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Home My WebLink About982011.tiff RESOLUTION RE: APPROVE GRANT APPLICATION FOR VICTIM WITNESS PROGRAM 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 a Grant Application for the Victim Witness Program 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, to the Victim's Assistance Law Enforcement Board, commencing January 1, 1999, and ending December 31, 1999, 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 Grant Application for the Victim Witness Program 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, to the Victim's Assistance Law Enforcement Board be, and hereby is, approved. The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded, adopted by the following vote on the 19th day of October, A.D., 1998. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WEL COUNTY, COLORADO ATTEST: L1 Constance L. Harbert, Chair Weld County Clerk t.. ,fir Le(, 1 ' W. H. ebster, pro-Tem BY: Deputy c / % Clerk to the?. � ` / c2 ib:aKirk2t eE. xOFORM: 982011 DA0014 CO I. Project Title: 19TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT ATTORNEYS OFFICE: VICTIM WITNESS PROGRAM GRANT APPLICATION: January 1 - December 31, 1999 II. Lead Agency: 19th Judicial District Attorney's Office Contact Person: Nancy I. Haffner, Community Programs Administrator P. O. Box 1167, Greeley, Colorado 80632-1167 Telephone: 970-356-4010 III. Amount Requested: VALE Grant: $61,298 CVC Administrative Funds: $20,986 VALE Administrative Funds: $31,478 IV. Government Agency 982011 SECTION A: NARRATIVE SUMMARY 1. a) Agency Description: The 19th Judicial District is one of 22 judicial districts within the state of Colorado and occupies the same area as Weld County. The powers and responsibilities of our office are established by law. Our primary purpose is to enforce the law and represent the People in the prosecution of crimes that occur within the area of the 19th Judicial District. Our office prosecutes felony crimes in four District Courts and misdemeanor cases in three County Courts, all located in the Weld County Courthouse. There is a juvenile magistrate,acting as a judge,who hears most of the juvenile cases; her office is located in the North Jail Complex. Our office is also authorized by law to investigate criminal matters, represent the People in seizing property that has been used as a public nuisance, maintain an office for victim witness assistance, provide administrative and legal assistance for certain statutorily created boards, and maintain a juvenile diversion program. The 19th Judicial District Attorney's VALE Board continues to be a critical source of funding for the Victim Witness Program. For 1999, the District Attorney's Office is requesting the following monies in order to provide financial support for the Victim Witness Program: VALE Grant: $61,298 CVC Administrative Funds: $20,986 VALE Administrative Funds: $31,478 *Please refer to Attachment A for the breakdown of the above funding requests. As in previous years, VALE funds will be used primarily to support direct services to crime victims. Travel and training expenses will be requested of the VALE Board as needed for program staff and for VALE and Victim Compensation Board members (not to exceed $3,000 as in previous year's grants). The Victim Witness Program continues to grow significantly in every aspect. The Weld County Board of County Commissioners approved one full-time office technician to assume responsibilities, as of 1-1-94, for the Victims' Rights Amendment(VRA) impact on the Victim Witness Program. During 4/97,the County Commissioners also approved an office technician position to the District Attorney's Office of which 20 hours/week are assigned to the VRA office tasks in the Victim Witness Program(this specific position has salary/benefits paid from main DA budget and not from the Victim Assistance budget). Both positions work primarily with the VRA notification responsibilities. The added workload due to the growth of the program as a whole has been managed exceptionally well through the extraordinary commitment of the Program's staff. The Colorado Constitutional Amendment for Victims'Rights,designated Amendment A on the 1992 ballot,passed on November 3rd, 1992. This amendment requires that victims of designated violent crimes be notified at each of the identified critical stages during the criminal justice process. Effective 7-1-97,the Colorado legislature approved the addition of five new violent crimes that must receive VRA notification. -2- 1. b) Project Description: The Victim Witness Program is the only program in Weld County to offer specialized comprehensive services to all victims of crime with all of the following services: * crisis intervention * criminal justice system advocacy and liaison * support and education * county-wide outreach * information and referral * individual and community criminal justice education * victim impact statement and restitution assistance * victim compensation assistance * information, education and notification services related to the Victims' Rights Amendment, passed on the November 3rd, 1992 ballot. * Courtroom Assistance Program (CAP)to victims and witnesses of crime 1. c) Projected Outcomes: The Victim Witness Assistance Program will continue to maintain the high quality of services that are currently offered to victims of crime. We will also continue to improve and streamline all services according to Colorado state statutes as well as community needs. As with all services in the District Attorney's office, the Victim Witness Assistance staff will provide comprehensive services for all of the 19th Judicial District including leadership to the existing network of victim service agencies. 