Title
Retroactive Authorization to Apply for, Accept and Enter into Agreement for VOCA Funds to Continue Victim Advocacy Services (Ordinance S-43867)
Description
Request retroactive authorization for the City Manager, or his designee, to apply for, accept, and if awarded, enter into an agreement for Victim of Crime Act (VOCA) funds from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) in an aggregate amount not to exceed $2.5 million over a three-year period beginning Oct. 1, 2017 and ending Sept. 30, 2020. Four temporary full-time positions will be created to support the delivery of victim services. Authorization is also requested for the City Treasurer to accept and City Controller to disburse the funds over the life of the agreement.
Report
Summary
The Human Services Department (HSD) Family Advocacy Center (FAC) uses a multidisciplinary approach to provide comprehensive services to victims of violent crime, including intimate partner violence, sexual assault and sex trafficking. Services include crisis intervention, forensic medical exams, safety planning and victim advocacy. Assistance obtaining emergency housing and protective orders is immediately available, as well as assistance navigating the criminal justice system, counseling, and long-term case management.
In October 2015, the HSD received VOCA funds from DPS to enhance and expand victim services through Sept. 30, 2017. With the 2015 award, the FAC opened two satellite offices to increase access to victim services. The FAC also implemented mobile advocacy services to serve victims of domestic and sexual violence, and sex trafficking on-scene alongside Phoenix Police. This grant application request is for continued funding for services established in the 2015 expansion, two additional satellite offices, as well as capacity to increase services to victims of teen dating violence and victims of sexual assault.
In May 2017, HSD requested and received authorization to apply for, accept, and enter into an agreement for VOCA grant funds in an amount up to $1.2 million per year for two years. HSD made its request based on its previous experience in anticipation of the Request for Grant Application's release. In June 2017, DPS released the Request for Grant Application with a grant period of three years, ending Sept. 30, 2020. Grant applications were due Aug. 7, 2017. In August 2017, HSD submitted a grant application for an amount of up to $2.5 million over the three-year grant period. If awarded as proposed, the grant will support nine positions and related programmatic and operational costs for comprehensive victim services throughout the City of Phoenix.
Contract Term
If awarded, the three-year grant period will begin Oct. 1, 2017 and end Sept. 30, 2020.
Financial Impact
The VOCA requires grant recipients to contribute a 20-percent match. HSD will provide match through victim services positions supported by the General Fund.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Deanna Jonovich and the Human Services Department.