To: Board of Supervisors
From: Marla Stuart, Employment and Human Services Director
Report Title: Apply for and Accept Funding Request for APS Elder Abuse Prevention Project - Cal OES, Underserved Victims Unit (XE)
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Employment and Human Services Director, or designee to apply for and execute a contract to accept grant funding from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, Underserved Victims Unit for the Elder Abuse Program, in an amount not to exceed $271,805 for the period January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024.
FISCAL IMPACT:
County to apply for and receive an amount not to exceed $217,444 from the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to fund the Elder Abuse Prevention Project for a one year period (January 1, 2024 through December 31,2024). The first half of the grant (1/1/2024 - 6/30/2024) is already budgeted in FY 2023-24, while the second half (7/1/2024 - 12/31/2024) will be included in the budget for FY 2024-25. The project is supported through the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Assistance Formula Grant Program. The VOCA Victim Assistance Formula Grant Program of $217,444 (22VOCA =$217,444) requires a cash and/or in-kind match (22VOCA Match 20% =$54,361;) equal to 20 percent of the total project cost (Pre-match waiver of $271,805). The Employment and Human Services Department (EHSD) will submit a Waiver for the Match with the application packet. If the waiver is not approved, there will be a match of $54,361 with Adult Protective Services (APS) funds. The VOCA amount being sought out is 100% Federal. AL #16.575.
BACKGROUND:
The goal of the Elder Abuse Prevention Project (EAPP) is to bridge the gap in services addressing Elder Abuse. XE Program funding is to enhance the safety of elder and dependent adult victims of crime by providing direct services to victims and bridging the gap between elder justice service providers and victim service providers. The program design takes into account approximately 6,000 annual Adult Protective Services (APS) caseloads and focuses on the areas where direct service is most required: financial abuse, case management, counseling and prevention. This focus will increase justice for, and safety of, elder residents and dependent adults of Contra Costa County.
This grand funding will be used to:
1. Fund an Elder Abuse Victim Specialist solely dedicated to serving elder and dependent adult victims.
2. Provide and coordinate direct services for elder and dependent adult victims.
3. Expand the communities’ capacity to service elder and dependent adult victims.
4. Ensure that elder and dependent adult victims have access to the criminal justice system.
5. Continue to provide outreach awareness programs for victims and mandated reporters of elder and dependent adult abuse and others who come into contact with these victims.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Without funding, the Adult Protection Services division will continue to face an increasing number of unserved vulnerable elder and dependent adults facing financial abuse, interpersonal violence, neglect and exploitation.