1. d) Community Coordination (includi g Crime Victim Compensation Program): The 19th Judicial District Attorney's Office has an excellent working relationship with other victim service providers throughout Weld County. We rely upon each other for accurate information, community resources, training needs,transmittal of information, case status information, support and education. The Crime Victim Compensation Program,housed in the District Attorney's Office, is available to all community resources and law enforcement agencies for training needs, application forms and assistance,information,and service provider disbursements. Three staff are cross-trained to include victim compensation information so that each can respond to questions regarding victim compensation. SECTION B: PROJECT CONCEPT AND DESIGN B.2. OVERALL PROBLEM THE PROJECT IS ADDRESSING: The 19th Judicial District Attorney's Victim Witness Program is the one system-based agency where victims of all crimes can obtain immediate and comprehensive victim services. The Program not only provides comprehensive victim services throughout the county,but also offers leadership to the existing network of victim service agencies. The Program's goals and objectives center around -3- maintaining current established services and to undertake the additional responsibilities of the Constitutional Amendment related to victims' rights. Each year the number of victims served by the Victim Witness Program increases significantly, and these increases are expected to continue. This is particularly true with Victims' Rights Amendment contacts. Extensive records and reports are required for the Crime Victim Compensation Program, all grants require regular performance reports,and the Constitutional Amendment is identifying new violent offenses which require the same extensive workload as the other offenses. Currently, the Program is limited by financial resources. As these constraints on the Program change, it is anticipated that the Victim Witness Program will need to provide additional staff and general office expenses in order to meet the increasing demands. In addition, a safe and secure waiting area for victims and witnesses is furnished and available for victims on the fourth floor of the Court House. This is a requirement of the Colorado Constitutional Amendment for Victims' Rights. The Victim Witness Program has worked consistently to provide comprehensive service to victims of crime with limited staff and resources. However, the passage of this Amendment has greatly impacted this Program in terms of increased client contacts. In addition to the client contacts, the Program is experiencing a large and unprecedented increase in paperwork and phone calls that is involved in the mandatory notification and response to victims of crime. County Court alone deals with 15,000 new cases per year and District Court deals with 1,100 new cases in court per year and 1,500 new juvenile cases will be reviewed for filing during 1998. As a result,the Victim Witness Program is experiencing a significant increase in their workload. We have found that the notification process is far more complex than originally anticipated. Each step in the notification process must be scrutinized for problems and special circumstances, making the time involved for each case extremely time-consuming. In addition, the Victim Witness Program is finding that many people are seeking information and notification from this Program who do not meet the Statute criteria for Victims' Rights. These crime victims need information and education related to the Amendment,bringing the number of possible contacts(walk-in traffic and phone calls) even higher. It is also important to mention that increased demands from victims with higher expectations from the criminal justice system will also impact the Victim Witness Program. The District Attorney's Office is requesting the following funds for 1999: a) VALE GRANT: $61,298 The VALE Grant will be used to pay for a portion of salaries/benefits for the following positions: Community Counselor III (Gary Rathke), Community Counselor II (Travis Niehaus- Schantz), Office Technician II (Donna Pendry), and Community Service Technician (part-time position-30 hours/week: Kelly Ford). b) CVC ADMIN. FUNDS: $20,986 c) VALE ADMIN FUNDS: $31,478 *Please refer to E.18 BUDGET NARRATIVE section for the breakdown of the requested funding. -4- B.3. PROJECT'S GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: GOAL 1: To continue using all staff and their expertise/skills to provide comprehensive services to victims of crime in the 19th Judicial District. Performance Objectives: 1. To investigate and process approximately 600 victim's applications for the Crime Victim Compensation Board. Continuation requests are included in this number. 2. To advise and coordinate activities for the VALE Board (grants of$400,000 annually), the Crime Victim Compensation Board (awards in excess of$400,000 annually). 3. To provide more than 5,000 crime victims with needed advocacy, support, education, information and referrals. 4. To keep crime victims, witnesses, and law enforcement apprised of case status information and to notify victims related to the Victims' Rights Amendment. 5. To provide a secure waiting area for victims and witnesses prior to testifying in court proceedings. 6. To assist prosecutors with "call offs" and trial coordination. 7. To assist crime victims in filing restitution requests and victim impact statements. GOAL 2: To provide outreach by striving to provide a minimum of one contact to each potential Victim Compensation applicant (to include services to victims in rural areas). Performance Objectives: 1. To coordinate services and provide training and education for Weld County's 20 law enforcement agencies. 2. To provide collaborative efforts in training and education to community agencies as requested. This will include education re: the criminal justice process and the services provided by the District Attorney's Office. GOAL 3: To continue to enhance and expand direct services to victims of domestic violence crime in the form of criminal justice support, information and education. Performance Objectives: 1. To participate in the Weld County Domestic Violence Coalition and the Domestic Violence- Women with Disabilities Coalition meetings. 2. To monitor the functioning of the criminal justice system with domestic violence cases. 3. To provide services for more than 750 victims of domestic violence providing them with information concerning case status, drop charge policy, bond conditions, disposition, etc. 4. To provide services to child victims of domestic violence and their families. These services will include case status, disposition, education and support. 