Title
Consider a resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit an application to the Office of the Governor Criminal Justice Division for General Victim Assistance Direct Services Program.
Body
The City of Round Rock has been growing rapidly, both in population and diversity. Since 1999, the population of the City has more than doubled, and the Victims Services caseload has increased with it. Along with growth, there is an added challenge of adapting to meet the needs of victims as the cultural makeup of the City continues to evolve. The increasing demand for victim's services is outstripping the City's capacity to fully serve the victims of criminal activity. Through this proposed grant application, the Department would create one full-time position to serve as a second Victims Services Advocate and work to provide more comprehensive, inclusive crisis intervention to people in need while also facilitating victims' and witnesses' willingness and ability to cooperate with the Criminal Justice System in the investigation and prosecution of criminal activities.
The grant application would seek $51,272 from the State, with the City being required to provide a 20 percent match of $12,818. The City's 20 precent match would come from the General Fund. If awarded for the initial year of funding, the Department will be able to apply for program-continuation funding for two additional years.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends approval