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Meeting Date:	04/08/2019
Other Victims Assistance Grant (OVAG)
Submitted for:	Isidro Alaniz	Submitted By:	David Sanchez
Department:	District Attorney

Subject:

Discussion and possible action to authorize the Webb County District Attorney's Office to submit an application to the Office of the Attorney General for an Other Victims Assistance Grant (OVAG); to designate the County Judge as the County’s Executive Officer and Authorized Representative in all matters pertaining to the County's participation in this grant. The District Attorney's Office will utilize the grant to fund the position of Victims Coordinator for the Domestic Violence Unit. The amount of the funding request shall not exceed $42,000. There is no cash match requirement for this grant. All grant documents were sent for review through the Economic Development Department and the solicitation is compliant with the Webb County Single Point of Contact (SPOC) procedures. Contract Term: September 1, 2019 to August 31, 2020. [Requested by Isidro "Chilo" Alaniz, District Attorney; Fund #2714-2260]

Issue: This grant funds the position of the Webb County District Attorney's Victim Coordinator. The Coordinator works closely with prosecutors, investigators and counselors to meet the needs of crime victims including the following:

a) Assisting victims in completing applications with the Office of the Attorney General’s Crime Victims Compensation Fund.
b) Assisting families and victims of crime with information regarding the status and the legal process of their case.
c) Assessing and making immediate referrals to community agencies that provide needed services to victims of crime.
d) Providing crisis intervention to victims of crime and the non-offending parent.
e) Serving as an advocate when cases are set for trial, providing a victim impact statement, and assisting in the completion of related documents.
f) Providing follow-up services, including reassurance and supportive listening to victims assisted in the Domestic Violence Unit.

Solution: Authorize the submission of the grant application as set forth above to ensure that the victims coordinator can continue to provide necessary services to victims of crime.

Result: The victims coordinator will continue to provide the services outlined above to victims of crime in Webb County.

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:

N/A

Fiscal Impact

Budget Account Number:	2714
Funding Source:	2260
Balance:	N/A
Financial Impact:
There is no financial impact to the Genral Fund.

Attachments
Letter of Intent
Application Kit