HomeMy WebLinkAbout20060972.tiff RESOLUTION
RE: APPROVE APPLICATION FOR VALE ASSISTANCE FUNDS 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 VALE Assistance Funds
for the Victim Witness Assistance Program between 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, commencing July 1, 2006, and ending June 30, 2007, 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 VALE Assistance Funds for the Victim Witness
Assistance Program between 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, 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 3rd day of April, A.D., 2006.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WELD CO ' , COLORADO
ATTEST: thail
� /
..1 _ ' . Jai e, Chair
Weld County Clerk to the . (_3� `
For
avid . Long, Pro-Tem
Deputy Clerk to the Board
W m H. Jerke
At Att Robe D. Mast
ounty orney '�ooNNlfaa✓✓J¢J Aa
Glenn Vaad
Date of signature:44' 8?/tom.
2006-0972
DA0020
- 2006 VALE ASSISTANCE FUNDS
19th Judicial District, Weld County
(VICTIM ASSISTANCE LAW ENFORCEMENT)
APPLICATION
Grant Period - July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007
VALE Applications must be received at the
District Attorney's Victim/Witness Program
915 Tenth Street, 2nd floor, Greeley, CO 80631
by Tuesday, April 3, 2006 at 4:00 pm.
Please read the Announcement of Funds before completing this document. Please note this
application format differs from last year. THIS FORMAT MUST BE USED TO APPLY.
For information and questions, contact:
JoAnn Holden, VALE Administrator
PO Box 1167
Greeley, Co 80632
jholdenco.weld.co.us
Phone: (970) 356-4010 X4747
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Submit to the District Attorney's Victim/Witness Program, 915 Tenth Street, P. O. Box 1167, Greeley, CO 80632,on
or before the deadline listed above, an original and ten copies of the grant application and attachments. Mark"VALE
APPLICATION"on the envelope.
NOTE:Late applications may be denied solely due to failure to meet the deadline. Applicants are responsible for the method of
delivery selected and to assure that applications are delivered to the DA's Victim/Witness Program prior to the deadline.
2. Only one copy of the agency audit or financial review needs to be submitted.
3. Applicants are required to follow the VALE Grant Application format exactly, and are expected to respond to each item
listed.
NOTE:If an application does not contain complete answers to each item listed in the grant application,this lack of information may be
the basis for denying or reducing a grant award.
4. The body of application should be constructed of single-sided pages only.
5. Font size must be at least 10 points.
6. Do not place applications in binders or folders, but fasten with staple in the upper left hand corner.
7. A cover letter is not required, but if you submit one, do not attach the letter to your grant and do not put information
in the cover letter that is not included in the application.
2006-0972
SECTION A -AGENCY INFORMATION:
1. Applicant Agency(including Division or Unit): District Attorneys Office, 19th Judicial District
2. Street Address (if not confidential): 915 Tenth Street, Greeley, CO 80632
3. Mailing Address (if different): PO Box 1167, Greeley, CO 80632
4. Phone: 970 356-4010
Fax: 970 352-8023
E-Mail: jholden@co.weld.co.us
5. Project Director Name: JoAnn Holden
Title: Victim Witness Coordinator
6. Project Title: Victim Witness Assistance Program
7. 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.
8. Grant Amount Requested: $91,300
DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA, PROCEED TO NEXT PAGE
2
SECTION B - NARRATIVE SUMMARY:
9. 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 Attorney's
Office established in 1980. Presently, the Victim Witness Assistance Unit staff consists of 9 staff
(8.125 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. Crime Victim Compensation - regular and emergency awards;
2. 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;
3. court case status information to victims, witnesses and law enforcement;
4. a liaison between the victim and prosecutor;
5. a safe and secure court waiting area for victims and witnesses;
6. a review of criminal cases to compile information to determine victim restitution;
7. "meaningful consultations"with misdemeanor domestic violence victims.