98aol/ -5- GOAL 4: To participate in county-wide efforts to identify needs and to provide better services to victims of sexual assault and abuse and the under-served populations (elderly and disabled). Performance Objectives: 1. To attend regular meetings with various Weld County agencies addressing the problem of sexual assault and abuse. Also, to provide information and outreach to groups and populations related to crimes involving the elderly and disabled. 2. To provide 30 contacts with elderly victims of crime; provide education, case status information, assistance and support. GOAL 5: To provide the mandated rights and comprehensive services to crime victims in accordance with the Colorado Constitutional Amendment for victims of crime. Performance Objectives: 1. To provide a minimum of 9,000 contacts to victims of crime related to their right to be notified,present and/or heard at each identified critical stage of the criminal justice process. 2. To assist in providing services for crime victims in the 19th Judicial District with education, information, and referrals related to the Victims' Rights Amendment. B.4 TIMETABLE FOR ACCOMPLISHING THE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: It is expected that all of the Victim Witness Program's goals and objectives will be met during 1999. Quarterly reports outlining the Program's progress in accomplishing its goals and objectives will be submitted to the VALE Board. B.5 PLAN OF ACTION TO ACCOMPLISH OBJECTIVES The Victim Witness Program continues to serve increasing numbers with current staff. Flexibility in utilizing the various skills of all staff members to perform office tasks in a team effort has helped to increase the Program's responsiveness to victims of crime. Cross-training of staff, at all levels, is required and in place. B.6 ANTICIPATED PROBLEMS IN IMPLEMENTING OUR PROGRAM'S GOALS AND OBJECTIVES,IF ANY. Anticipated problems lie in the high quality of newly hired staff in the Victim Witness Program who later promote to a higher level position either within the District Attorney's Office or within the County. We have been very pleased with the skill levels of new staff; however,the turnover in staff occurs as they strive to better themselves and earn additional salary dollars. This leaves a void in the Program as we must then hire, train and cross-train new staff. 982c) ' -6- B.7. EVALUATION OF PROJECT'S EFFECTIVENESS: Extensive records are maintained on a daily basis for all services provided. Log sheets are kept for each victim to tract all contacts(letter,phone and personal). Detailed records are also required for Victims' Rights Amendment contacts as well as the Crime Victim Compensation program. Each grant requires regular performance reports. Records are kept on a daily basis so that monthly and quarterly reports can be accurately prepared. B.8 HOW DOES THE PROJECT ADDRESS THE VICTIM-SERVICE NEEDS AS OUTLINED IN THE VALE STATUTE? The Victim Witness Program's goals and objectives provide services as designated by the legislature to assure the rights of crime victims. Also, the Victim Witness Program provides all services as listed in C.R.S. 23-4.1-303 (5)related to the notification and services for the Colorado Constitutional Amendment for Victim's Rights. SECTION C: SERVICE INFORMATION C.9 POPULATION AND GEOGRAPHIC AREA The 19th Judicial District includes all of Weld County, Colorado. The 1998 estimated census figures indicate that the population of Weld County was reported to be 157,873. General population figures in the county grow in the summer months to include a large migrant population. The year round general population further increases by approximately 27,000 with the addition of students attending the University of Northern Colorado and Aims Community College. NOTE: The Weld County census/population information was received from the Economic Development Action Partnership Office in Greeley (Claritas, Inc. --census service). There are 20 law enforcement agencies within Weld County, most of which are located in rural areas. Currently, three of these agencies provide victim advocate programs: the Greeley Police Department Victim Services Program provides services to the communities of Evans, LaSalle, Kersey, Johnstown, Milliken and Windsor in addition to Greeley; the Platteville Police Department Victim Services Program provides services to the southern part of the county; and the Fort Lupton Victim Services Program provides services to residents of Fort Lupton. The Victim Witness Program serves all crime victims in the 19th Judicial District(Weld County). In addition, federal guidelines dictate that designated under-served victims be emphasized and sought out for services. These under-served populations include victims in the following areas: victims of drunken drivers, victims of domestic violence, victims of sexual assault, victims in minority populations, families of murder victims, victims of sexual assault on a child, and victims of physical abuse against a child. -7- C.10 A) NUMBER OF PERSONS IN NEED OF OUR SERVICES: The number of persons to be served total over 5,000 victims of crime with more than 9,000 projected victim contacts as described in the goals and objectives. These projections are based on current performance information and allowances have been made for expected growth and indicate an increased number projected for the past year (1998). A continued increase occurs due to the passing of the Colorado Constitutional Amendment for Victims' Rights in 1992. B and C) HOW MANY PERSONS ARE PRESENTLY BEING SERVED AND NUMBERS TO BE SERVED DURING ITS OPERATION: The projected number of victims to be served during 1999 include the following: new cases per year in County Court is 15,000; new cases per year in District Court is 1,100; new cases per year in Juvenile Court is 1,500; projected number of Crime Victim Compensation victim applications received is 600; projected number of victim compensation victims to receive advocacy, education, support, information and referrals is 5,000; projected number of VRA victims to receive services is 9,000; and projected number of domestic violence victims to receive services is 750. This is a projected total of 32,950 victims that will receive services during 1999. C.11. ARE THERE OTHER COMMUNITY AGENCIES CURRENTLY PROVIDING LIKE SERVICES TO THE TARGETED POPULATION? The Victim Witness Assistance Program provides unique services to victims of crime within the 19th Judicial District. We do not duplicate services offered by any other agency. As needed,our