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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20080679.tiff RESOLUTION RE: APPROVE APPLICATION FOR VICTIM ASSISTANCE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT (VALE)GRANT FOR DISTRICT ATTORNEY VICTIM WITNESS ASSISTANCE UNIT 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, 2008, and ending June 30, 2009, 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 27th day of February, A.D., 2008. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WELD COUNTY, COLORADO ATTEST: /4l/ L✓ `r{ (` li - A arw Jerke, Chair Weld County Clerk to the Board ` 1, 7z a' Robert d asden, Pro-Tem BY: -(7 Deputy C erk to the Board (V-.V% ,2 17 William F. Garcia APPROV rS M: EXCUSED David E. Lon ounty Attorney — � 3 } 1 Dougl4Radem cher Date of signature: 2008-0679 DA0021 ()61 ( FpJ/Vr7/DK 2008-2009 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 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. The Victim Witness Assistance Unit completes these mandated and statutory duties and additionally provides services to witnesses all victims of crimes as they move through the Criminal Justice. 6. FUNDS REQUESTED: $91,300 2 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 Victim Witness Assistance Unit is a department in the Weld County District Attorneys Office established in 1980. Presently, the Victim Witness Assistance Unit staff consists of 13 staff(10.94 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 mandated services which include: providing Victim Rights Amendment notifications, and soliciting victim impact\restitution statements. 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 three 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 the County Commissioners (1 FTE in 2006-VW Assistant, 1 FTE in 2007 VW Assistant, 1 FTE in 2008 Restitution Clerk). The 19th 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 time criminal docket judge will be increased to full time. Addition of judges increases workloads for the District Attorney's Office including the Victim Witness Assistance Program who must cover even more courtrooms simultaneously. 3 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 Donald Warden the Director of Finance and Administration and the Board of County Commissioners. 10.Who will provide the proposed services? Will volunteers be utilized? (Include a description of duties, qualifications,training, etc. In the response.) Jo Ann Holden, Director of Victim Services Program Grant funding will enable Holden to provide supervision of the Victim Witness Assistance Unit, Administrative duties, and direct victim support. Karol Patch,Victim Witness Assistant Grant funding will enable Patch to give direct victim support. Rose Lopez, District Court Victim Witness Assistant Grant funding will enable Lopez to provide direct victim support to victims of juvenile crimes, victims of gang motivated crimes, Spanish-speaking only victims, as well as back up for County Court and District Court VW Assistants. Court Assistance Program, restitution, and victim and witness call offs. Mary Knicely, County Court Victim Witness Assistant Grant funding will enable Knicely 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. Koreen Joseph, County Court Victim Witness Assistant Intern Grant funding will enable Joseph to assist the County Court VW Assistant with the daily duties of the DV Fast Track Program and County Court workload. Fran Medina, Victim Witness Unit Receptionist Grant funding will enable Medina to perform first line response to victim phone calls and victims coming to the office and processing of Victim Rights' Notification returned mail. Volunteers are unpaid and are utilized to help the Victim Witness Assistants with their duties including calculating victim restitution, calling off victims for hearings and providing victim support in court. 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. 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. 4 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. 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. 5 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.) fr .v `t{x'p, �i — Fm,;-„ ' q .v ,y-y,�V p .. %4f2.41 ten . .d .- .0 �° _ 4'.� 'A"�;_ ._ 45��.F,@,r v. 