The Sheriff and staff recommend that the Board of Supervisors approve the request to submit a grant application for the FY 2020 and FY 2021 Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victims Services Grant Program (VSGP). If approved, over the two fiscal years the proposed project is expected to cost $393,021.  The application would seek $314,416 in grant funds, the Sheriff’s Office would be responsible for providing $65,148 as the local match, and Empower House would provide $13,457 as an in-kind match contribution.

As the state administrative agency for the VOCA VSGP, the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is accepting grant application requests.  The primary purpose of VOCA funding is to support the delivery of direct services to victims of crime.  The application deadline is March 4, 2019.

If approved, the Sheriff’s Office will submit a grant application in partnership with Empower House for FY 2020 and FY 2021 funding.  Empower House is a local non-profit whose mission is to empower survivors of domestic violence and their children to believe in themselves and build new lives filled with dignity, respect, safety and hope.  If approved, the grant application would provide for:

• Salary, fringe benefits, and associated overtime for a dedicated full-time domestic violence detective focused on services & treatment for victims of trafficking, local community coordination efforts for domestic violence and trafficking victims, and services for traditionally underserved populations,

• 240 hours annually for overtime and associated fringe benefits for support from pre-selected bilingual deputy(s) working these types of cases,

• A vehicle for the domestic violence detective,

• Associated equipment, supplies, lodging, subsistence, and training for the program,

• A part-time domestic violence advocate for Empower House, and

• Associated equipment and mileage for the Empower House domestic violence advocate.

The table below represents the proposed budget for FY 2020.  Please note that the Sheriff’s Office may reallocate the match percentage per budget category; however, the total cash match of $35,823 will remain the same.

The table below represents the proposed budget for FY 2021. Please note that the Sheriff’s Office may reallocate the match percentage per budget category; however, the total cash match of $29,325 will remain the same.

The Sheriff’s Office proposes to meet the cash match contributions for FY 2020 and FY 2021 through a combination of asset forfeiture funds and/or through cost savings within their Adopted Budgets.  Empower House proposes to meet their in-kind contribution through assistance provided by an Empower House rural court advocate and office rental space.

DCJS has advised that a focus on direct service delivery, and documentation of that service delivery, are essential in order to secure continuation funding.  Due to uncertainty regarding future federal appropriations of funding of VOCA grants, programs are encouraged to develop long-term strategies and infrastructure to ensure sustainability after this grant period.

Due to time constraints, this item was not presented to the Finance Committee for their consideration.

At this time there is no financial impact as this is a request to submit a grant application.  If awarded, the grant award would need to be reviewed and recommended by the Finance Office, County Attorney’s Office, County Administration, and Finance Committee before being presented to the Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors for acceptance and appropriation.

Sheriff Roger L. Harris, Sheriff’s Office

Captain Elizabeth Scott, Sheriff’s Office

Captain Charles Carey, Sheriff’s Office

Annette D’Alessandro, Finance