10. 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: administering the Crime Victim Compensation
Program, assisting the Victim Assistance and Law Enforcement(VALE) Board, providing Victim
Rights Amendment notifications, and soliciting victim impact\restitution statements. Additionally the
program provides assistance to victims who need crisis counseling, criminal justice assistance,
personal support, relevant education, HIV notices and support victims who attend court hearings
either as a witness or to invoke VRA rights. In the past year, the DA Victim Witness Assistant's role
has become more proactive rather than reactive. VW Assistants are now assigned a victim when the
case filed is a: 1st degree murder, 2`b degree murder, vehicular homicide, child abuse resulting in
death, misdemeanor domestic violence cases, sexual assault, "at risk"juveniles or adults (including
all senior citizens), careless driving resulting in the death of another person and any case with a
Spanish-speaking only victim. Recently, Victim Witness Assistants are also being assigned felony
DV cases and child sexual assault cases, or any other case when requested by the Deputy DA
prosecuting the case. This proactive approach includes providing support, referrals and education
throughout the court process while being available to help victims through the frustrating, slow-
moving and complex criminal justice system. Although these changes have significantly increased
the quality and quantity of Victim Witness staff contacts victims, it is becoming more difficult to
maintain due to the limited staff.
In 2005, an additional District Court Judge was added and in July 2006, an additional County Court
Judge will be added to Weld County. Addition of judges increases workloads for the District
Attorney's Office including the Victim Witness Assistance Program who must cover even more
courtrooms simultaneously.
The 19th Judicial District has had a dedicated misdemeanor domestic violence court in the Weld
County Centennial Center 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.
The additional input from victims has resulted in Deputy District Attorney's increasing the rate of
dispositions of misdemeanor domestic violence cases at first hearing from 15-20% to 40%, and initial
contact with victims has increased to 84%, compared to 53% a year ago prior to the "meaningful
consultation"step. 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. The VALE Application requests the
addition of a 20 hour a week paid VW Assistant Intern to help with the Misdemeanor Domestic
Violence Fast Track Program.
3
10. 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, Victim Witness Coordinator and VALE Grant Administrator.
JoAnn is supervised by Kenneth R. Buck, District Attorney and Philip Clark, Assistant District
Attorney. Accounting functions are provided by Donald Warden the Director of Finance and
Administration and the Board of County Commissioners.
11. Who will provide the proposed services? Will volunteers be utilized? (Include a description
of duties, qualifications, training, etc. in the response.)
Jo Ann Holden,Victim Witness Coordinator&VALE Administrator
Provides supervision of the Victim Witness Assistance Unit, Administrative duties, VALE
Administrator, and direct victim support.
Karol Patch,Victim Compensation Coordinator
Completes day-to-day duties for victim compensation requests, direct victim support, and the
Senior Project.
Linda Wurts, Rose Lopez, Danielle Olson—Victim Witness Assistants
Provide direct victim support, Court Assistance Program, restitution, and victim and witness call
offs. Additionally, Rose handles any case with a Spanish-speaking only victim.
Heidi Henrichs -County Court Victim Witness Assistant
Provide direct victim support, Court Assistance Program, restitution, and victim and witness call offs
on county court cases as well has handling the daily duties of the DV Fast Track cases which include
direct victim contact, support in court, follow-up information with victims, and trial support.
NEW POSITION requested, 20 hour a week Victim Witness Assistant Intern
Handle the daily duties of the DV Fast Track cases which include direct victim contact, support in
court, follow-up information with victims, and trial support.
Jeanne Mitchell— Victim Notification Clerk
Completes initial VRA Packets and Victim Rights' Notifications
Marlys Stockwell—Victim Witness Receptionist
Receptionist duties as well as providing clerical support helping with the processing of Victim
Rights' Notification and returned mail.
Tina Connor—Clerical
Provides clerical support to the Victim Compensation Program.
Volunteers 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.
VALE Board and the Compensation Board—all hours provided by board members are volunteer
hours.
VICTIM WITNESS COORDINATOR 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 will be considered.
4
VICTIM COMPENSATION COORDINATOR QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of
Science degree, knowledge of the criminal justice system; acquainted with the various community
service available to crime victims; speak and write in a professional manner; work well with people
in crisis; work well with statistic gathering and reporting; some knowledge of grant management.