program will made referrals to appropriate agencies. In addition, our office works in a collaborative effort with all agencies to provide the victim with resource information and service providers to meet their needs. C.12. HOW WILL THIS PROJECT DIMINISH OR ELIMINATE DUPLICATION OF SERVICES? As noted above, the District Attorney's Office provides unique services and thus, there is no duplication of services. C.13. WHAT COST SAVINGS WILL THE PUBLIC EXPERIENCE AS A RESULT OF THIS PROJECT? One cannot understate the importance of a program that treats crime victims with fairness and dignity, and one that seeks to reduce victims' pain and suffering. When one looks at the number of people served, services provided, and dollars disbursed,the Victim Witness Program provides vital assistance to victims of crime, and performs this with a small staff and at a minimal cost. 9$',2c/I -8- As in past years,the funding for the Victim Witness Program will come from a variety of sources. First, the Program will continue to use its portion of the Crime Victim Compensation and VALE collections to pay a portion of staff salaries/benefits and other related office expenses. Second, the Weld County General Funds will continue to pay for salaries/benefits for one Community Service Technician (Linda Wurts), one Office Technician II (Dana Mellon) for Victims' Rights Actnotification services,VRA postage, and Victim Witness Program phone expenses. As of 4/97, the Weld County General Fund approved one additional full-time Office Technician II to the District Attorney's Office due to increased workload(Leigh Sorensen). NOTE: the salary/benefits for this position is paid from the main DA Office budget. Leigh is assigned to the Victim Witness Program for 20 hours/week to assist with VRA notification. Third,the Program received a 1997-99 VOCA Grant in the amount of $12,491 (for 27 month period) to pay a portion of the salaries/benefits for Travis Niehaus-Schantz and Kelly Ford. Finally, as there are only a limited number of dollars available to the Victim Witness Assistance Program from governmental and private sources, we will continue to depend on the VALE Board for sustaining financial support. C.14 MANAGEMENT PLAN Overall,the Community Programs Administrator,Nancy Haffner, will be responsible for the daily administration of the Project. Financial reports are kept and completed by Janet Reichert, Weld County Accounting Department. The Victim Witness Assistance Program in the 19th Judicial District has a highly qualified staff that is committed to the provision of services to victims of crime. As this Program is a part of the Office of the District Attorney,its ultimate supervision is provided by Al Dominguez, Jr.,District Attorney. In addition to his supervisory oversight, Mr. Dominguez supports the Victim Witness Assistance Program and its staff by securing available funds from the (Weld) Board of County Commissioners. The Project Director is Nancy I. Haffner, M.A.,who is the Community Programs Administrator for the District Attorney's Office. Nancy spends approximately fifty percent of her time with the Victim Witness Program. Nancy holds a master's degree in Professional Psychology: Agency Counseling and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of Northern Colorado. She joined the District Attorney's Office on December 2, 1985 in the position of Community Counselor III working with juvenile offenders in the Juvenile Diversion Program. In this role she provided counseling to first-time juvenile offenders and their families, facilitated Shoplift Groups, facilitated various other juvenile groups including drug/alcohol information and a series of groups called Life Skills. During December, 1991, Nancy assumed additional management-related responsibilities for both the Juvenile Diversion Program and the Victim Witness Program. During this time, she continued to work as a Diversion counselor, developed and coordinated the Student Intern Program, co-facilitated a Parent Orientation Group, and provided assistance to the Community Programs Administrator. Effective December 16, 1994, Nancy assumed the responsibilities of the Community Programs Administrator. 9s.�oi/ -9- Since 1988, Gary Rathke, Community Counselor III, has been the masters-level counselor and coordinator of the Crime Victim Compensation Program. Gary,who has an educational background in business administration, education, counseling and criminal justice, has approximately 25 years experience working with various human service programs. Currently Gary's work related efforts on behalf of crime victims include the following: providing direct services to crime victims,performing a variety of administrative duties to the VALE Board and the Crime Victim Compensation Board, and helping to promote public awareness concerning crime victims (educational and various group involvements). Gary assumed the responsibilities of providing administrative assistance to the VALE Board beginning January 1, 1994. Travis Niehaus-Schantz, Community Counselor II,joined the Victim Witness Program in February of 1994 as the VRA Technician and was later(May, 1994)promoted to the Counselor II position. Travis holds a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology. Her background includes being a volunteer advocate for A Woman's Place,Inc. where she developed and implemented their Domestic Violence Training Program. Travis also has experience in working at an adolescent group home as a case manager. She provides assistance to victims within the Victim Witness Program and also assists in the processing of Victim Compensation claims, coordinates the Courtroom Assistance Program(CAP), co-chaired the Coordinating Committee for Victims of Crime (CCVC) in Weld County through 1995, gives attention to special populations (elderly and disabled victims of crime) and provides services to domestic violence victims. Linda Wurts, Community Services Technician, has been with the District Attorney's Office since 1981. Between 1981 and 1985,prior to the hiring of the first VALE-funded counselor,Linda was the primary person in the Victim Witness Program helping crime victims. Currently Linda provides a variety of services in the Program including: providing victim information and support, assisting crime victims with Victim Compensation applications(primarily victims