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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20100402 RESOLUTION RE: APPROVE APPLICATION FOR VICTIM ASSISTANCE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT (VALE) GRANT FOR VICTIM WITNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND AUTHORIZE CHAIR TO SIGN WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, pursuant to Colorado statute and the Weld County Home Rule Charter, is vested with the authority of administering the affairs of Weld County, Colorado, and WHEREAS,the Board has been presented with an Application for a Victim Assistance and Law Enforcement (VALE) Grant from the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and through the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the 19th Judicial District Attorney's Office, Victim Witness Assistance Unit, to the VALE Board, commencing July 1, 2010, and ending June 30, 2011, with further terms and conditions being as stated in said application, and WHEREAS,after review, the Board deems it advisable to approve said application,a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado,that the Application for a Victim Assistance and Law Enforcement(VALE)Grant from the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and through the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the 19th Judicial District Attorney's Office, Victim Witness Assistance Unit, to the VALE Board, be, and hereby is, approved. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Board that the Chair be, and hereby is, authorized to sign said application. The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded, adopted by the following vote on the 24th day of February, A.D., 2010. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WELD COUNTY, COLORADO ATTEST: 1 a f, glas Raderrlacher, Chair Weld County Clerk to th oar a4, ' ,` / ' a tip 1861arbara KiG meyer, P o-Tem BY: • i+ Z r Deputy Clerk to the B.` ` ( A EXCUSED I Sean P. nway AP" a . AS ' , 1 . : 7 William F. arcia 'ounty Attorney EXCUSED David E. Long Date of signature: 3/00 2010-0402 DA0022 2010-2011 VALE ASSISTANCE FUNDS 19th Judicial District, Weld County Application page 1 SECTION A - AGENCY INFORMATION: VALE USE ONLY 1. APPLICANT AGENCY: District Attorney's Office, 19th Judicial District Grant#: Amount Requested: Program Name: Victim Witness Assistance Unit Amount Funded: Street Address(if not confidential): 915 Tenth Street Greeley, CO 80632 Mailing Address (if different): PO Box 1167 Greeley, CO 80632 Phone: 970 356-4010 X4747 Fax: 970 352-8023 E-Mail: jholden@co.weld.co.us 2. CONTACT PERSON: JoAnn Holden Title: Director of Victim Services, District Attorney's Office Phone: 970 356-4010 X4747 Fax: 970 352-8023 E-Mail: jholden@co.weld.co.us 3. Agency Status (i.e., governmental, private-non-profit, or private-for-profit): governmental NOTE:If you are claiming non-profit status and if you have not previously provided documentation supporting this claim to the VALE Board,then you must provide sufficient documentation concerning your agency's non-profit status with this application. 4. PROJECT TITLE: Victim Witness Assistance Program 5. Give a problem statement that is specific to the community the project will serve. The District Attorney's Office has mandated VRA duties for Victims Rights' victims. District Attorney's Office has more mandated VRA duties than any other agency. The Victim Witness Assistance Unit completes these VRA mandated and the statutory duties (VALE and Victims Compensation) and additionally provides services to witnesses all victims of crimes as they move through the Criminal Justice. 6. FUNDS REQUESTED: $120,000 1 2010-0402 SECTION B - NARRATIVE SUMMARY: 7. Agency description: The 19th Judicial District Attorney's Office is a government agency statutorily mandated to prosecute those charged with committing crimes against the State of Colorado. The Office's Mission Statement is, To Seek Justice, Promote Public Safety and Fight For Our Community.The Victim Witness Assistance Unit is a department in the Weld County District Attorney's Office and was established in 1980. Presently, the Victim Witness Assistance Unit staff consists of 14 staff (13.25 FTE) working with victims of felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic cases. The District Attorney's Office Victim Witness Assistance Program is the only program providing: 1. mandated notices to victims of Victim Rights' Amendment crimes regarding the critical stages of the court system which advise them of their rights with regards to the court system; 2. court case status information to victims, witnesses and law enforcement; 3. a liaison between the victim and prosecutor; 4. a safe and secure court waiting area for victims and witnesses; 5. a review of criminal cases to compile information to determine victim restitution; 6. "meaningful consultations"with misdemeanor domestic violence victims. 7. Crime Victim Compensation - regular and emergency awards; 8. administrative support to the Crime Victim Compensation and V.A.L.E. Boards. 8. Brief Project Description for which the funds are being requested. The VALE Grant provides much needed funding for the DA Office Victim Witness Assistance Unit to provide their VRA mandated services. Additionally the program provides victims with information, relevant education, crisis counseling, criminal justice assistance, personal support, HIV notices, and court support either as a witness or to invoke their VRA rights. The quality and quantity of Victim Witness staff contacts with victims has improved noticeably turning the past five years as the role of a Victim Witness Assistant has changed from providing reactive service with no continuity to being with the victim from the initial filing of charges through trial and sentencing. The Victim Witness Unit has been able to provide this enhanced support and service due to added financial support of the VALE Board (added a 20 hour/week employee Cty Court VW Assistant Intern in 2006 and a 10 hour a week VW Assistant in 2009) and the County Commissioners (1 FTE in 2006-VW Assistant, 1 FTE in 2007 VW Assistant, 1 FTE in 2008 Restitution Clerk, a .5 FTE in 2009 adding .25 to this position in 2010). In 2009, our Juvenile Unit consisting of three Deputy DAs for the first time in the history of the VW Assistance Unit has a dedicated VW Assistant. For the first time starting in 2010, the Victim Witness Unit has an adequate number of Victim Witness Staff to support the caseload and is not asking for any additional VW personnel in 2010. The 19`h Judicial District has had a dedicated misdemeanor domestic violence court since September 2001. In February 2005, Victim Witness Assistants added a step of"meaningful consultation" with the victim prior to the court hearing in the afternoon. Our initial victim contact rate has increased as well as an increase in the rate of dispositions of misdemeanor domestic violence cases at first