Title
Authorization to Apply for, Accept and Enter into an Agreement for Victims of Crime Act Grant Funds (Ordinance S-51930) - Citywide
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to apply for, accept, and enter into an agreement with the Arizona Department of Public Safety for a Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant. The amount is not to exceed $850,000. Further request authorization for the City Treasurer to accept, and the City Controller to disburse, all funds related to this item.
Report
Summary
The VOCA grant is federally funded and administered by the Arizona Department of Public Safety. This funding provides an opportunity to request ongoing funding that enhances the victim services landscape in the Human Services Department Victim Services Division. The VOCA application was released on April 7, 2025.
Since 2015, the Humans Services Department has requested and received approval from City Council to apply for VOCA grant funds to partially fund victim advocates. Victim Advocates funded by VOCA are located at the Family Advocacy Center, Family Services Centers, Phoenix Municipal Court, and the Phoenix Police Department. These positions provide an array of services to victims of violent crimes that occur within the City of Phoenix, such as domestic and sexual violence, sex trafficking, and homicide. These services include assisting victims in making critical safety decisions, assisting victims seeking shelter from their abusers, connecting victims to necessary resources inside and outside of the City, transportation assistance, and providing information about the criminal justice system. The victim advocate is often a key support person when a victim talks through the emotional impact of a crime.
This grant would provide continued funding for eight positions. The grant also requests funds for operating expenses, such as cell phone services, office supplies, and other equipment needed to provide direct service to victims. VOCA funding has provided the opportunity to allow greatly reduced caseloads of victim advocates, thus improving the quality and efficacy of services.
The grant application is due on June 2, 2025.
Contract Term
The grant period is from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
Financial Impact
If awarded, the total grant funding will not exceed $850,000.The City's funding for current Victim Advocate positions provides the required 25 percent in-kind match.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Gina Montes and the Human Services Department.