RD286 - Victim/Witness Program - Overview, Performance, and Funding


Executive Summary:
Currently, there are 102 local grant funded Victim/Witness Programs and 4 statewide victim assistance programs. DCJS uses federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funds and state general and special funds to make grants to support these programs.

Services provided include explaining victims’ rights, assisting victims in obtaining protective orders, explaining and helping victims apply for compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund (CICF), notifying victims of case statuses, court dates, and prisoner statuses, explaining the criminal justice process, accompanying victims to court and criminal justice related meetings, assisting victims in preparing victim impact statements, providing crisis intervention, and providing case disposition information.

In FY2007, these programs provided direct services to over 71,000 crime victims.

Federal VOCA funds available to Virginia have declined considerably over the years. For example, Virginia’s Federal Fiscal Year 2008 award decreased 17% compared to the Federal Fiscal Year 2007 award. Federal VOCA funding available to Virginia is now at the lowest level it has been for nine years.

The Victim/Witness Special Fund balance had been significantly depleted in recent years in order to maintain local programs and the delivery of essential victims services. However, with the appropriation of $3.1 million dollars in General Funds beginning in FY2008, and DCJS’ conservative approach to managing current obligations against the Victim/Witness Special Fund, the Fund balance is beginning to rebound.

The amount of 2009 federal fiscal year VOCA funds available for state FY2010 is not yet known. Additionally, the amount of Victim/Witness Special Funds available for award in state FY2010 cannot be projected with certainty. However, the Victim/Witness Special Fund is expected to continue to be solvent. DCJS is reasonably confident that combined available resources will enable the agency to increase FY2010 awards to the level supported in FY2008. This restoration of funding should allow programs to avoid FY2010 layoffs, which appear likely if no increase in grant awards is provided.

DCJS’ ability to increase FY2010 awards depends on the following assumptions.

• Total VOCA funds available for award in state FY2010 do not decrease from the amount awarded in FY2009.

• Special Funds available for award in FY2010 increase modestly as a usable Fund balance is established.

• The General Fund appropriation remains at $3.1 million.

The need for additional funding for Victim/Witness Programs is clear. However, DCJS also is aware that the severe budget challenges faced by the Commonwealth likely preclude allocation of additional General Funds to support Victim/Witness Programs in FY2010. Additionally, DCJS, and local program staff, understand that the appropriation of General Funds, beginning in FY2008, demonstrates the General Assembly’s recognition that ongoing additional funding is needed to support these critical programs and the essential services they provide to crime victims. Further, DCJS, and local program staff, appreciate that the ongoing appropriation of General Funds has averted a funding disaster and has stabilized the funding outlook for Victim/Witness Programs. DCJS commits to keeping the General Assembly informed of any significant changes in the funding situation for these important programs that provide vital and necessary services to crime victims in the Commonwealth.