of rape and sexual assault on children),working with Deputy District Attorney staff to coordinate trials, gathering restitution information primarily in felony cases, assisting with the Courtroom Assistance Program(CAP),and performing various clerical and other duties. Dana Mellon joined the Victim Witness Program December 4, 1995 as an Office Technician II. This is a full-time position which is funded by Weld County General Funds as of January 1, 1994. She learned her job responsibilities very quickly and is most efficient in this position. Dana provides the Victims' Rights Act notification services. She has office experience and does an excellent job of streamlining the procedures for our victim notification process. During 1997, Dana was asked to develop a"tickler" system for VRA notifications that will allow our program to anticipate the next critical stage for each VRA case being prosecuted by our office. This system is currently running smoothly. Dana has also recently assisted in the development of a notebook that will be placed with clerical staff in each of the divisions within the District Attorney's Office: District Court, County Court and Juvenile Court. This notebook is designed to provide current procedures on VRA notification and the various letters that are sent for critical stages. -10- Donna Pendry joined our office on December 15, 1997 as an Office Technician II. Donna came to our office after working 23 years at the University of Northern Colorado. She has a wealth of office management experience and computer skills. She contributes to the office by serving as the receptionist, greets the public at our second floor reception area, provides clerical support to the Crime Victim Compensation Board, assists with VALE Board clerical needs, and is cross-trained to assist with the Victims' Rights Act notification procedures. This allows each Office Technician II position to be cross-trained and able to complete the necessary tasks when the other person is ill or on vacation. Leigh Sorensen joined the District Attorney's Office on June 11, 1998 as Office Technician II in the main DA reception area. In August, 1998, Leigh transferred to the Victim Assistance Office and assists with the Victims' Rights Amendment notification duties. Leigh attended Aims Community College and her career background includes seven years in school health offices doing data entry, state reports and daily logs of student health incidents. Leigh was also a teacher's assistant with emotionally disturbed children for Weld BOCES for 7 years. NOTE: Leigh's salary is paid by Weld County General Funds and is included in the main District Attorney's Office budget. Kelly Ford works part-time (30 hours per week) as Community Services Technician. She began working in our office as of March 30, 1998 and worked 20 hours/week. With the addition of VALE funds, her hours were increased to 30 hours/week as of July 1, 1998 due to increased office workload. Kelly is currently attending Aims Community College (part-time basis) and working toward an Associate Degree in Applied Science Degree in criminal justice. This position provides assistance to the Courtroom Assistance Program(CAP), receptionist duties,and the Victims' Rights Amendment notification process. She is cross-trained in all three areas to allow for more efficiency in completing work projects, greeting/assisting the public, and providing the required assistance when either of the Office Technician II staff are out of the office. C.15. WHO WILL PROVIDE PROPOSED SERVICES? USE OF VOLUNTEERS. (attached is job description of senior volunteer) SEE ATTACHMENT C. Please refer to C.14 for description of staff who will provide all proposed services. As of October 1998,we will begin a new project which will utilize a Senior Volunteer. The project will be elderly outreach to senior citizens (age 60 and above) who are listed as victims in cases being prosecuted in the 19th Judicial District. We will have two senior volunteers participate in an extensive training program to prepare them for the job duties. See attached job description. The senior volunteers wee recruited with the assistance of many of the local senior centers and RSVP of UNC. The applicants were interviewed,job duties discussed in detail, and criminal history checks performed. We plan to utilize the senior volunteers to the point of providing services to senior victims. D. EFFICIENCY DESCRIPTION D.16. The 19th Judicial District Attorney's Office is applying for continued funding. Our success rate is based on the fact that we have met or exceeded our proposed goals and objectives each year. 9g o// -11- The Victim Witness Assistance Office provides quarterly reports to the VALE Board in a timely and accurate manner. D.17. PROJECTED COST PER CLIENT SERVED. The following figures were used to calculate the projected cost per client served by the Victim Witness Assistance Office: new cases per year in County Court(15,000), District Court (1,100) and Juvenile Court (1,500); projected number of Crime Victim Compensation victim applications received is 600; projected number of victim compensation victims to receive advocacy, education, support, information and referrals is 5,000; projected number of VRA victims to receive services is 9,000, and projected number of domestic violence victims to receive services is 750. This is a projected total of 32,950 victims that will be receiving services during 1999. Projected cost per client served has been calculated three ways: 1) $173,439 9 32,950 clients =$5.27 cost per client (VA staff salary cost -- # of clients) 2) $61,298 -, 32,950 = $1.86 cost per client (VALE Grant-- # of clients) 3) $113,762 32,950 = $3.46 cost per client (VALE Grant+Admin dollars -- # of clients) As you can see,the cost per client figures are very low when you consider the amount of time spent with each client whether it be on the telephone, in person, or reviewing an application. The high volume of clients service by the Victim Witness Office provides a very low cost per client;thus,the program and services offered is extremely cost effective. E. BUDGETARY INFORMATION E.18. SEE ATTACHED BUDGET E.19. EXPLAIN AND JUSTIFY THE PROJECT'S BUDGET AND RELATE ITEMS BUDGETED TO PROJECT ACTIVITIES. Personnel Costs: The Victim Witness Program is requesting the following funds: a) VALE GRANT: $61,298 to pay for portions of staff salaries and benefits for Community Counselor III, Community Counselor II, Office Technician II (receptionist), and for the part-time position of Community Services Technician. b)* CVC ADMINISTRATIVE FUNDS: $20,986 c)* VALE ADMINISTRATIVE FUNDS: $31,478 *These funds will pay portions of salaries/benefits for Community Counselor III, Community Counselor II, Office Technician II (receptionist), and for the part-time position of 9f a?oit -12- Community Service Technician. The specific breakdown of the use of Administrative Funds is listed below: 1) Community Counselor III: $24,299. This is 55% of the salary/benefit package to support the remainder of personnel package for this position. 