hearing. The Misdemeanor Domestic Violence Fast Track Program enhances the possibility of resolving the case at the defendant's first court appearance and thereby promptly placing defendants into state approved domestic violence treatment programs. Regardless of the disposition at the initial court hearing, victims have more immediate victim assistance contact which provides much needed resources to those most vulnerable. Weld County continues to add judges handling criminal dockets: 2005 District Court Judge added, 2006 County Court Judge added, in 2007 a half time criminal docket District Court Judge, and in 2008 the half 2 time criminal docket judge increased to full time. Addition of judges increases workloads for the District Attorneys Office including the Victim Witness Assistance Program who must cover even more courtrooms simultaneously. For the first time starting in 2010,the Victim Witness Unit has an adequate number of Victim Witness Staff to support the caseload and is not asking for any additional VW personnel in 2010. The Victim Witness Unit's support of victims must adapt to the Specialized Dockets the District Attorney adds. In 2007, the DA's Office added a specialized docket for gang cases and in 2009 added a felony crimes against children cases. The Deputy DA in the specialized dockets have cases in all four criminal divisions. 9. What is the management plan for the project? (Specifically, who will be responsible or accountable for the administration of the project?) The day-to-day management of the District Attorney's Office Victim Witness Assistance Program is the responsibility of Jo Ann Holden, Director of Victim Services.JoAnn is supervised by Kenneth R. Buck, District Attorney and Michael Rourke, Assistant District Attorney. Accounting functions are provided by Barbara Connolly the Director of Finance and Administration and the Board of County Commissioners. 10.Who will provide the proposed services? Will volunteers be utilized? Jo Ann Holden, Director of Victim Services Program Rose Lopez, District Court Victim Witness Assistant Laurie Hammer, County Court Victim Witness Assistant Stephanie Murley, County Court Victim Witness Assistant Intern Ruth Sutliff, Victim Witness Unit Receptionist Koreen Joseph, District Court Victim Witness Assistant Volunteers are utilized in the VW Unit. One volunteer presently assists on busy County Court Trial weeks and another will be doing a summer internship with a felony VW Assistant. 3 SECTION C - GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: (Goal 1, objectives 1 and 2, are mandatory for all applicants.) 11. GOAL 1 (standard): This project will provide direct services that assist crime victims with emotional and physical needs to stabilize their lives, provide a measure of safety and security, and/or enhance victims' experience with the criminal justice system. • OBJECTIVE 1 (standard): To provide services to the following estimated unduplicated number of crime victims during the 12-month grant period. (Note: Count each victim only once based upon predominant crime type.) Definitions: Victims: primary and secondary victims Primary victim: The person against whom the crime was committed,except in the case of homicide,and DUI/DWI deaths where the primary victims are the survivors of the victim. In domestic violence crimes,children of the primary victims(who is receiving services)are also considered to be primary victims. Secondary Victims: Persons other than primary victims receiving services because of their own reaction or needs resulting from a crime. Unduplicated Count: New and continuing victims being served by the project during the first year of the grant period,continuing victim is a person served in a prior grant year who is continuing to receive services in the new year. EST. NO. EST. NO. VICTIMS TYPE OF CRIME VICTIMS TYPE OF CRIME 250 Child Physical Abuse Adults Molested as Children 70 Child Sexual Abuse 30 Survivors of Homicide Victims 25 DUI/DWI —Victims of vehicular assault or 56 Robbery homicide, DUI/DWI crashes, or careless driving resulting in death 1050 Domestic Violence 650 Assault 55 Adult Sexual Assault 338 Other violent crimes such as hate and bias crime, gang violence (specify). VRA crimes not listed above including Menacing,Indecent Exposure,Stalking, Retaliation,Tampering, Attempt, Accessory,Solicitation or Conspiracy of VRA Crime 55 Elder Abuse (including economic exploitation and fraud crimes) Other, please specify: TOTAL UNDUPLICATED VICTIMS ESTIMATED TO BE SERVED DURING THE 12-MONTH PERIOD 2579 4 • OBJECTIVE 2 (standard): To provide the following types of services to the following estimated number of unduplicated victims during the 12-month grant period. EST. NO. EST. NO. VICTIMS SERVICES VICTIMS SERVICES 234 Crisis Counseling 40 Emergency Financial Assistance 1232 Follow-up Emergency Legal Advocacy Therapy 2579 Victim Compensation Assistance (required) Group Treatment/Support 600 Personal Advocacy Shelter/Safehouse 2500 Telephone Contact(information/referral) 750 Information/Referral (in person) Crisis Hotline Counseling 1350 Criminal Justice Support/Advocacy 100 Other (specify): interpreter, Address Confident Program, Collaborate w/DSS Definitions: Crisis counseling(in person): Refers to in-person crisis intervention,emotional support,guidance and counseling provided by advocates,counselors,mental health professionals,or peers. Such counseling may occur at the scene of the crime, immediately after a crime,or be provided on an ongoing basis. Follow-up: Refers to victim contacts,including: in-person contacts,telephone contacts,and written communications with victims to offer emotional support,counseling,provide empathetic listening,check on a victim's progress,etc. Therapy: Refers to intensive professional psychological and/or psychiatric treatment for individuals,couples,and family members arising from the occurrence of a crime. This includes the evaluation of mental health needs,as well as the actual delivery of psychotherapy. Group Treatment/Support: Refers to the coordination and provision of supportive group activities ;includes peer, social support,etc. Shelter/Safehouse: Refers to providing short-and long-term housing and related support services to victims and families following victimization. Information/Referral(in person): Refers to in-person contacts with victims during which time services and available support are identified. Criminal Justice SupportAdvocacy: Refers to support,assistance,and advocacy provided to victims at any stage of the criminal justice process, to include post-sentencing services and support. Emergency Financial Assistance: Refers to cash outlays for transportation,food,clothing,emergency housing,etc. Emergency Legal Advocacy: Refers to filing temporary restraining orders,injunctions and other protective orders, elder abuse petitions,and child abuse petitions but does not include criminal prosecution or the employment of 5 attorneys for