Title
Authorization to Apply for, Accept, and Enter into an Agreement for Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Grant Funds (Ordinance S-46414)
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 $2,100,000. 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 funding that enhances the victim services landscape in Human Services Department Victim Services Division. It is anticipated that the VOCA application will be released in February or March.
Since 2015, the Human 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 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 ten employees and also requests funds for operating expenses, such as cell phone service, 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 effectiveness of services.
Contract Term
The initial grant period is Oct. 1, 2020 through Sept. 30, 2023.
Financial Impact
Total grant funding will not exceed $2,100,000. The City's funding for current Victim Advocate positions provides the required 20 percent in-kind match.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Deanna Jonovich and the Human Services Department.