DATE:
November 15, 2022
01
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
DISTRICT ATTORNEY - REQUEST TO APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT GRANT FUNDING FROM THE CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES TO CONTINUE THE VICTIM/WITNESS ASSISTANCE AND COUNTY VICTIM SERVICES PROGRAMS - (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
The State Penal Code Section 13835 mandates local comprehensive centers for victim and witness assistance throughout California. In the County of San Diego, this assistance is administered through the District Attorney's Office Victim/Witness Assistance (VW) Program. For over four decades, the VW Program has been funded by California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). The VW Program provides critical services to crime victims and witnesses, including but not limited to crisis intervention, referrals to community resources, court accompaniment, and orientation to the criminal justice system. Historically, over 10,000 victims are served each year by the District Attorney's victim advocates.
In 2016, the Board of Supervisors (Board) authorized the District Attorney to apply for and accept a second Cal OES grant, the County Victim Services (XC) Program, that enabled counties to identify and fill gaps and needs in victim services programs. Program priorities were established through a community collaborative and multi-agency partnership. The services provided by this program have included forensic medical exams, mental health treatment, housing assistance, crisis intervention, emergency hotel stays, and case management.
If approved, today's request will authorize the District Attorney to apply for and accept revenue from Cal OES in the estimated annual amount of $3.7 million for the VW Program for the period of October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2027 and an estimated annual amount of $1.0 million for the XC Program for the period of January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2027.
This request will support the District Attorney's VW and XC Pr...
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