non-emergency purposes,such as custody disputes,civil suits,etc. Victim Compensation Assistance(Required): Refers to making the victim aware of the Crime Victim Compensation Fund.May also include providing assistance with completing the required forms,gathering the needed documentation,etc. in addition to follow-up contact with the Victim Compensation agency on behalf of the victim. Personal Advocacy: Refers to assisting victims in securing rights,remedies,and services from other agencies; locating emergency financial assistance,intervening with employers,creditors,and others on behalf of the victim; assisting in filing for losses covered by public and private insurance programs including workman's compensation, unemployment benefits,welfare,etc.;accompanying the victim to the hospital;etc. Telephone Contact: Refers to contacts with victims during which time services and available support are identified. Crisis Hotline Counseling:Crisis or information and referral calls received by an agency's hotline or office telephone. Unduplicated Count: Estimate the number and type of services to all new victims being served by the VOCA project once during the first year of the grant period. Victims from a previous grant year who are continuing to receive services may be counted once in the 15'quarter of this report. 6 12. PROJECT-SPECIFIC GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: Add no more than four additional goals with objectives. Use format provided below. Goals should be clear,concise, general statements that highlight what the project intends to achieve. They should relate to the Project Description and Budget pages of the Application. Obiectives(no more than three per goal)should be quantifiable(i.e. a number can be attached) in order to measure changes brought about by the project toward achieving each goal. Objectives state specifically what will be done, by whom,and by when. A timetable of projected achievement should be indicated in the Goals and Objectives. Efficiency and Effectiveness are measured in Goals and Objectives and reported on in quarterly reports. Efficiency: Were the project's proposed activities accomplished as projected? Effectiveness: How will you determine that your project is effective or has made a difference to the victims served? GOAL 2: Provide direct assistance to victims of misdemeanor domestic violence. Objective 1. By June 30, 2011, services will be provided to 865 victims; 335 will be underserved victims of: rural areas, elderly, cultural, language, ethnic minority or disabled. Objective 2. By June 30, 2011, have "meaningful consultation"with 75% of misdemeanor domestic violence victims the next working day after the crime which should result in a 25%disposition rate. On a quarterly basis, provide a summary of results. GOAL 3 Provide services(duplicated count)to: VRA notifications, Victim and Witness court hearing call off and Resitution Assistance. Objective 1. By June 30, 2011, 17,800 VRA Notification letters will be send to victims. Objective 2. By June 30, 2011, 3600 Victims and Witnesses (non-officers)will be called off from traveling to court to testify in a hearing. Objective 3. By June 30, 2011, 2000 victims will receive restitution assistance. GOAL 4: Collaborate with Law Enforcement Agencies, Probation, and Victim Service Agencies to coordinate efforts in serving victims, responding to victim client feedback on service. Objective 1. Participate in monthly or quarterly meetings of Domestic Violence Coalition and Coordinating Committee for Victims of Crime. Look for opportunites to increase knowledge and resources by meeting with community agencies that provide services and interpretation for victims from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Objective 2. Have VW Unit staff attend trainings when possible(monetarily and scheduling). Have VW Unit staff participated in trainings when requested. Report on both activities. Objective 3. Achieve an 80%approval rating on returned victim surveys and on a quarterly basis, provide a summary of results of the victim surveys evaluating client satisfaction and uncover positive and negative aspects of the programs and any need for change 7 Cont- PROJECT-SPECIFIC GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: 13. What problems do you anticipate in implementing your program's goals and objectives, if any? If the program's funding goals are achieved during the grant period, the Victim Witness Assistance Program will continue to not only maintain but enhance its services. A major portion of the Victim Witness Assistance Unit's funding is dependant on grant money to accomplish its overall goals. The Victim Witness Assistance Program has received support of the District Attorney, Weld County Commissioners, and Victim Services Grants in increasing financial support and added staff. The Victim Witness Assistance Program has been able to provide more services to more victims and witnesses with 3.75 additional FTE from the County(from 2005 to present) and a .5 FTE County Court VW Assistant Intern and .25 FTE provided by a VALE Grant. The challenge continues to deal with the growth of Weld County. Three new judges have been added during the past three years (2005 District Court Judge, 2006 County Court Judge, 2007-2008 District Court Judge). Additional courtrooms and Specialized dockets have a direct impact on more staff needs in the District Attorney's Office including the Victim Witness Assistance Unit. 14. How does the project address the victims and witnesses services need outlined in the V.A.L.E. statute? Refer to C.R.S. 24-4.2-105(4)(a—m). C.R.S. 24-4.2-105 Subsection(4) lists various victim and witness services. The District Attorney's Office Victim Witness Assistance Unit provides many of these services. Services directly involved with the project are: (a) Provision of services of early crisis intervention - Provided when making initial contact with victims, especially domestic violence, or cases involving a death of another person—murder, vehicular homicide, careless driving resulting in death. (c) Referral of victims to appropriate social service and victim compensation programs and assistance in filling out forms for compensation- Provided by the assigned Victim Witness Assistant throughout the existence of the criminal case. (d) Education of victims and witnesses about the operation of the criminal justice system - Provided by the assigned Victim Witness Assistant throughout the existence of the criminal case. (e) Assistance in prompt return of the victims' property—Coordinated by the assigned Victim Witness Assistant at the conclusion of the case. (f) Notification to the victim of the progress of the defendant's arrest,subsequent bail determination, and the status of the case- Provided by the assigned Victim Witness Assistant throughout the existence of the criminal case and by the Victim Notification Letter System. (g) Intercession with the employers of victims- Provided by the assigned Victim Witness Assistant when requested by the victim or identified to be an issue by the VW Assistant. (h) Assistance to the elderly and to persons with disability in arranging transportation to and from court- Coordinated by the assigned Victim Witness Assistant throughout the existence of the criminal case when a victim is subpoenaed to testify. 