2) Community Counselor II: $7,671. This is 21%of the salary/benefit package to support the remainder of personnel package for this position. 3) Community Service Technician(part-time position-30 hours/week) $3,612. This is 21% of the salary/benefit package to support the remainder of this position. This position is funded by both the VALE Grant and the VOCA Grant. 4) Office Technician II: $16,882. This is 77%of the salary/benefit package to support the remainder of personnel cost for this position. Total request of Administrative Funds amounts to $52,464. Using the 40/60 calculation of CVC/VALE Administrative portions, the breakdown is as follows: CVC Admin. Funds: $20,986; VALE Admin. Funds: $31,478. NOTES: 1) In accordance with Weld County Personnel policies,the total salary/benefit amounts include a 4% portion to pay cost-of-living increases for each stated position. 2) As these staff members may be eligible for and receive grade and/or step pay increases during 1998,it may be necessary to request additional salary monies from the Administrative Funds near the end of the calendar year. Please note that 1998 grade and/or step increases have not been figured into the current grant dollar request. TRAINING NEEDS: All staff must provide services to crime victims and thus, it is crucial that all staff receive additional training when appropriate. The Victim Witness Program will request finding for training on an "as needed" basis if approved by the VALE Board. Training opportunities would include workshops and conferences on topics relevant to crime victims and services to be offered, COVA meetings and conferences, and networking meetings with other professionals. Without the requested level of financial support, the Victim Witness Program will not be able to retain its current staff and services to crime victims would have to be reduced. E.20. IF APPL.IS FOR CONTINUED FUNDING: EXPLAIN ANY CHANGES IN PROPOSED FUNDING. Salary changes are the result of step increases, cost of living raise applied each January, and the continuation of Kelly Ford's position working 30 hours per week (effective 7-1-98). -13- E.21. HOW WILL FUTURE FUNDING NEEDS BE MET? As in past years,the funding for the Victim Witness Program will come from a variety of sources. First, the Program will continue to use its portion of the Crime Victim Compensation and VALE collections to pay a portion of staff salaries/benefits and other related office expenses. Second,the Weld County General Funds will continue to pay for salaries/benefits for one Community Service Technician (Linda Wurts), one Office Technician II (Dana Mellon) for Victims' Rights Act notification services, VRA postage, and Victim Witness Program phone expenses. As of 1-1-98, the Weld County Commissioners approved one additional full-time Office Technician II to the District Attorney's Office due to increased workload (Leigh Sorensen). Leigh has been assigned to the Victim Witness Program for 20 hours/week to assist with VRA notification. NOTE: Leigh's salary is provided by the Weld County General Fund in the main District Attorney's Office budget. Third,the Program has received a 1997-99 VOCA Grant (27 months) in the amount of$12,491 to pay a portion of the salaries/benefits for Travis Niehaus- Schantz and Kelly Ford. Finally, as there are only a limited number of dollars available to the Victim Witness Program from governmental and private sources, we will continue to depend on the VALE Board for sustaining financial support. F. ATTACHMENTS F.22 COPY OF OUR AGENCY'S CURRENT FISCAL-YEAR BUDGET,INCLUDING A LIST OF ALL FUNDING SOURCES. F.23 COPY OF OUR AGENCY'S MOST RECENT AUDIT REPORT. F.24 LIST OF OUR AGENCY'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Not applicable. The Weld County Board of Commissioners must approve all contracts that our program enters into. F.25 LETTERS OF SUPPORT 19TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT ATTORNEYS OFFICE VICTIM WITNESS PROGRAM ESTIMATED 1999 BUDGET AND VALE GRANT ANALYSIS ESTIMATED REVENUES TOTAL INCOME VALE Grant $61,298 VOCA Grant $ 5,551 VALE Administrative Funds (10%) EST. $31,478 CVC Administrative Funds (6%) EST. $20,986 Weld County Gen. Funds (Personnel costs) $54,126 TOTAL ESTIMATED REVENUES: $173,439 ESTIMATED EXPENSES: TOTAL VALE VALE EXPENSE % EXPENSE Salaries and Benefits: Comm. Serv. Counselor III $44,180 45% $19,881 Comm. Serv. Counselor II $36,072 70% $25,250 Comm. Serv. Technician (f-t) $31,027 -0- -0- Comm. Serv. Technician (p-t) $17,180 65% $11,167 Office Technician II $21,882 23% $ 5,000 Office Technician II $23,098 -0- -0- TOTAL ESTIMATED EXPENSES: $173,439 $61,298 gtv?D/ / ATTACHMENTS ATTACHMENT A: Budget Summary for Breakdown of Costs for VALE Grant and Administrative Funds ATTACHMENT B: Letters of Support: A. M. Dominguez, Jr., District Attorney Sharon A.Mitchell,Executive Director,A Woman's Place,Inc. Rita F.Ashliman,Program Director/Coordinator,South Weld Victim Services Sharon Hickman, Founder/Director, Domestic Violence Initiative Shellie Larson, Greeley Police Department Victim Services Tracy Rosales, Fort Lupton Victim Services Nancy Raben, Director, Sexual Assault Survivors, Inc. ATTACHMENT C: Job Description of Senior Volunteer position ATTACHMENT D: Weld County Comprehensive Annual Financial Report(Audit): year ended 1997 ATTACHMENT A BUDGET SUMMARY FOR BREAKDOWN OF COSTS FOR VALE GRANT AND ADMINISTRATIVE FUNDS A) VALE Grant: $61,298 Community Counselor III, Gary Rathke (45 %) $19,881 Community Counselor II, Travis Niehaus-Schantz(70%) $25,250 Office Technician II, Donna Pendry (23%) $ 5,000 Community Serv. Technician, Kelly Ford (65%) $ 