VICTIM WITNESS ASSISTANT QUALIFICATIONS: Associates Degree in Victim Assistance,
Human Services, Criminal Justice, or closely related field AND 2 years of experience in crime victim
services delivery. Highly desirable for applicant to be bi-lingual (Spanish).
NOTIFICATION CLERK/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.
5
SECTION C - GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:
(Goal 1, objectives 1 and 2, are mandatory for all applicants.)
13. 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.)
EST. NO. EST. NO.
VICTIMS TYPE OF CRIME VICTIMS TYPE OF CRIME
250 Child Physical Abuse 500 Assault
160 Child Sexual Abuse Adults Molested as Children
1400 Domestic Violence 25 Elder Abuse (including economic
exploitation and fraud crimes)
20 Adult Sexual Assault 45 Robbery
50 Victims of vehicular assault, homicide, 250 Other violent crimes such as hate and
DUI/DWI crashes or careless driving bias crime, gang violence (specify).
resulting in death.
10 Survivors of Homicide Victims
TOTAL UNDUPLICATED VICTIMS ESTIMATED TO BE SERVED DURING THE 12-MONTH PERIOD 2710
• OBJECTIVE 2 (standard): To provide the following types of services to the following estimated number of
victims during the 12-month grant period.
EST. NO. EST. NO.
VICTIMS SERVICES VICTIMS SERVICES
560 Crisis Counseling 20 Emergency Financial Assistance
168 Follow-up Emergency Legal Advocacy
Therapy 2300 Victim Compensation Assistance
(required)
Group Treatment/Support 100 Personal Advocacy
Shelter/Safehouse 1000 Telephone Contact (information/referral)
750 Information / Referral (in person) Crisis Hotline Counseling
1158 Criminal Justice Support/Advocacy 400 Other(specify): Restitution Assistance &
Mandatory Protective Order Assistance
TOTAL 6456
6
NOTE: The instructions and definitions for the preceding objectives are identical to those specified by VOCA and local VALE
applicants should refer to the VOCA guidelines for detailed explanations. Additional project objectives should specify a method of
measurement,should specify quantifiable outcomes,and,if funding is awarded, the progress toward accomplishing each objective
should be reported,in a format similar to the one required by VOCA,quarterly.
14. OTHER GOALS (maximum of 5 total) :
GOAL 2 During the 12 month grant period, provide prosecution-based services to crime victims and
witnesses in Weld County.
OBJECTIVE 1 Provide 19,000 Victim Rights Act notifications to victims.
OBJECTIVE 2 Provide personal contact with 100 elderly victims of crime.
OBJECTIVE 3 Provide"meaningful consultation"with 90% of misdemeanor domestic violence which
should result in a 50% disposition rate at the initial court appearance of the defendant.
OBJECTIVE 4 Provide victim assistance and computation in gathering restitution information from 300
victims.
OBJECTIVE 5 Provide victim assistance to 100 domestic violence victims (12 Spanish-speaking only)
requesting the Mandatory Protective Order be modified.
OBJECTIVE 6 Provide call offs to 4000 victims and witnesses.
GOAL 3 During the 12 month grant period, actively participate in efforts within the 19`h Judicial District to
provide complete and effective services to all crime victims.
OBJECTIVE 1 Provide training to law enforcement agencies and other community groups regarding the
services provided by the District Attorney's Office and its Victim Witness Assistance Program
OBJECTIVE 2 Continue to collaborate with Law Enforcement Agencies, Probation, and Victim Service
Agencies to coordinate efforts in serving crime victims, by participating in monthly and quarterly meetings of
CCVC, DV Coalition, DV Fast Track, SASI, Catholic Charities, Senior Triad.
GOAL 4 Utilize unpaid interns\volunteers to help in Victim Witness Assistance Program.
OBJECTIVE 1 Strive to recruit and retain 3 unpaid interns\volunteers per quarter contributing a total of
150 hours per quarter.
