To: Board of Supervisors
From: Diana Becton, District Attorney
Report Title: Victim Witness Grant Application for October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027
Recommendation: Recommendation of the County Administrator
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the District Attorney, or designee, to submit an application and execute a grant award agreement, and any extensions or amendments thereof pursuant to State guidelines, with the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), Victim Services (VS) Branch, for funding of the Victim Witness Assistance Program in the amount of $1,461,065 for the period October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The District Attorney will receive $1,461,065 in revenue from Cal OES which is included in the FY25-26 budget. This funding requires a match in the amount of $253,492, and the department will request a full match waiver as allowed by the grantor.
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. Fiscal year 2026-2027 is the 23rd 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 assistance services.