Title
Resolution to Amend the Fiscal Year 2021 Council Approved Budget to Accept and Appropriate the 2020-2021 Victim Witness Program Grant 21-B4712VP19 Awarded by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services in the amount of $96,539 to the City of Hampton, Virginia Victim Witness Assistance Program
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
The Hampton Victim Witness Assistance Program (the "Program") prides itself on its ability to provide quality direct services to crime victims in the City of Hampton, Virginia (the "City"). The Program provides those services through of a group of dedicated service providers who have demonstrated a commitment to ensuring that the rights of crime victims are not overlooked in the criminal justice process. Collectively, the Program staff has over 50 years of experience working in the field of victim services.
The Program continues to provide comprehensive information and direct services to crime victims and witnesses in accordance with the Virginia Crime Victims and Witnesses Rights Act and other applicable victims’ rights laws. During July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021 (FY 2021), it is estimated that 300 victims will receive direct services through the Program.
Discussion:
The Program is on the front line of victim/witness interactions when a violent act occurs in the City. The Program facilitates the first to contact victims/witnesses of crimes to offer services after a Hampton Police Department investigation. The Program addresses the emotional and financial hardships that normally accompany violent crimes, and also helps guide and direct those individuals to available resources in the community, including, but not limited to, financial assistance for injuries sustained, counseling, and other services as needed.
The priority area for this grant is Community Based Violence Services and Resources. The proposed project will directly impact services to primary and secondary victims of violent crime. Victims will be contacted and offered services whether or not a person has been charged and convicted of a crime. In addition we will expand and promote the services offered through RESET-Rapid Engagement and Support in the Event of Trauma, which is a collaborative effort between the Victim Services Unit, the Hampton Police Division and the Office on Youth and Young Adult Opportunities.
The Program consistently adheres to policy initiatives of the City by participating in the City’s Job Performance Evaluation process; being actively involved in the community and utilizing volunteers to maximize direct services while minimizing the costs associated with staffing. The goal is to ensure that staff are provided with the leadership, guidance and training necessary to achieve successful performance measures while modeling the City’s mission, values and principles when providing services to the victims and witness served.
The July 1, 2020- June 30, 2021 award is a continuation grant, and is in the second year of a two year grant cycle. The Grant award includes $96,539 in federal flow-through funds. In addition the City required match is $24,134, to be funded through a specific appropriation of the general "Grant Matching Funds" account approved as part of the FY 20 Council Approved Budget.
Impact:
Total grant award is $120,674; Comprised of: VDCJS federal flow-through funds in the amount of $96,539; and required local match funds in the amount of $24,135
Recommendation:
Rec
Approve the Resolution.
Body
WHEREAS, the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services has awarded to the City of Hampton ("City") a Victim Witness Program Grant ("Grant") in the amount of $96,539;
WHEREAS, the Victim Witness Program Grant award requires a local cash match of $24,135;
WHEREAS, the combined funds of the Victim Witness Program Grant and the required local match total $120,674;
WHEREAS, the Grant award covers the fiscal period of July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021;
WHEREAS, the Hampton Victim Witness Assistance Program ("Program") facilitates first contact to victims and witnesses of violent acts, and helps to address the emotional and financial hardships normally associated with such acts; and
WHEREAS, the Grant award must be used in addition to, and not in replacement of other state and local funding.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Hampton, Virginia hereby amends its Fiscal Year 2021 Council Approved Budget to (1) accept and appropriate the 2020-2021 Victim Witness Program Grant 21-B4712VP19 in the amount of $96,539 awarded by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services; and any supplemental funding, to the Grant Fund and, (2) approve the transfer of the required local match, in the amount of $24,135 from Departmental Support - Grant to the Grant Fund, for a total grant award of $120,674 for the purpose of funding the Hampton Victim Witness Assistance Program in accordance with the Grant agreement.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Hampton authorizes the City Manager, or her designee, to take the necessary actions to implement this Grant award.