Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Stephen M. Wagstaffe, District Attorney
Subject: Grant Award Agreements with the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services for the Victim/Witness Assistance Program
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing the District Attorney to submit annual grant applications and execute grant agreements with the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services for the Victim/Witness Assistance Program for FY2017-2018, FY2018-2019, and FY2019-2020.
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BACKGROUND:
The County has received funding for the Victim/Witness Assistance Program since 1974 from the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). Cal OES requires the County Board of Supervisors to approve the application and executed agreement for grant funds for Victim/Witness Assistance Program. The District Attorney will submit an application for the grant fund period of October 1, 2017 to September 30, 2018. Because Cal OES requires a new application and executed agreement each year, for the sake of efficiency, the District Attorney seeks Board approval to submit a grant application and execute a grant award agreement for FY2017-2018, FY2018-2019, and FY2019-2020.
DISCUSSION:
The Victim/Witness Assistance Program was established in 1974. The Program, administered at the local level by the Office of the District Attorney, provides comprehensive services to diminish the adverse effects of crime on victims and their families. Services include, but are not limited to, crisis intervention, emergency assistance, resource and referral assistance, claims assistance and court/escort support. During FY2016-17 the Victim/Witness Assistance Program provided services to approximately 3,624 victims. The Program assisted 958 domestic violence victims, 705 victims of assault and/or battery, and 500 victims of sexual assault, both adults and children. The Progra...
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