GOAL 5. During the 12 month grant period, provide necessary administrative assistance to the Crime Victim
Compensation Board and VALE Board for the funds they administer.
OBJECTIVE 1 Investigate and process approximately 450 new compensation claims.
OBJECTIVE 2 Distribute approximately 400,000 in grant approved funding.
7
15. What is your timetable for accomplishing the goals and objectives?
The goals and objectives are completed daily, weekly or monthly. The Victim Witness Assistance Program
compiles statistics on a quarterly basis to indicate all of the goals and objectives are being met during each
quarter of the grant cycle.
16. How will the goals and objectives be accomplished?
If the Victim Witness Assistance Program is able to keep its basic funding requirements, the program will
maintain its current level of services as previously described. Additional support is essential as the
Misdemeanor Domestic Violence Fast Track Program continues to become more fine-tuned with Victim
Assistance spending more time with victims for"meaningful consultation" and court support; thus the request
for the 20 hour a week Victim Witness Assistant Intern.
17. 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 and Weld County in
increasing financial support from various funding sources. The Victim Witness Assistance Program has been
providing more services to more victims and witnesses with 1 additional FTE from the County. The challenge
continues to deal with the growth of Weld County. Two new judges will have been added during the past two
years. New 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.
18. How does the project address the victim-service needs outlined in the V.A.L.E. statute?
C.R.S. 24-4.2-102, the District Attorney's Office provides administrative and legal assistance to the VALE
Board.
C.R.S. 24-4.2-105 Subsection (4) lists various victim and witness services. The Victim Witness Assistance
Unit provides many of these services. Services directly involved with the project are:
(a) Provision of services of early crisis intervention;
(b) Provision of telephone lines for victims and witnesses assistance;
(c) Referral of victims to appropriate social service and victim compensation programs and
assistance in filling out forms for compensation;
(d) Education of victims and witnesses about the operation of the criminal justice system;
(e) Assistance in prompt return of the victims' property;
(f) Notification to the victim of the progress of the defendant's arrest,subsequent bail determination,
and the status of the case;
(g) Intercession with the employers of victims;
(i) Translator Services;
Q) Coordination of efforts to assure that victims have a secure place to wait before testifying;
(k) Provision of counseling or assistance during court appearance when appropriate:
(I) Protection from threats of harm and other forms of intimidation.
8
SECTION D - SERVICE INFORMATION:
19. What is the population and geographic area targeted for service through this project?
Weld County is the "fastest-growing"county in Colorado covering over 4,000 square miles "Since 2000,
southwestern Weld County has grown at a faster rate than Douglas County did in the 1990s"when it"was
heralded as the fastest-growing county in the U.S., according to the Denver Regional Council of
Governments." DENVER POST, Sunday, August 21,2005. This geographic area served by the Victim
Witness Assistance Program in the Weld County District Attorney's Office increased 3% during 2005;
From 223,290—229,352 estimate according to population figures provided by Geographic Information
Systems. 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. 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
20. Provide the following summary information:
a) How many people are in need of these services?
In 2005, the District Attorneys Office filed 17,162 cases:
Felony—2414; Juvenile— 1163; Misdemeanor—3704; Traffic—9871
This is approximately a 10 % increase in cases filed from 2004 to 2005 and represent around 6,600 primary
and secondary victims. Approximately one third of these victims (2,200) involve victims of VRA crimes.
b) How many people are presently being served?
These cases represent approximately 6,600 primary and secondary victims. Approximately one third of these
victims (2,200) involve victims of VRA crimes
c) How many people will be served by the project during its operation?
The Victim Witness Assistance Program will continue to provide services to victims and witnesses and
continue to increase the quality of services and service whatever increases there might be in the next year's
caseloads. The increasing population results in an ever increasing caseload of victims of crime needing
services.