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 220 Child Physical Abuse n/a Adults Molested as Children 88 Child Sexual Abuse 10 Survivors of Homicide Victims 52 DUI/DWI—Victims of vehicular assault or 30 Robbery homicide, DUI/DWI crashes, or careless driving resulting in death 1200 Domestic Violence 500 Assault 52 Adult Sexual Assault 200 Other violent crimes such as hate and bias crime, gang violence (specify): Attempt,Conspiracy,Solicitation, or Accessory of a VRA Crime; Intimidation, retaliation,tampering with a Vic or Wit; Indecent Exposure,Staling, Menacing, Kidnapping,At Risk Juveniles, Ethic Intimidation 50 Elder Abuse(including economic 4598 Other, please specify— exploitation and fraud crimes) Victims of non-VRA Crimes TOTAL UNDUPLICATED VICTIMS ESTIMATED TO BE SERVED DURING THE 12-MONTH PERIOD 7000 6 • 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 600 Crisis Counseling 20 Emergency Financial Assistance 1400 Follow-up Emergency Legal Advocacy n/a Therapy Victim Compensation Assistance (required) n/a Group Treatment/Support 350 Personal Advocacy n/a Shelter/Safehouse 1200 Telephone Contact(information/referral) 900 Information/ Referral (in person) Crisis Hotline Counseling 1100 Criminal Justice Support/Advocacy 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 Support/Advocacy: 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 attorneys for non-emergency purposes,such as custody disputes,civil suits,etc. 7 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 I'quarter of this report. 8 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, 2009, services will be provided to 1100 victims; 691 will be underserved victims of: rural areas, elderly, cultural, language, ethnic minority or disabled. Objective 2. By June 30, 2009, have"meaningful consultation"with 85%of misdemeanor domestic violence victims the next working day after the crime which should result in a 35% disposition rate. On a quarterly basis, provide a summary of results to prosecutors and law enforcement. 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 GOAL 3: Provide 24,460 services(duplicated count) to Spanish speaking only victims, VRA notifications,and Victim and Witness court hearing call off. Objective 1: By June 30, 2009, services will be provided to 160 Spanish speaking only victims. Objective 2. By June 30, 2009, 18,000 VRA Notification letters will be send to victims. Objective 3. By June 30, 2009, 4600 Victims and Witnesses(non-officers)will be called off from traveling to court to testify in a hearing. GOAL 4: Collaborate with Law Enforcement Agencies, Probation, and Victim Service Agencies to coordinate efforts in serving victims. Objective I: Participate in monthly or quarterly meetings of Domestic Violence Coalition, Coordinating Committee for Victims of Crime, and Catholic Charities. Objective 2: 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 3: Have VW Unit staff attend trainings when possible(monetarily and scheduling). Have VW Unit staff participated in trainings when requested. Report on both activities. 9 Cont- PROJECT-SPECIFIC GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: 13. What problems do you anticipate in implementing your program's goals and objectives, if any? 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 three additional FTE from the County(from 2005 to present)and a part-time County Court VW Assistant Intern 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 a half time criminal docket District Court Judge)and in 2008 the half time criminal docket will be increased to full time. Additional courtrooms have a direct impact on more staff needs in the District Attorney's Office including the Victim Witness Assistance Unit. 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. 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). Statute will be provided upon request. 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. (i) Translator Services-Spanish victims are assigned a bi-lingual Victim Witness Assistant throughout the existence of the criminal case. 10 (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. 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 United States Census Bureau estimates the county population was 228,943 in 2005, a 26.54% 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 half 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? State crimes committed in Weld County are filed with the District Attorney's Office . In 2007, the District Attorneys Office filed 17,638 cases: Felony—2335; Juvenile— 1277; Misdemeanor—3360; Traffic—10,666 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 2007 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. 11 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, Island Grove Treatment Center, 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)? YES If"yes," provide the name and position(s)of the CCVC participant(s)and their level of involvement in that group and attach the most current Coordinating Agreement. See SECTION I. ATTACHMENTS Jo Ann Holden, Director of Victim Services and Karol Patch, Victim Compensation Coordinator are both active participates in CCVC and are involved in the Victim Awareness Day event each year as well as other projects, information gathering, and training sponsored by CCVC. 