Title
Authorization to Apply for, Accept, and Enter into an Agreement for Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Grant Funds and Create Associated Positions (Ordinance S-46419)
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 in an amount not to exceed $5,900,000. This grant would provide continued funding for 29 employees (19 part-time and 10 full-time). Authorization is also requested for the City Manager, or his designee, to create one temporary, full-time equivalent and six part-time positions to support the staffing of three Victim Services Crisis Intervention Units in the City of Phoenix Fire Department, Community Assistance Program. The funding request will include the purchase of a vehicle, radio, and computers for the newly created positions. Further request authorization for the City Treasurer to accept, and for 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 and additional funding to further enhance the victim services landscape in the City of Phoenix. It is anticipated that the VOCA application will be released in February or March.
For more than 13 years, the City of Phoenix Fire Department has requested and received approval from City Council to apply for VOCA grant funds to fully fund victim advocates, victim advocate supervisor, and a volunteer recruiter position in support of the Victim Services Crisis Response Units. VOCA funds will allow the Fire Department to continue to provide direct services to victims of crime including domestic and sexual violence, human trafficking, child abuse, vulnerable adult abuse, and secondary victims of homicide. Advocates provide on-scene crisis stabilization and an array of other services to victims of crimes that occur within the City of Phoenix. Services are designed to help victims address immediate emotional and physical needs, stabilize their lives following the victimization, navigate the criminal justice system, and increase their measure of safety and security. Victim Service Supervisors provide direct supervision to the victim advocates on the units and the Volunteer Recruiter oversees the recruitment and training of volunteers for the Community Assistance Program. These services are in alignment with the Domestic Violence Roadmap, Human Trafficking Compass Plan, and the Traumatic Incident Intervention Resources Ad Hoc Committee.
Contract Term
The initial grant period is Oct. 1, 2020 through Sept. 30, 2023.
Financial Impact
VOCA funds require recipients to contribute a 20 percent match of the total project cost. The Fire Department will provide the match through in-kind volunteer and intern services.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Milton Dohoney, Jr. and the Fire Department.