11,167 TOTAL: $61,298 B) VALE/CVC Administrative Funds: $52,464 Remainder of Gary Rathke's salary/benefits: $24,299 Remainder of Travis Niehaus-Schantz's salary/benefits: $ 7,671 Remainder of Donna Pendry's salary/benefits: $16,882 Remainder of Kelly Ford's salary/benefits: $ 3,612 TOTAL: $52,464 CVC portion of Admin. Funds: $20,986 VALE portion of Admin Funds: $31,478 DIVER/99VALE.NIH 9 2o1l ATTACHMENT B \G A T TO �Q p District Attorney's Office r? m Nineteenth judicial District 1)* A.M. Dominguez, Jr. - District Attorney 9T Thomas Quammen - Assistant District Attorney '7 ,-/UD\C) October 12, 1998 Dear V.A.L.E. Board Members: I would like to offer this letter of support as we present our 1999 V.A.L.E. grant proposal. The Victim Witness Assistance Office component of the 19th Judicial District Attorney's Office relies upon funding from the V.A.L.E. Board and its supplemental resources for a significant portion of our program needs that are mandated by state law. These needs could not be met without V.A.L.E. assistance since there is a lack of governmental funds to meet the requirements of our program. The Victim Witness Assistance staff provide unique services for the communities of our judicial district. We do not duplicate services offered by any other agency. We provide direct services to victims and witnesses of crime and offer them education and support for their respective case throughout the prosecution process. We work very closely with numerous other agencies throughout Weld County to ensure that the victims and witnesses are provided with the resources that are available to them. People that experience victimization are particularly vulnerable; and by agency cooperation, we strive to empower them with accurate information and resources. Therefore,the services provided by the Victim Witness Assistance Program are tailored to meet the needs of our judicial district. Sincerely, A. M. Do guez, Jr. District A orney 19th Judicial District Post Office Box 1167• 915 Tenth Street• Greeley, CO 80632 • (970) 356-4010 • FAX (970) 352-8023 ATTACHMENT B AInformation/Donations 351-0476 �vT .gyp Executive Director 351-6950 W offlan Ft. Lupton Office 857-2642 Crisis Calls 356-4226 Oi Place, Inc. Domestic violence agency for Weld County October 13, 1998 Dear VALE Board Members: A Woman's Place, Inc. and the Office of the District Attorney Victim/Witness Assistance Program collaborate on a weekly basis to assist domestic violence victims/survivors. The Victim/Witness Assistance Program plays an integral role with our domestic violence program in empowering women through the court system. The women are kept informed on their abusers' cases, and they receive legal advocacy and victim compensation services as needed by a very knowledgeable staff. Our counselors, legal advocates, and case manager work more effectively with domestic violence victims/survivors insuring them of their rights and helping them overcome their fears because of this program. It is the continual referring and networking of our two programs that makes this a very successful partnership. Funding the Victim/Witness Assistance Program gives many women the opportunity and the courage to follow through and take the necessary steps to end domestic violence in their lives and in their children's lives. I strongly recommend continual funding for this outstanding program due to the expertise of the staff and the needed services they offer to victims/survivors in Weld County. Sincerely, Sharon A. Mitchell Executive Director 9,M0// P.O.Box 71,Greeley,Colorado 80632 A United Way Agency P.O. Box 312,Ft. Lupton, Colorado 80621 ATTACHMENT B SOUTH WELD VICTIM SERVICES PROGRAM Offering Services To: Platteville, Gilcrest, Weld Section of Erie, Dacono, Firestone, Frederick, Evanston, Aristocrat Acres, Mead, /\ Hudson, Keenesburg, Lochbuie and the Weld County Area within PHONE: (970) 785-1245 or 2115 at #400 F AX#: 785-1476 NS 'NMle _agiaksait ilike:D October 5, 1998 19th Judicial District VALE Board District Attorney's Office P.O. Box # 1167 Greeley, CO 80634 Dear VALE Board: As the Program Director/Coordinator for the South Weld Victim Services Program I appreciate this opportunity to write a Letter of Support for the Victim Witness Program within the 19th Judicial District Attorney's Office. It continues to be a tremendous privilege in working in conglomeration with such an important program. Our two programs continue to compliment one another as we strive in seeing that proper attention is given to victims of crime within our areas. Travis is always very gracious in attending each of our New Advocate Training classes for new volunteer victim advocates each time that we have requested. She covers their services in great detail for our new advocates so that they are very aware of how we can work in conjunction with one another. Since this is one of the most valuable resources that's available to our program it is paramount that we work as cohesively together as possible. The Victim Witness Program continues to make an impressive impact within Weld County. I therefore strongly recommend that you give serious consideration to continual funding for this extremely effective program. Sincerely. Rita F. Ashliman Program Director/Coordinator South Weld Victim Services Program 400 Grand Ave.-P.O. Box#389-Platteville,CO 80651 (970)785-2245 or 2215 ext.#400 qg. oii ATTACHMENT B 7ct-07-98 03:58P Sharon Hickman (303) 839-1181 P .02 Domestic- Violence Initiative for worlltit Will discbilitirs OCTOBER 5, 1998 DEAR GRANT MAKING COMMITTEE: I AM WRITING THIS LETTER IN SUPPORT OF THE WELD COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY ' S VICTIM WITNESS PROGRAM. THEY ARE WANTING TO INCLUDE PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN THEIR PROGRAM SERVICES AND BE ABLE TO RESPOND TO THOSE COMPLEXITIES. THIS WILL MEAN EXTRA WORK AND TIME MAY BE REQUIRED. THIS PAST YEAR AND A HALF, OUR AGENCY HAS WORKED TO EDUCATE THE , ADVOCATES ABOUT THE IMPACT DISABILITY HAS ON CRIME VICTIMIZATION. THEY ARE HOPING TO IDENTIFY AND SERVE MORE PEOPLE WITH HIDDEN DISABILITIES . THE VICTIM WITNESS PROGRAM RELIES HEAVILY ON V.A. L.E. FUNDS TO BE ABLE TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE STAFF RESPONSE TO CRIME VICTIMIZATION IN WELD COUNTY. I URGE YOU TO FUND THEIR REQUEST. I WILL CONTINUE TO CONTRIBUTE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT TO THEIR EFFORT. SINCERELY, I} SA HICKMAN#1.11 1l FOUNDER/DIRECTOR P.O. Rex.SOOS3:i Denver,CO 80203 - (303)639-5:i10/1-1)1) g5a0 // 0CT 7 ' 96 16: 29 303 839 1181 PRGE . 