8 (i) Translator Services-Spanish victims are assigned a bi-lingual Victim Witness Assistant throughout the existence of the criminal case. (j) Coordination of efforts to assure that victims have a secure place to wait before testifying- Provided by the assigned Victim Witness Assistant throughout the existence of the criminal case. (k) Provision of counseling or assistance during court appearance when appropriate- Assistance provided by the assigned Victim Witness Assistant throughout the existence of the criminal case. Victim is given counseling referrals. (I) Protection from threats of harm and other forms of intimidation - Provided by the assigned Victim Witness Assistant throughout the existence of the criminal case. 9 SECTION D - SERVICE INFORMATION: 15.What is the population and geographic area targeted for service through this project? Weld County, Colorado covers over 4,000 square miles, the third largest county in Colorado. The United States Census Bureau estimates the county population was 243,750 in 2007, a 34.7% increase since 2000. There are 31 incorporated towns in Weld County.The county seat and principal city, Greeley, is located in the west central part of the county and contains almost most of the county's population which was estimated at 89,046 in 2006. Generally, most of the remaining population resides within a 20 to 30 miles radius of Greeley; the northeastern part of the county is sparsely populated. In addition, Weld County has a sizeable temporary population that includes a large seasonal worker population and students attending the University of Northern Colorado and Aims Community College a) How many people are in need of these services? In 2009, the District Attorney's Office filed 17.723 cases: Felony—2312; Juvenile — 1133: Misdemeanor—4155; Traffic—9967. This represents around 7.000 primary and secondary victims. Approximately one third of these victims (2,300) involve victims of VRA crimes. b) How many people are presently being served? In 2009, there were approximately 7.000 primary and secondary victims, one third of these victims (2.300) involve victims of VRA crimes. 16.Are there other community agencies currently providing like services to the targeted population? NO If yes, explain how this project is not a duplication of services. 17. Document community support, coordination and networking by providing the following information: a) List the agencies whom your agency has an active memorandum of understanding or an agreement regarding the coordination and provision of services. See SECTION I. ATTACHMENTS The District Attorney's Office Victim Assistance Program attends meetings, trainings, and contacts representatives from the agencies listed below to provide victims with referrals and support. The following agencies have signed the Weld County Coordinating Committee for Victims of Crime Coordination Agreement affirming their commitment to working together to facilitate the effective delivery of services to victims: Weld County Probation Victim Services, c.a.r.e. - Child Advocacy and Resource Educations, Area Agency on Aging, Colorado Legal Services,Weld County Law Enforcement Victim Services Unit, Sexual Assault Survivor's Inc, 19th JD District Administrator's Office, Greeley Police Department Victim Assistance, A Woman's Place, Catholic Charities, UNC Adult Survivors Advocacy Program, A Kid's Place, Intervention, ICCS, Mentors and Friends,Weld County Legal Services, and the District Attorney's Office Victim Assistance Program. b) Is your agency an active participant in Weld County's Coordinating Committee for Victims of Crime (CCVC)? If"yes," provide the name and position(s)of the CCVC participant(s)and their level of involvement in that group. Jo Ann Holden, Director of Victim Services Chairs CCVC. Karol Patch, Victim Compensation Coordinator is an active participate in CCVC. Both are involved in the Victim Awareness Day event each year as well as other projects, information gathering, and training sponsored by CCVC. 10 c) Briefly describe any other agency actions that demonstrate its high priority for developing community support, coordination, networking,and cooperation. The Weld County District Attorney's Office Victim Witness Assistance Program maintains a professional working-relationship with law enforcement victim assistance programs, the Courts, Clerk's Office, Collections, Probation Department's Victim Assistance Program as well as judges when projects require their input. The Victim Witness Assistance Program is involved with the local Domestic Violence Coalition, Coordinating Committee for Victims of Crime(Holden-Chair), and quarterly meetings with A Woman's Place. Additionally, the Victim Witness Assistance Program coordinates victim services with Victim Assistance Programs representing 21 law enforcement agencies as well as many victim service agencies: A Kid's Place, UNC Adult Survivors Advocacy Program, Colorado Legal Services, A Woman's Place, c.a.r.e - Child Advocacy and Resource Educations, Sexual Assault Survivor's Inc., Area Agency on Aging, Weld County Legal Services, Colorado Legal Services and Catholic Charities. The District Attorney's Office also provides complete administrative, legal and clerical support for the Crime Victim Compensation Board and the VALE Board and to the individuals and organizations served by these programs. d) List the agency name(s)and person(s)who provided letter(s)of support(no more than three)applicable to this specific grant funding request. See SECTION I. ATTACHMENTS A Woman's Place—Lotte Muster, Executive Director Probation Victim Assistance—Sheri Mann, Coordinator of Victim Assistance 11 SECTION E - VICTIM COMPENSATION: Provide the following information concerning your agency's involvement with the Crime Victim Compensation Program: 18. a) Does your agency regularly inform victims about Victim Compensation and help them to apply when appropriate? YES How? The Victim Witness Assistance Program provides information to victims concerning Crime Victim Compensation by distributing Victim Compensation brochures (English and Spanish) and application forms, referring to Victim Compensation in VRA Brochures, providing Victim Compensation Training at law enforcement departments, victim service agencies and other local groups, explaining Victim Compensation and helping victims to complete application forms. The Victim Compensation Program, in the District Attorney's Office, responds to victims' requests for applications, assistance in completing the application, facilitates the payment of emergency financial assistance, processes