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Meeting Date:	08/28/2017
Other Victims Assistance Grant (OVAG)
Submitted for:	Isidro Alaniz	Submitted By:	David Sanchez
Department:	District Attorney

Subject:

Discussion and possible action to ratify and authorize the acceptance of an Other Victims Assistance Grant (OVAG) from the Office of the Texas Attorney General in the amount of $42,000 for a victims assistance coordinator position; and authorizing the Webb County Judge to execute all relevant documents; and any other matters incident thereto. This grant does not require a match. [Requested by Isidro "Chilo" Alaniz, District Attorney] [Grant Fund 2714]

Issue: Over the last couple of years, Webb County has seen a rise in domestic violence cases. These cases involve victims of crime that suffer emotional trauma and physical injuries. The State of Texas has set up a Victim of Crime Compensation Fund that provides benefits to victims of these types of crimes; however, the system is complex and normally victims have to document their benefit eligibility while still under emotional trauma and physical distress.

Solution: The District Attorney's Office has been awarded a grant that funds the position of a victims assistance coordinator. The victims assistance coordinator will act as a first point of contact for the victims of crime and will also work closely with prosecutors, investigators and counselors to meet the needs of crime victims.The victims assistance coordinator main objective will be to provide critical support and to facilitate filling out the necessary paperwork so that victims of crime can have access to eligible benefits.

Result: Victims of violent crime will have a point of contact that will provide them with direct victim services.

Background:

The Webb County District Attorney’s Victim Coordinator will work closely with prosecutors, investigators and counselors to ensure that all needs of a victim are met. The Coordinator will assist victims in filing and completing an application with the Office of the Attorney General’s Crime Victims’ Compensation fund. Another responsibility will include assisting families and victims of crime with information regarding the status and the legal process of their case. The Coordinator assesses and makes immediate referrals to community agencies that provide needed services to victims of crime. Crisis intervention will be provided when needed to victims of crime and the non-offending parent. The Coordinator will serve as an advocate when cases are set for trial, provide a victim impact statement, as well as assistance completing the documents. Once a conviction has been reached, the coordinator will help victims register with Texas Victim Information Notification Everyday (VINE) and Parole Notification through the Texas Department of Criminal Justice System. Follow up services, including reassurance and supportive listening will be provided to victims in the Domestic Violence Unit. Additionally the coordinator works with other law enforcement agencies to ensure continuity of victim services.

Previous Court Action:

The Governing Body approved the submission of the grant application on April 10, 2017.

Fiscal Impact

Budget Account Number:	2714
Funding Source:	2260
Balance:	N/A
Financial Impact:
No impact to the General Fund.

Attachments
Notice of Funding
Budget