Title:
Resolution to Amend the Fiscal Year 2022 Council Approved Budget to Accept and Appropriate the 2022 Victims of Crime Act-Victim Services Grant Program ("VOCA-VSGP") awarded by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services
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 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, 2021 to June 30, 2022 (FY 2022), it is estimated that 275 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 contact with victims/witnesses of crimes to offer services after a Hampton Police Department investigation. The Program addresses the emotional and financial hardships that normally accompanies 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 Rapid Engagement and Support in the Event of Trauma ("RESET"), which is a collaborative effort between the Victim Services Unit, the Hampton Police Division and the Office of 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.
Impact:
The City has been awarded $77,247 in Federal flow-through funds with a required cash match of $19,312. The cash match is budgeted in the General Fund's Grant Matching account for a total grant award of $96,559. This is the first year of a two-year grant.
Recommendation:
Approve.
Body
WHEREAS, the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services has awarded the City of Hampton ("City") the 2022 Victims of Crime Act-Victim Services Grant Program in the amount of $77,247;
WHEREAS, the 2022 Victims of Crime Act-Victim Services Grant Program award requires a local cash match of $19,312;
WHEREAS, the combined funds of the 2022 Victims of Crime Act-Victim Services Grant Program award and the required local cash match, which total $96,599, will be used for the purpose of facilitating first contact with victims and witnesses of violent acts to help address the emotional and financial hardships normally associated with such acts;
WHEREAS, the grant award covers the period of July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022; 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 2022 Council Approved Budget to: (1) accept and appropriate the 2022 Victims of Crime Act-Victim Services Grant Program award in the amount of $77,247, and any supplemental funding, from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services to the Grant Fund; and (2) approve the transfer of $19,312 from the General Fund's Departmental Support - Grant Matching Funds account to the Grant Fund for the purpose of facilitating first contact with victims and witnesses of violent acts to help address the emotional and financial hardships normally associated with such acts in accordance with the grant agreement.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council authorizes the City Manager, or her designee, to take any and all actions necessary to implement this grant award.