To: Board of Supervisors
From: Diana Becton, District Attorney
Report Title: Victim/Witness Grant Application for October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the District Attorney, or designee, to apply for, accept, and execute a grant award agreement, including any modifications or extensions thereof pursuant to State guidelines, with the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services, Victim Services Branch, in the amount of $1,477,630 for funding of the Victim Witness Assistance Program, for the period October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The District Attorney will receive $1,477,630 in revenue from Cal OES which is included in the FY24-25 budget.
BACKGROUND:
On June 22, 2004, the District Attorney was designated by the Board of Supervisors as the provider of comprehensive victim and witness services for the County, effective July 1, 2004.
The Victim Witness Assistance Program provides constitutionally and statutorily mandated services to empower victims of crime through advocacy and support. Advocates give a voice to victims in the criminal justice system at all stages of the court proceedings. They provide crisis intervention, orientation to the criminal justice system and pursue restitution on behalf of victims and the Victims Compensation Fund.
Fiscal year 2024-2025 is the 21st year that the District Attorney is applying for funds available to support the costs of Contra Costa County's Victim Witness Assistance Program. The grant application will continue to fund staff salaries and benefits to provide services to victims and witnesses of crimes.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If unapproved, the District Attorney will be unable to apply for and receive the grant funding needed to continue its comprehensive victim and witness services.