completed applications for monthly Victim Compensation Board review, and distributes award notices and compensation after Board Meetings. b) Explain any major issues that hinder your agency in helping crime victims to understand Victim Compensation eligibility requirements and to apply for benefits. Since the District Attorney's Office Administers the Victim Compensation Fund staff is very knowledgeable about compensation criteria. c) Does your agency regularly conduct/receive Victim Compensation training for direct services staff and volunteers? YES If"yes," what was the date of the last training and who provided it? Karol Patch, the Crime Victim Compensation Coordinator, provided training to the VW Staff on April 9, 2008. Since the Crime Victim Compensation Program provides administrative support to the program all Victim Witness Assistance Staff have knowledge regarding the program and any program updates, questions, and concerns are continually reviewed at regularly scheduled staff meetings. VALE USE ONLY Reviewed Victim Compensation Coordinator Comments: 12 SECTION F - VICTIM RIGHTS ACT: 19. Has your agency taken steps to assure that all staff and volunteers have read and understand the GUIDELINES FOR ASSURING THE RIGHTS OF VICTIMS OF AND WITNESSES TO CRIMES: Rights afforded to crime victims-C.R.S.24-4.1-302.5; Procedures for assuring rights of victims of crimes; C.R.S. 24-4.1-303; and Child victim or witness—rights and services—C.R.S. 24-4.1-304 If"yes", a)Briefly describe how your agency assures that all staff and volunteers are trained on VRA. Jo Ann Holden, Director of Victim Services of the Weld County District Attorney's Office has been involved in the Victims' Rights Constitutional Amendment prior to voter approval in November 1992. Holden implemented one of the first automated Victims' Rights Notification Systems in the state in the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office. She was a committee member of the Constitutional Amendment Training Committee and during 1993 and 1994 and an instructor in several regional trainings throughout the state as well as a technical support person to the C.O.V.A. Trainer. She has been involved in the Victims' Rights Enabling Legislative Committee when modifications were made to assure compliance which resulted in the cleanup bill passed in 1995. The information Holden has gleaned from her involvement with the Victims' Rights Amendment is passed on to the Victim Witness Staff via staff meetings and policies and procedures. Policies and procedures that are implemented in the Office of the District Attorney as a direct result of requirements of the Victims' Rights Amendment are discussed in a thorough manner with staff regarding the importance of following through with the new procedure because it is a Victims' Rights Amendment issue. b)Does your agency have a statutory mandate to notify victims about their rights under VRA? YES. The District Attorney is mandated to inform victims of the critical stages of the court system, that they have the right to be present at the critical stages of the court system and that they have the right to speak at Bond Modification Hearings, Entry of Plea Negotiation, Sentencing and Modification of Sentencing. The following rights found in C.R.S. 24-4.1-302.5 are duties the District Attorney's Office provides to victims of VRA crimes: (a) Be treated with fairness, respect and dignity, free from intimidation, harassment, or abuse, throughout the criminal justice system. (b) Be informed and present for the critical stages 24-4.1-302 (2) (c) Be notified when defendant is released from custody (d) Be heard at bond reduction or modification hearings, acceptance of a negotiated plea, or sentencing (e) Consult with the prosecution prior to disposition or trial (f) Be notified of scheduling changes (g) Be present at sentencing and to provide a victim impact statement (h) Have restitution paid (I) Pursue a civil judgment (k) Receive property back when no longer needed (I) Availability of assistance m) Be informed of steps to be taken if intimidation or harassment occurs (n) Be provided with employer intercession (o) Have a swift resolution to the case (p) Have a secure waiting area, whenever practicable. (t) To be informed of the process for enforcing compliance with this article. c) Provide the date of your last VRA training and who provided that training. July 30, 2009 Dan Griffin, COVA Trainer, made a presentation to law enforcement agency, DA's Office VW Staff and non-profit agencies. 13 d) How does your agency notify victims of their rights under VRA? The Victim Witness Assistance Unit receives new cases with charges covered under the Victims' Rights Amendment. Victims are identified, entered into a database and an initial VRA Packet is mailed. The initial VRA Packet includes information regarding the charges filed, a VRA Brochure, a letter explaining the availability of Crime Victim Compensation, a request to complete a Victim Impact Statement and a list of various victim-service providers. As the case progresses through the court system, DA Office secretarial staff send case-status EMAILs to staff in the Victim Witness Assistance Unit who select the appropriate Victim Rights Letter to send to the identified victim rights victims. Victim Witness Assistants are available to answer victims questions by phone or in person and are available to provide court support when victims wish to attend a critical stage of the court system. e) Does your agency have a brochure describing VRA? If"yes", list the languages in which your brochure is available. See SECTION I. ATTACHMENTS Yes, the Victim Rights Amendment Brochure is provided in English and Spanish. f) If you agency does not have a brochure describing VRA, please indicate if your agency utilizes brochures from other agencies. See SECTION I ATTACHMENTS Non-applicable VALE USE ONLY 14 SECTION G - EVALUATION: How will you evaluate the effectiveness of this project? 20. If this is an application for continuing funding, how successful has this project been in the past in accomplishing its proposed goals and objectives? The Victim Witness Assistance Program is primarily meeting the goals and objectives as outlined in quarterly reports. Projections surrounding the DV Fast Track Program regarding victim contact and disposition rate has been less than projected. Statistics are reviewed quarterly to address what if any issues should be corrected; detailed information is contained in the quarterly reports. The County Court VW Assistant is assigned to misdemeanor domestic violence cases, and with the addition of a VW DV Fast Track County Assistant more contact is now made and more support available with these victims. During the past three years, the Weld County District Attorney's Office Victim Witness Assistance Unit has undergone many changes and added responsibilities as we continue to move the unit to the philosophy of a proactive rather than reactive response to crime victims. Beginning January 2007, VW Assistants began to be assigned all VRA cases at initial filing, providing continual victim support, education and referrals throughout the court process. 