Title
Authorization to Apply for and Accept VOCA Funds to Continue Victim Advocacy Services (Ordinance S-43481)
Description
Request 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) grant funds from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS). The VOCA grant funds will provide victim advocacy services in an aggregate amount not to exceed $2.4 million for a two-year period beginning Oct. 1, 2017 and ending Sept. 30, 2019. Further request authorization for the City Treasurer to accept and the 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 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, HSD received VOCA funds from DPS to enhance and expand victim services through Sept. 30, 2017. This application will be the second two-year request for the Human Services Department. The current grant funds five victim service positions, which expands FAC victim advocacy services to two satellite locations, and provides mobile victim advocacy services on-scene in the field.
If authorized, HSD will apply for up to $1.2 million per year, for two years, to continue to support five victim services positions and operational costs. HSD also may apply for additional victim services positions and operational costs to further expand the capacity of the City to serve victims of interpersonal violence, sexual assault and sex trafficking.
Contract Term
If awarded, the two-year period will begin Oct. 1, 2017 and end Sept. 30, 2019.
Financial Impact
VOCA funds require recipients to contribute 20 percent match. The Human Services Department will provide a 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.