21. Are there other community agencies currently providing like services to the targeted population?
The District Attorney's Office Victim Witness Assistance Program has statutory responsibility for notifying
victim rights victims of the critical stages of the court system and their rights during the court process. The
District Attorney's Office provides criminal justice education and support to victims and witnesses of crime
from initial filing of charges until the defendant is sentenced and then until any post conviction hearings are
completed. Statutorily, only the District Attorney's Office has the authority to provide Crime Victim
Compensation and VALE funding Administration.
The District Attorney's Office Victim Assistance Program works closely with victim service agencies and law
enforcement victim assistance making referrals and giving resource information to provide the best service
possible to victims of crime. Non-profit agencies and Law Enforcement Victim Assistants are available on
an as-need basis to provide victims with court support when the DA Office Victim Assistance Program is
over-extended although we continue efforts in the DA's Office Victim Assistance Unit to reduce court
assistance from the other agencies.
9
22. Document community support, coordination and networking by providing the following
information:
a) List the agencies with whom your agency has an active memorandum of understanding or an
agreement regarding the coordination and provision of services. (Attach supporting documentation
in appendix.)
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, Sheriffs Office,
Sexual Assault Survivor's Inc, 19'"JD District Administrator's Office, Greeley Police Department Victim
Assistance, A Woman's Place, Partners, UNC Adult Survivors Advocacy Program, A Kid's Place 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. Jo Ann Holden, Victim Witness Coordinator 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 and information gathering and training.
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, the Courts, Clerk's Office, Collections, Probation
Department and Probation's Victim Assistance Program as well as judges when projects require their input.
The Victim Witness Assistance Program is involved locally with the Domestic Violence Coalition, the Sexual
Assault Resource Team, Catholic Charities and Senior Triad. Additionally, the Victim Witness Assistance
Program coordinates victim services with Victim Assistance representing 21 law enforcement agencies as
well as many victim service agencies: A Kid's Place, UNC Adult Survivors Advocacy Program, Partners,
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.
10
SECTION E -VICTIM COMPENSATION;
23. Provide the following information concerning your agency's involvement with the Crime Victim
Compensation Program:
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, help 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
March 2, 2006. 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.
SECTION F - VICTIM RIGHTS ACT:
24. Has your agency taken steps to assure that all staff and volunteers have read and understand the
rights afforded to crime victims in 24-4.1-302.5 CRS and the services delineated in sections 24-4.1-303
and 24-4.1-304 CRS (i.e., the Victim Rights Act(VRA) and enabling legislation)?
Yes
If"yes",
a) 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 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
11
(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.
b) Briefly describe how your agency assures that all staff and volunteers are trained on VRA.
Jo Ann Holden,Victim Witness Coordinator of the 19th Judicial District and Program Administrator,
will be conducting Victims' Rights Amendment trainings with Victim Witness Assistance Staff, Secretarial
Staff, County Court Deputy District Attorneys and District Court Deputy District Attorneys after statutory
updates have been finalized by the Legislators to the Victim Rights Enabling Legislation.
Holden 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 whenever modifications to the Victims' Rights Enabling
Legislation are determined to be necessary and in 1994-1995 addressed additions and changes to the
language of the statutes 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.
c) Provide the date of your last VRA training and who provided that training.
Jo Ann Holden, Victim Witness Coordinator, conducted specific Victim Rights Training to the Victim Witness
Assistance Staff in May 2005.
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 sent. The initial
VRA Packet includes information regarding the charges filed, a VRA Brochure, a letter explaining the
availability of Crime Victim Compensation, a request of a victim Impact Statement, a request for restitution
information 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 the Victim Witness Assistance Unit who select the
appropriate 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 and attach copies in the appendix.
Yes, the Victim Rights Amendment Brochure is provided in English and Spanish.
12
SECTION G - EFFICIENCY DESCRIPTION:
25. 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 meeting the goals and objectives as outlined in quarterly reports.