002 ATTACHMENT B O Greeley 19th Judicial District VALE Board P.O. Box 1167 Greeley, CO 80631 October 14, 1998 Dear VALE Board, I am writing this letter of support for the 19th Judicial District Victim Witness Program. As a coordinator for the Greeley Police Department Victim Services Program, I have had the pleasure of working with the people connected with this program. The police agencies we work with have the first contact with victims, followed soon after by services from our program. In many instances the case moves on to the District Attorney's Office. In domestic violence cases this is generally a very fast process, usually by the next day if there has been an arrest made. I am always confident when I refer a victim to Travis Niehaus- Schantz, they will be provided with information and services they will need as they proceed through the criminal justice process. In addition to domestic violence, we work with other victim rights related crimes. I know when I refer someone to Linda Wurts, they will be helped with expediency and compassion. We also make a number of referrals to Crime Victim's Compensation. Gary Rathke responds to victims by giving them concise and thorough information on the services provided by this program. I feel very comfortable referring people to the Victim/Witness office. I believe the 19th Judicial District Victim/Witness Program is a vital ingredient in the continuum of services provided by our county. I strongly support continued funding of this valuable program. Sincerely, r( _t - -, Shellie Larson Victim Services Program Greeley Police Department 9507011 10/09/1998 14:43 3038572703 FORT LUPTON POLICE PAGE 02 ATTACHMENT B FORT to ettp of fort "Lupton •IS • r Vance ±9ttht ELD 130 5.MCKW LEY AVENUE PORT LUPTON(303)167011 COL e R AOO DENVER METRO(366)313-6104 FT.LUPTON.CO 30321 QREELEY METRO(970)3664213 WIRQENCY 011 October 8, 1998 Travis Niehaus Victim Witness Coordinator Weld County District Attorneys Office 915 Tenth Street Greeley, CO. 80632 Dear Travis, During the recent months we have had an opportunity to work closely with your office and your staff in providing the victims and witnesses of crimes in Weld County with assistance. The services that your staff provides is an essential part of helping people through the traumatic and painful expaeiemps that criminal activity brings upon them We wanted to take this opportunity to express our support to your office and very professional staff.We are looking forward to our contbual partnership in giving the victims of crimes the wry best assistance that can be provided. Thank you for all your support and assistance and if there is anything that we may be of assistance to you please do not hesitate to call. Sincerely.( ' ' mop Tracy Rosales Victim Assistance Coordinator. m Proud 10 Be' of OCT 9 ' 98 14 : 44 3038572703 PRGE . 002 ATTACHMENT B SEXVAL ASSAVLT SVRVIVORS. INC. PO BOX 5135 GREELEY,CO 80631-0135 (970)352-RAPE(7273) it' 8 October 1998 To Whom This May Concern: As Director of Sexual Assault Survivors, Inc., I am pleased to write this letter of support for the District Attorney's Office Victim Witness Program, which provides victim services to the crime victims and witnesses who encounter the court system. The organization's experience and dedication has a positive history in our county and continues to be a valuable, professional asset for victims and witnesses of crime and other service organizations. I am certain, that with adequate funding, the Victim Witness Program would go even further toward minimizing the impact of violence on so many of our citizens. The Victim Witness Program staff and I have shared many victim service and advocate training opportunities. Additionally, the communication and cooperation between our agencies has been shown to be highly beneficial as we each strive to provide the best victim services possible. I strongly support this high quality program and look forward to working with the Victim Witness Program on future cooperative efforts. Sincerely, / l fl Nancy Raben Director, SASI 9g'ac/I ATTACHMENT C JOB DESCRIPTION Position: (Volunteer) Senior Project Assistant, Victim Assistance Office Range of Hours: 2 - 10 hours per week Department: Community Programs, District Attorney's Office Immediate Supervisor: Community Programs Administrator and the Assistant Community Programs Administrator General Supervisors: The District Attorney and the Assistant District Attorney Supervisory Functions: None Job Oualifications: This position will be working with the senior population (age 60 and above) and must have good interpersonal skills. Considerable knowledge of spelling, punctuation and grammar, general office practices and procedures, good communication(verbal and written) skills, good telephone skills. General knowledge of computer skills to include word processing, personal computers helpful but not required. Must have good organizational skills with attention to accuracy and details. Knowledge of community resources specific to senior needs. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, agencies and the public. Must have high school diploma or equivalent course work in general office procedures as it relates to this position. Experience working with the public is helpful. Date of Job Description: August, 1998 Job Duties: Contacts with seniors (telephone, in person and letters). Compile and send out special VRA (Victims' Rights Amendment)/senior information packets. Document all correspondence, phone calls made and received,change of address, etc. Identify community resources and provide information for the victim regarding areas including housing,transportation,medical, etc. and make referrals when appropriate. Provide information, education and support to victims regarding involvement in the criminal justice system. Work with staff to provide/arrange for personal appointments and/or case follow-up. Provide outreach to the local community to educate as to the services provided to seniors through the District Attorney's Victim Assistance Program. Be familiar with and conform behavior to the office policies and the contents of the "DA Handbook." DIVERNOLPOS NIH Hello