21.Do you currently utilize a client survey? YES If so, please attach a copy of your survey. If you do not utilize a survey, how you do you plan to determine client satisfaction? N/A 22. What is the projected cost per client served (cost/benefit ratio)? How did you calculate this figure? 2579 VRA victims to be served VALE Request of$120,000 Cost per Client = $46.52 Calculated: 120,000 : 2579 =46.52 SECTION H - BUDGETARY INFORMATION: 23. All Budget pages MUST be completed. 15 BUDGET INFORMATION TOTAL AGENCY VICTIM SERVICES Please indicate the sources for ALL funding your agency receives for victim services. FUNDING START DATE END DATE AMOUNT Month/Day/Year Month/Day/Year VALE Grant (if applicable) 107,383.00 07 / 01 / 09 06 / 30 / 10 VAWA 50,390.00 01 / 01 / 10 12 / 31 / 10 (if applicable) Grant (if applicable) / / / / Other— VALE Admin 79,901.00 01 / 01 / 09 12 / 31 / 09 Other— COMP Admin 59,648.00 01 / 01 / 09 12 / 31 / 09 Other— County Funding 296,329.00 01 / 01 / 10 12 / 31 / 10 TOTAL 593,651.00 01 / 01 /10 12 /31 /10 Please specify the source of "Other" funds ( other grants, government funds, city funds, donations, fund-raising, etc.) "Other" funds should reflect hard dollars and NOT in-kind contributions (office space, phones, etc) HOW WILL FUTURE FUNDING NEEDS BE MET? The Victim Witness Assistance Program, as a division of a governmental agency, is limited in the sources and activities it is allowed to use to raise revenue. While the financial support provided by Weld County has increased, the VW Unit must compete with other high priority programs for limited county funding. The Victim Witness Coordinator writes grants for funding when available and appropriate, but grant funding(especially federal funding) cannot be relied to always be available. The VALE Grant Request represents approximately 20% of the total DA Victim Witness Assistance Budget 16 VALE PROJECT BUDGET INFORMATION PROJECT FUNDS REQUESTED BUDGET: Continuation Applicants fill out Columns 1,2,and 3. ROUND TO THE NEAREST DOLLAR New Applicants fill out Column 2 only. Continuation Applicants ALL APPLICANTS Continuation (Column 1) (Column 2) Applicants (Column 3) Current Grant Award Requested Budget Increase or Decrease PERSONNEL PERSONNEL (+/-) Job Position Job Position/NAME VW Director(Holden) 20,713 VW Director(Holden) 26,452 + 5,739 VW Assistant(Lopez) 13,475 VW Assistant(Lopez() 20,000 +6,525 Cty DV FT VW(Hammer) 15,015 Cty DV FT VW Assistant—(Hammer) 6300 -8,715 VW DVFT/Cty Intern(Murky) 12,792 VW DVFT/Cty Intern(Murley) 13,382 / + 590 VW Clerical(Sutliff) 15,587 VW Clerical(Sutliff) 16,386 _ + 799 VW Assistant(Joseph) 9,551 VW Assistant(Joseph) 9,992 + 441 Fringe Benefits 20,250 Fringe Benefits 27,488 , +7238 107,383 Subtotal 120,000 +12,617 Subtotal SUPPLIES AND OPERATING SUPPLIES & OPERATING EXPENSES (copying, (+/-) EXPENSES rent phone,tuition,registration fees&other items under $5,000) Subtotal Subtotal IN-STATE TRAVEL IN-STATE TRAVEL(itemize transportation/per diem, (+/-) etc) ' Subtotal Subtotal EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT (+/-) Subtotal Subtotal PROFESSIONAL SERVICES PROFESSIONAL SERVICES (+/-) Subtotal Subtotal TOTAL FUNDS: 107,383 TOTAL FUNDS REQUESTED: 120,000 +12,617 17 VALE PROJECT BUDGET DETAIL AND JUSTIFICATION A. PERSONNEL: List each job position, include the name of the employee, if available. If two individuals have the same job title, list it twice. Indicate FTE of individual(EX: I FTE; .5 FTE; .75 FTE) TOTAL COST - Show the total amount of salary and fringe benefits of the position (SALARY and FRINGE BENEFITS are to be show separately.) VALE%- Show the VALE percent requested for the total cost of the position VALE Funding- Calculate the VALE funding request based on the TOTAL COST and VALE%. Other Funding Source(s) - Indicate how the position is paid for other than VALE funding. If the position cannot be funded(because 100%VALE Funding) indicate this. Title of Job FTE Total VALE VALE If THIS grant funding will not pay for Position\Name Cost % Funding the entire position,what other SOURCE Requested Requested will be used to pay for the rest of the position VW Director(Holden) 1 99,235 38% 38,337 Admin Funds, County VW Assistant(Lopez) 1 54,373 48% 26,400 Admin Funds, County VW Assistant(Hammer) 1 57,151 16% 9,000 VAWA, County VW DVFT/Cty Intern .5 14,497 100% 14,497 Some Admin Funds could be used, (Murley) but will loose the position if not funded by VALE Vw Clerical(Sutliff) .625 17,778 100% 17,778 Some Admin Funds could be used, but will loose the position if not funded by VALE VW Assistant(Joseph) 1 55,951 25% 13,988 County Narrative Justification: Explain and justify the project's budget and relate the personnel budgeted to project activities and their qualifications. Name of and Title of Person: Jo Ann Holden, Director of Victim Services Program VALE Cost: $38,337 (S: $26,452 B:$11,885) Duties to be performed\project activities: Grant funding will enable Holden to provide supervision of the Victim Witness Assistance Unit, Administrative duties, and direct victim support. DIRECTOR OF VICTIM SERVICES QUALIFICATIONS: Masters degree in counseling, psychology or related area with extensive course work in public administration and/or management. Five years of increasingly responsible job-related administrative duties with at least two years in a supervisory capacity. Any equivalent combination of education and experience. Name of and Title of Person: Rose Lopez, District Court Victim Witness Assistant VALE Cost: $26,400 (S: $20,000 B: $6,400) Duties to be performed\project activities: Grant funding will enable Lopez to provide direct victim 18 support to victims of: juvenile crimes, gang motivated crimes, murders, and Spanish-speaking only victims, as well as back up for County Court and District Court VW Assistants. VICTIM WITNESS ASSISTANT QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, Criminal justice, or closely related field AND some experience in crime victim services delivery. Working knowledge of personal computer. Highly desirable for applicant to be bi-lingual (Spanish). Any equivalent combination of education and experience. Name of and Title of Person: Laurie Hammer, County Court Victim Witness Assistant VALE Cost: $ 9, (S: $6,300; B: $2,700) Duties to be performed\project activities: Grant funding will enable Hammer to perform the daily duties of the DV Fast Track Program which includes direct victim contact, support in court, follow-up information with victims, and trial support. Additionally, will be able to provides direct victim support of all other County Court cases (Careless Resulting in Death, other VRA cases, traffic and non-VRA cases) Court Assistance Program, restitution, and victim and witness call offs. VICTIM