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 Catholic Charities (Patch- Committee Member). 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 and Colorado Legal Services. 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— Ellen Szabo, Executive Director Greeley Police Department Victim Services—Dave Beckman, Coordinator of Victim Assistance Probation Victim Assistance—Sheri Mann, Coordinator of Victim Assistance 12 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 December 17, 2007. 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: 13 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 YES 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. 14 c) Provide the date of your last VRA training and who provided that training. October 30, 2007, Paula Bragg, COVA Trainer, made a presentation to law enforcement agency, DA's Office VW Staff and non-profit agencies. December 2007,JoAnn Holden made three presentations to the entire staff of DA Office, attorneys, secretaries, VW Staff 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 15 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 that 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. What is the projected cost per client served (cost/benefit ratio)? How did you calculate this figure? 30,030 services(24,460 duplicated services of VRA notifications, Victim and Witness Call offs, and assistance for Spanish speaking only victims)will be provided by the District Attorney's Office Victim Witness Assistance Program to 7000 victims (VRA victims and non-VRA victims). The VALE request is $91,300 making the cost per client$13.04. CALCULATION $ 91,300 : 7000 = $13.04 SECTION H - BUDGETARY INFORMATION: 22. All Budget pages MUST be completed. 16 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) 91,300 07 / 01 / 07 06 / 30 / 08 VAWA Grant (if applicable) 14,972 04 / 01 / 08 03 / 31 /09 VOCA Grant (if applicable) 35,418 01 / 01 /08 12 / 31 /08 Other VALE Admin 76,000 01 / 01 /08 12 / 31 /08 Other COMP Admin 56,500 01 / 01 /08 12 /31 /08 Other County Funding 260,000 01 / 01 /08 12 / 31 /08 TOTAL 534,190 01 / 01 /08 12 / 31 /08 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. 17 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 7 Requested Budget ( Increase or ti Decrease PERSONNEL PERSONNEL „ (+/-) Job Position ) Job Position/NAME VW Director(Holden) 26,873 VW Director(Holden) 22,253 MI -4,620 V\Comp Coordinator(Patch) 9,240 % V\Comp Coordinator(Patch) 500 ( - 8,740 VW Assistant(Lopez) 13,860 VW Assistant(Lopez) 13,090 - 770 VW Assistant Cty(Henrichs) -0- VW Assistant—Cty DV FT(Knicely) 13,475 +13,475 VW DVFT/Cty Intern(Reynolds 11,200 VW DVFT/Cty Intern(Joseph) 11,208 :; + 8 VW Clerical(Stockwell) 2,232 VW Clerical(Medina) 14,384 • +12,152 3 VW Assistant(Worts) 9,240 VW Assistant(Gustafson) -0- - 9,240 Fringe Benefits 18,655 L, Fringe Benefits 16,390 -2,265 Subtotal 91,300 Subtotal 91,300 -0- SUPPLIES AND OPERATING t SUPPLIES&OPERATING EXPENSES (copying, I (+/-) EXPENSES rent,phone,tuition,registration fees&other items under $5,000) • • • Subtotal k" Subtotal IN-STATE TRAVEL IN-STATE TRAVEL(itemize transportation/per diem, (+/-) etc) • Subtotal Subtotal EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT• (+/-) Subtotal a Subtotal (w, PROFESSIONAL SERVICES PROFESSIONAL SERVICES (+/-) f Subtotal Subtotal TOTAL FUNDS:$91,300 i TOTAL FINDS REQUESTED1 91,300 a -0- 18 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: 1 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 91,711 31% 28,900 Admin Funds, County V\Comp Coordinator 1 64,768 .7% 500 Admin Funds, County (Patch) VW Assistant(Lopez) 1 52,151 32% 17,000 Admin Funds,VOCA, County VW Assistant(Knicely) 1 44,314 39% 17,500 VAWA,Admin funds, County VW DVFT/Cty Intern .5 12,345 97% 12,000 Some Admin Funds, but could (Reynolds loose the position if not funded by VALE VW Clerical(Medina) .625 16,423 93% 15,400 Admin Funds Narrative Justification: Explain and justify the project's budget and relate the item(s)budgeted to project activities. Position: VW Director(Holden) VALE Cost: $28,900 (S: $22,253 B:$ 6647) Duties to be performed\project activities: Provides supervision of the Victim Witness Assistance Unit, Administrative duties, and direct victim support. Position: V\Comp Coordinator(Patch) VALE Cost: $500 (S: $500) Duties to be performed\project activities: Direct victim support. 