Commissioners Court Meeting

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Meeting Date:	09/12/2022
Victim Coordinator and Liaison Grant
Submitted for:	Isidro Alaniz	Submitted By:	David Sanchez
Department:	District Attorney

Subject:

Discussion and possible action to authorize the acceptance of a Victim Coordinator and Liaison Grant from the Office of the Texas Attorney General in the amount of $45,000 for a victim 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 matching funds. [Requested by Isidro "Chilo" Alaniz, District Attorney; Grant Fund #2714]

Issue: Webb County has seen a dramatic rise in cases involving domestic violence. 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. This grant funds the position of a victim assistance coordinator that will work closely with prosecutors, investigators and counselors to meet the needs of crime victims.

Solution: Accept the grant award from the Office of the Texas Attorney General.

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

Background:

The Webb County District Attorney’s victim assistance 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 Every day (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 grant application was approved by Commissioners Court on April 12, 2021.

Fiscal Impact

Budget Account Number:	2714
Funding Source:	2260
Balance:	NA
Financial Impact:
There is no financial impact to the General Fund.

Attachments
Notice of Award