WITNESS ASSISTANT QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, Criminal justice, or closely related field AND some experience in crime victim services delivery. Working knowledge of personal computer. Highly desirable for applicant to be bi-lingual (Spanish). Any equivalent combination of education and experience. Name of and Title of Person: Stephanie Murley, County Court Victim Witness Assistant Intern VALE Cost: $14,497 (S: $13,382 B: $1,115) Duties to be performed\project activities: Grant funding will enable Murley to assist the County Court VW Assistant with the daily duties of the DV Fast Track Program and County Court workload and provide support to Spanish-speaking victims. COUNTY COURT VICTIM WITNESS ASSISTANT INTERN: Associates Degree in Criminal Justice, Human Services or closely related field or pursuing a Bachelors Degree in same fields. Working knowledge of personal computer. Highly desirable for applicant to be bi-lingual (Spanish). Any equivalent combination of education and experience. Name of and Title of Person: Ruth Sutliff, Victim Witness Unit Receptionist VALE Cost: $17,778 (S: $16,386 B: $1,392) Duties to be performed\project activities: Grant funding will enable Sutliff to perform first line response to victim phone calls and victims coming to the office, processing of Victim Rights' Notification Sentencing Outcome letters with Post Sentencing Notification Brochures, and support to the VALE Administrator. RECEPTIONIST/CLERICAL QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum of two years of experience in office, clerical, or other public contact work as required by the position, OR any equivalent combination of education and experience. Working knowledge of personal computer. Name of and Title of Person: Koree Joseph, District Court Victim Witness Assistant VALE Cost: 13,988 (S: $9,992 B: $3,996) Duties to be performed\project activities: Grant funding will enable Joseph to provide direct victim support to victims to a felony criminal division 12. VICTIM WITNESS ASSISTANT QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, Criminal justice, or closely related field AND some experience in crime victim services delivery. Working knowledge of personal computer. Highly desirable for applicant to be bi-lingual (Spanish). Any equivalent combination of education and experience. B. SUPPLIES AND OPERATING REQUEST: All supplies and operating requests must be specific, itemized cost related to victim services. N/A 19 C. IN-STATE TRAVEL REQUEST: Itemize travel expenses of project personnel by purpose (e.g.,to attend training sessions,to transport clients, etc.). Itemize these categories: mileage, lodging, meals, registration fees. ONLY IN-STATE TRAVEL IS ELIGIBLE. N/A D. EQUIPMENT REQUEST Direct benefits to crime victims or witnesses must be shown for the purchase of equipment to facilitate smoother operation of law enforcement activities. N/A E. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES REQUEST: List consultants or independent contractors who will provide victim services under the grant. N/A F. DIFFERENCES FROM LAST YEAR'S REQUEST(Continuation Applicants only): If this is an application for continuing funding, explain any changes in proposed funding. G. The DA's Office Victim Witness Assistance Unit is presently funded by: Weld County Commissioners=50%; VALE Administration funds= 13.5%; COMP Administration funds=10.5%; VAWA Grant=8% VALE Grant =18% TOTAL INCREASE of $12,617.00: $11,437 Increase HOLDEN. The County only funds 13%of the salary and benefits for this position. All other funding must be obtained through Grants, and VALE or COMP Administration funds. The VALE Administration funds were down 5% from 2008 to 2009. Expectations are that these funds will remain the same or again decrease in 2010. $8,900 Increase- LOPEZ and $10,500 Decrease -HAMMER Due to the DCJ Consolidated grants and project funded requirements,Hammer's funding could be increased in the DCJ Grant and the funding for Lopez's position has to be reassigned in the DCJ Grant. $937 Increase—MURLEY Murley has been in this position since January 2009 at the entry level step. Weld County did not give any cost of living increases in 2010. The increase in this grant represents a step increase of 37 cents per hour and funding that came out of VALE Administration in the previous grant cycle. $1,256 Increase - SUTLIFF Sutliff has been in this position since July 2008 at the entry level step. Weld County did not give any cost of living increases in 2010. The increase in this grant represents a step increase of 36 cents per hour and funding that came out of VALE Administration in the previous grant cycle. $587 Increase—JOSEPH Beginning in 2010, the County funds 75% of Joseph's salary and benefits (an increase of 25% from 2009)and 25%is funded by VALE 20 VICTIM ASSISTANCE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT BOARD GRANT APPLICANT MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING CONCERNING THE RIGHTS AFFORDED TO CRIME VICTIMS As provided in C.R.S. 24-4.2-105 (4.7), Colorado law requires the following: A REQUESTING AGENCY OR PERSON SHALL ACKNOWLEDGE IN WRITING THAT SUCH AGENCY OR PERSON HAS READ AND UNDERSTANDS THE RIGHTS AFFORDED TO CRIME VICTIMS PURSUANT TO SECTION 24-4.1-302.5 AND THE SERVICES DELINEATED PURSUANT TO SECTION 24-4.1-303 AND 24-4.1-304. SUCH WRITTEN ACKNOWLEDGMENT SHALL BE ATTACHED TO SUCH REQUESTING AGENCY'S OR PERSON'S APPLICATION FOR MONEYS PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION. THE BOARD SHALL NOT ACCEPT FOR EVALUATION ANY APPLICATION FOR A GRANT OF MONEYS PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION UNTIL THE REQUESTING AGENCY OR PERSON PROVIDES THE BOARD WITH SUCH WRITTEN ACKNOWLEDGMENT. The prospective grantee certifies to the VALE Board, by submission of this completed Grant Applicant Memorandum of Understanding Concerning the Rights Afforded to Crime Victims,that the agency or person described herein has read and understands the rights afforded to crime victims as required by C.R.S. 24-4.2-105 (4.7). PROJECT DIRECTOR: JoAnn Holden TITLE: Director of Victim Services PROJECT: Victim Witness Assistance Unit AGENCY: Weld County District Attorney's Office ADDRESS: PO Box 1167, Greeley, CO 80632 l SIGNATURE: DATE: ' 11- ) v I V COPIES OF THE STAT ES DESCRIBED HAVE BEEN PROVIDED TO PROSPECTIVE GRANT RECIPIENTS WITH THEIR APPLICATION. 