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ARF- 2636

Consent Agenda Item 4. E.

Regular BOS Meeting

Meeting Date:	08/05/2014
Submitted For:	Bradley Beauchamp
Submitted By:	Brenda Van Haren, Victim Witness Advocate, County Attorney
Department:	County Attorney
Fiscal Year:	2014-2015	Budgeted?:	Yes
Contract Dates Begin & End:	7/01/2014 through 6/30/2015	Grant?:	Yes
Matching Requirement?:	Yes	Fund?:	Renewal

Information

Request/Subject

Arizona Criminal Justice Commission Victim Assistance Grant Agreement (ACJC No. VA-15-020).

Background Information

This grant has been in effect for more than 12 years and is a renewal grant that has received matched funding in the past 12 years. On May 22, 2014, the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission approved grant funding for FY 2015 in the amount of $17,600. The grant match amount for the FY 2015 is $17,600. This grant funding covers the salary of the Victim Witness Advocate/Victim Compensation Coordinator (50% grant funds with match covered by the General Fund). This position is a required position in the Gila County Attorney's Office.

Evaluation

The Crime Victim Assistance Program provides effective assistance services to victims of crime in Gila County. Direct assistance to crime victims may include assistance with monitoring restitution payments, information on the criminal justice process, notification of court proceedings, accompaniment to court proceedings and attorney interviews, guidance with Victim Impact Statement and referrals to community resources to address victims' needs in the aftermath of crime.

Administration of this funding is an integral part of the Gila County Attorney's Office as the funding supports the salary of the crime victim advocate. In addition, the advocate is responsible for coordinating the Crime Victim Compensation Program. That program assists victims with financial assistance to pay for funeral expenses, medical bills, mental health counseling, wage loss and crime scene clean-up.

Conclusion

It is imperative for the Gila County Attorney's Office of Victim Services to continue to receive these grant funds. The criminal justice system can be traumatic for most victims and it is important for the department to provide the mandated serves to those victims. It is a priority of the Victim Services Department to insure that enforcement of victim's rights are adhered and complied with under the law.

The Advocate acts as the liaison between the victim, the prosecutor and the Court. The advocate plays a key role to insure that victims are treated with fairness, dignity and respect throughout the criminal justice system.

Recommendation

The Gila County Attorney's Office of Victim Services recommends that the Board approve the existing Arizona Criminal Justice Commission Grant Agreement VA-15-020 in the amount of $17,600 for FY 2015.

Suggested Motion

Approval of a FY2015 Crime Victim Assistance Grant Agreement (ACJC Grant No. VA-15-020) between Gila County and the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission in the Amount of $17,600 for the period of July 1, 2014, to June 30, 2015.

Attachments
Crime Victim Assistance Grant Agreement No. VA-15-020
Legal Explanation