19 Position: VW Assistant-District Court(Lopez) VALE Cost: $17,000 (S: $13,090 B: $3910) Duties to be performed\project activities: Provide direct victim support to victims of juvenile crimes, victims of gang motivated crimes, Spanish-speaking only victims, as well as back up for County Court and District Court VW Assistants. Court Assistance Program,restitution, and victim and witness call offs. Position: VW Assistant—County Court(Knicely) VALE Cost: $ 17,500 (S: $13,475; B: $4025) Duties to be performed\project activities: Handles 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. 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. Position: VW DVFT/County Intern VALE Cost: $12,000 (5:11,208,B:792) Duties to be performed\project activities: Assists County Court VW Assistant with the daily duties of the DV Fast Track and County Court workload. Position: VW Clerical (Medina) VALE Cost: $ 15,400 (S:$14,384,B: $1016) Duties to be performed\project activities: Receptionist duties (first line response to victim phone calls and victims coming to the office) as well as processing of Victim Rights' Notification returned mail. B. SUPPLIES AND OPERATING REQUEST: All supplies and operating requests must be specific, itemized costs related to victim services. N/A 20 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. We are asking for exactly the same funding as the grant for July 2007 through June 2008. The funding amounts have been reallocated: 1-reducing the amount of VALE funding for the Director of Victim Services and Victim Compensation Coordinator; 2-adding the Cty Court VW Assistant back into this grant when the VOCA grant project no longer addressed the DV Misdemeanor Project; 3-removing funding for a District Court VW Assistant(Gustafson)who we have been able to move back to being totally County funded; 4-increasing the funding for the VW Unit receptionist who is first line in speaking with victims on the phone or in person. 21 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 Program AGENCY: District Attorney's Office , 19th Judicial District ADDRESS: PO BOX 1167, Greeley, O 80632 SIGNATURE: DATE: c 1 (NOTE: COPIES OF THE STATUTES DESCRIBED ABOVE WILL BE PROVIDED TO PROSPECTIVE G RECIPIENTS UPON REQUEST.) 22 VALE Grant Application Signature Page Applicant Agency: District Attorney's Office, 19th 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 1,2008 to June 30,2009 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 certify 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.e.,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): 19th Judicial District Attorney's Office,Victim Witness Assistance Unit Mailing Address: PO Box 1167,Greeley,CO 80632 Phone: 970 356-4010 Fax: 97 52-802 1E ail: jholden@co.weld.co.us Signature: - /�' Date: Cr)' 'lJ Financial Officer: Name: Donald Warden Position/Title:Director of Finance and Administration Agency(including Division or Unit): Weld County Government Mailing Address:PO,Box 758,Greeley,CO 80632 Phone: 970 35 -4010 e '4218 0 2/42 E- il: dwarden@co.weld.co.us Signature: / Date: 02/27/2008 Authori Official: Name: William H. Jerke 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� ext 4200 Fax: 970 352-0242 E-Mail: wjerke@co.weld.co.us //Signature: " . 1 Date: 02/27/2008 In accordance with the Colorado Revised Statutes 24-72-202.6,information supplied in this application is considered a public record. 23 rcog 2 Be certain to designate the appropriate persons as signing authorities. • Project Director: The Project Director is the individual who will oversee the day-to-day management of the VALE project. The project director must be a person other than the authorized official or the financial officer. • Financial Officer: The Financial Officer is the person who will be responsible for fiscal matters relating to the project and is ultimately in charge of accounting, management of funds, verification of expenditures and grand financial reports. This must be an individual other than the project director or authorized official. • Authorized Official: This is the individual authorized to enter into legal contracts on behalf of the applicant agency. The authorized official must be a person other than the project director or the financial officer. In local units of government,the Authorized official is usually the city council president or city manager, district attorney, mayor and/or chair of county commissioners. At the state level,the Authorized Official is the Chair of the Board of Directors. For private non-profit agencies,the Authorized Official is the Chair of the Board of Directors. 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. 24 Hello