21 VALE Grant Application Signature Page Applicant Agency: District Attorney's Office, 19'"Judicial District Street Address(if not confidential)915 Tenth Street,Greeley,CO 80632 Mailing Address(if different):): PO Box 1167,Greeley,CO 80632 Phone: 970 356-4010 Fax:970 352.8023 E-Mail: jholden@co.weld.co.us Project Title: Victim Witness Assistance Program Grant Period: July 1.2010 to June 30,2011 The following signatories understand and agree that any grant received as a result of this application shall incorporate and be subject to the statements made within the above described VALE Grant Application(The Application). Furthermore,the signatories cetify that they have each read The Application and are fully cognizant of their duties and responsibilities for this project. (Original signatures of each party to this application(i.c.,Project Director.Financial Officer and Authorized Official)are required. Please use BLUE INK to distinguish the original documents from copies.) Project Director: Name: JoAnn Holden Position/Title:Director of Victim Services Agency(including Division or Unit): 191°Judicial District Attorney's Office,Victim Witness Assistance Unit Mailing Address: PO Box 1167,Greeley,CO 80632 Phone: 970 356-4010 F 970 352.80EE-Mail: jholden@co.weld.co.us Signature: \• ` Date: p -� d-a Financial Officer Name: Barbara Co Ily Position/Title:Financial Officer Agency(including Division or Unit): Weld County Government Mailing Address:PO Box 758,Greeley,CO 80632 Phone: 970 -4000 ext 4218 Fax: 970 52-0242 E-Mail: bconnolly@co.weld.co.us Signature: FEB 2 4 2010 Authorized Official: Name:Douglas Rademacher Position/Title:Board Chair Agency(including Division or Unit):Board of County Commissioners,Weld County Mailing Address:PO Box 758,Greeley,CO 80632 Phone: 970 336.7204 Fax: 970 352-0242 E-Mail: drademcher@co.weld.co.us FEB 2 4 2010 Signature. rids r vvT3 Date: In accordance with the Colorado Revised Statutes 24-72-202.6.information supplied in this application is considered a public record. 22 9O/C —oyc Be certain to designate the appropriate persons as signing authorities. • The Project Director: The person who has direct responsibility for the implementation of the project. This person should combine knowledge and experience in the project area with ability to administer the project and supervise personnel. He/She shares responsibility with the Financial Officer for seeing that all expenditures are within the approved budget. This person will normally devote a major portion of his/her time to the project, and is responsible for meeting all reporting requirements. The Project Director must be a person other than the Authorized Official or the Financial Officer. • Financial Officer: The person who is responsible for all financial matters related to the program and who has responsibility for the accounting, management of funds, verification of expenditures, audit information and financial reports. The person who actually prepares the financial reports may be under the supervision of the Financial Officer. The Financial Officer must be a person other than the Authorized Official or Project Director. • Authorized Official: The authorized official is the person who is, by virtue of their position, authorized to enter into legal contracts for the funded agency; for example, if the funded agency is one of the following, then the corresponding authorized official is as follows: state agency - department or division director; city-mayor or city manager; county - chairperson of the county commissioners; sheriffs department - chairperson of the county commissioners; police department- mayor or city manager; courts - chief judge; district attorney's office- district attorney; institution of higher education - president of the institution or chair/dean of the appropriate department; private non-profit agency-president or chairperson of the board of directors; school district- superintendent/assistant superintendent. The authorized official must be a person other than the project director or the financial officer. NOTE: If someone other than the AUTHORIZED OFFICIAL as described above has been delegated the authority to enter into contractual agreements such as this grant, you must provide official documentation of delegation (such as bylaws or resolutions) immediately following the signature page. 23 SECTION I- ATTACHMENTS: Any active memorandum of understanding or an agreement regarding the coordination and provision of services. Letters of support. Your agency's VRA brochure OR the VRA brochures from other agencies your agency utilizes. Client Survey, if applicable. A signed copy of the attached Grant Applicant Memorandum of Understanding Concerning the Rights Afforded to Crime Victims. A list of your agency's Board of Directors, if applicable. Include a copy of agency's most recent audit report or financial review. If agency is not subject to audit, explain how proper management and disbursement of funds is monitored. (Only one copy of the audit or financial review is required.) 24 Weld County `ft' is District Attorney's Office "Viv' 44 t Nineteenth Judicial District Kenneth R. Buck District Attorney 0 February 22,2010 Desiree Gaucin 1210 28th Avenue# 1 B Greeley, CO 80634 RE: DA Case#: C0622010M 000020 Agency Case#: 1044 Defendant: Raul Noe Gaucin-Valenzuela Victim Advocate:Laurie Hammer Deputy DA: Kristen T. Maurer Courtroom: 17 Dear Desiree Gaucin, This letter is to inform you that this case has been set for Setting on March 05,2010 at 3 :00PM. This Setting will take place at Weld County Courts 901 9th Avenue P O Box 2038 Greeley,CO 80631 in Courtroom 17. If you need further explanation regarding what will occur at this court hearing,please contact the Deputy DA listed above. You have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney before a plea(disposition)is offered in the case. The Defendant may accept a plea and be sentenced at ANY court event(critical stage). You have the right to be heard by the judge,verbally or by submitting a Victim Impact Statement,when the Defendant accepts a plea agreement. You also have the right to be heard and/or provide a written Victim Impact Statement to the judge when the defendant is sentenced. Please be aware that the Defendant and/or his attorney will see your Victim Impact Statement. You are not required to attend this hearing unless you receive a separate subpoena. However, if you wish to speak to the judge when the Defendant accepts the plea or is sentenced,you should attend. Please be aware that a request to lower or modify the current bond of the Defendant can be addressed at any hearing. If you are unable to attend this court event,but you would like to be heard by the Court and/or submit a Victim Impact Statement if the Defendant accepts the plea and/or is sentenced,please contact our office immediately. If you plan to attend this Setting,or you have any questions,please call me at the number given above. We will send you a notice whenever a critical stage is scheduled in the case. Due to the large caseload of the court system,some hearings may need to be changed or canceled. We will attempt to notify you of changes or cancellations,if we are informed of them in advance. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO KEEP THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE UPDATED OF ANY CHANGE OF ADDRESS AND/OR PHONE NUMBER TO CONTINUE TO BE NOTIFIED OF UPCOMING COURT DATES. Post Office Box 1167 915 Tenth Street Greeley, CO 80632 (970) 356-4010 FAX(970) 352-8023 Hello