During the past year, the Weld County District Attorney's Office Victim Witness Assistance Unit has
undergone many changes and added responsibilities as we move the unit to the philosophy of a proactive
rather than reactive response to crime victims. VW Assistants are now assigned, at initial filing, any case
involving a death (murder, vehicular homicide, child abuse resulting in death, careless driving resulting in
death)and adult sexual assault. We have recently added felony DV cases and child sexual assault cases
when the assigned Deputy District Attorney requests a VW Assistant become assigned. The County Court
VW Assistant is assigned to misdemeanor domestic violence cases, however, with a caseload of 1300 per
year there may be only one contact with the victim when the case first comes into the court system. The
ultimate goal of the District Attorney's Office Victim Witness Assistance Program is to have VW Assistants
follow the progression of a case to provide continual victim support and education throughout the court
process.
26. What is the projected cost per client served (cost/benefit ratio)?
Projected victims and witnesses who will receive services by the District Attorney's Office Victim Witness
Assistance Program is 6,710. The VALE request is $91,300 making the cost per client $13.60.
13
SECTION H - BUDGETARY INFORMATION:
27. Complete the attached budget page.
28. Narrative to explain and justify the project's budget and relate the item(s) budgeted to project
activities. Please explain the source of"Other Funds" in the budget narrative.
The largest single funding source for the Victim Witness Assistance Program is Weld County Government
who funds costs not included in the program's budget such as: financial and personnel services, maintenance
and custodial support, office space, lights and phones as well as contributing for the salary and benefits of
some Victim Witness Unit employees, $11,537 in matching dollars for the VOCA and VAWA Grants, costs for
complying with the Victims' Right Amendment (letterhead, envelopes, postage, brochures), for a projected
total of$170,105. VALE and Compensation Administrative dollars also fund the Victim Witness Assistance
Program for a projected total of$103,000.
A 2006-2007 VOCA Grant (Victims of Crime Act) for$32,606 was funded
A 2006-2007 VAWA Grant (Stop Violence Against Women)for$10,154 funded. There is always concern
that federal grant dollars will be reduced or become non-existent.
A VALE Grant is also an important source of funding the Victim Witness Assistance Program. The
2006-2007 VALE grant request of$91,300 will pay for the partial cost of staff salaries and benefits with the
addition of a 20 hour a week $11.00 an hour intern.
As with the other funding sources, any shortfall in the proposed level of VALE funding will be absorbed first
by an increase in administrative funds utilized and secondarily by decreasing planned staffing levels and
services.
29. If this is an application for continuing funding, explain any changes in proposed funding.
The Grant request for 2006-2007 of$91,300 is approximately a 17% increase from the 2005-2006 VALE
Grant Request:
$ 2,139 = 3% increase
for personnel costs as a result of cost—of-living and step raises which are established by the
County Commissioners and are non-discretionary personnel costs. Although benefits will also
most likely increase and some staff will receive step increases, only the cost-of-living amount is
being requested in the VALE Grant. It is important to know that the Weld County
Commissioners approved a 2006 DA Budgetary request to compensate some VW Unit staff with
more equitable pay; a much needed addition to be able to recruit and maintain qualified staff.
$11,440= 14% increase
for the costs of a 20 hour a week VW Assistant intern at$11 per hour with no benefits.
$13,579 = 17% TOTAL REQUESTED INCREASE
30. How will future funding needs be met?
The Victim Witness Assistance Program, as a division of a governmental agency, is limited in the sources
and activities it is allowed to use to raise revenue. While the financial support provided by Weld County has
increase significantly over the years, the VW Unit must compete with other high priority programs for limited
county funding. The Victim Witness Coordinator writes grants for funding when available and appropriate,
but grant funding (especially federal funding)cannot be relied to always be available.
14
DETAILED PROJECT BUDGET
DETAILED PROJECT BUDGET: Include the estimated cost of all resources needed to undertake the project(round off figures to the nearest dollar). This
budget page must include all monies available. In-kind services need to be listed on in the budget narrative,not on this page.
