RECOMMENDATION(S):

APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the District Attorney, or designee, to submit an application and execute a grant award agreement, and any extensions or amendments thereof pursuant to State guidelines, with the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), Victim Services & Public Safety Branch, for funding of the Victim/Witness Assistance Program in the amount of $1,477,381 for the period October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The District Attorney will receive $1,477,381 of revenues that have been budgeted. This grant requires a match of $333,736. The Department anticipates approval of a match waiver for the required match in its entirety. It would otherwise be met either in-kind or as a cash match.

BACKGROUND:

On June 22, 2004, the District Attorney was designated by the Board of Supervisors as the provider of comprehensive victim and witness services for the County, effective July 1, 2004. Fiscal year 2021-2022 is the eighteenth year that the District Attorney is applying for funds available to support the costs of Contra Costa County's Victim/Witness Assistance Program. The grant application will continue to fund staff salaries and benefits to provide services to victims and witnesses of crimes.