation: The Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board has provided a one year agreement for the Victim Witness Claims Program for the period of July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012.
Action to be taken following Board approval: Board Chair to sign resolution and provide department with five certified copies per the request of VCGCB.
Contact: Corrie Henderson
Concurrences: County Counsel and Risk Management