TOTAL VALE VALE
COST % TOTAL
a. Personnel(Employees)
(1)Salaries(list each position with salary rate and percentage of time devoted)
VW Program Director 1 FTE 65,354 55% 35,944
Victim Comp Coordinator 1 FTE 45,950 27% 12,407
Victim Witness Assistant 1 FTE 39,496 31% 12,244
Victim Witness Assistant 1 FTE 32,470 19% 6 169
Victim Witness Assistant 1 FTE 32,879 38% 12,494
VW Receptionist .625 FTE 12,032 5% 602
Victim Witness Intern NEW .5 FTE 11,440 100% 11,440
Victim Witness Assistant 1 FTE 31,665 -0- 0.00
Victim Notification Clerk 1 FTE 26,945 -0- 0.00
Clerical .5 FTE 11,281 -0- 0.001
Subtotal of Personnel 309,512 % l
I calculated
(2)Total FICA,Retirement,Fringe Benefits,etc. I 72,573 %I above
I I I
Total Personnel Costs I$ 382,055 %I$ 91,300
b. Supplies and Other Operating Expenses(communications,reproduction)
Supplies 4,180
Operating Expenses I 14,900 I
% I
Total Supplies and Operating Expenses 1$ 19,080 I % $
c. Travel(itemize transportation and subsistence)
Travel/Mtgs/Bd/Conferences 6,000
% l
Total Travel Costs $ 6,000 %I$
d. Equipment(itemize)
%l
1
I I
Total Equipment Costs I$ -0- %I$
e. Professional Services(itemize individuals and organizations)
%I
/ I
Total Professional Services Costs $ -0- I %I$ 1
TOTAL PROJECT COSTS $ 407,165 I %I$ 91 300
g. Total Project Funding Breakdown
(1)VALE Funds $ 91,300 22.5%
(2)Federal Funds $ 42,760 10.5%
(3)Other Funds $ 273 105 67 % $46,00 COMP ADMIN; $57,000 VALE ADMIN; $170.105 COUNTY
TOTAL $ 407,165 100
Please explain the source of"Other Funds"in the budget narrative.
15
SECTION I-ATTACHMENTS:
X_ Attach a copy of your agency's current fiscal-year budget, including a list of all funding sources.
_X_ Attach a list of your agency's Board of Directors, if applicable.
X_ Include letters of support in this section.
_X_ Include a signed copy of the attached Grant Applicant Memorandum of Understanding Concerning the
Rights Afforded to Crime Victims.
_X 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.)
16
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:_Victim Witness Coordinator
PROJECT: Victim Witness Assistance Program
AGENCY: District Attorney's Office , 19'"Judicial District
ADDRESS: PO BOX 1167, Greeley, CO 806 2
SIGNATURE: ,l- ,Al\ \i C\ DATE: 3 0
(NOTE: COPIES OF THE STATUTES DESCRIBED ABOVE WILL BE PROVIDED TO PROSPECTIVE GRANT
RECIPIENTS UPON REQUEST.) GRVRA.VAL
17
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, 2006 to June 30, 2007
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:Victim Witness Coordinator
Agency(including Division or Unit): 19`h Judicial District Attorney's Office, Victim Witness Assistance Unit
Mailing Address: PO Box 1167, Greeley, CO 80632
Phone: 970 356-4010 F x 970 2- 2 E-Mail: jholden@co.weld.co.us z l�
Signature: Date: J B
Financial Officer:
Name: Donald War e Position/Title: Director of Finance and Administration
Agency(including Division or Unit): Weld County Government
Mailing Address: PO Box 758, Greeley, CO 80632
/
Phone: 970 356-4000 218 Fa 970" 5 E- ail: DWarden@co.weld.co.us
Signature: &JO. ,/ LDate: APR 0 3 2006
Authorized Official:
Name: M. J. Geile Position/Title: Board Chair
Agency(including Division or Unit): Board of j a ommissioners, Weld County
Mailing Address: PO Box
8, Greeley`!`
Phone: 970 336-7204 ^r t 4200 F. � rl ".='� . . I MGeile@co.weld.co.us
Signature: L��.'� �, �� Date: 04/03/2006
In accordance it t - Colorado devised Sta y� Z�hj' "-�:r on supplied in this application is considered a public record.
18
I
<,fGCe•--C/r7,7
Hello