TRAINING FUNDS FY 2008/2009 DPS-VOCA CRIME VICTIM ASSISTANCE FUND The Department of Public Safety's Administration of VOCA Funds The mission of the Department of Public Safety's Crime Victim Services Unit is to support the provision of a full range of direct services to victims of crime in Arizona. This is accomplished by assisting, training, and monitoring crime victim service providers throughout the state. It is enabled by the Federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) assistance grant. What is the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA)? The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) was signed into law in 1984. The Act created a fund in the Treasury Department, administered by the Department of Justice, for victim assistance grants to the states. Federal funding received for victim service programs varies from year to year, depending on the amount of federal fines collected from criminals convicted of federal crimes, using no tax dollars. VOCA funding supports numerous non-profit and governmental programs providing direct services to diverse crime victim populations. A crime victim is defined as a person who has suffered physical, sexual, financial, or emotional harm as a result of the commission of a crime. Programs include, but are not limited to services to rape victims, survivors of homicide victims, victims of identity theft, gang violence, DUI crashes, battered women, and physically and sexually abused children. Services are defined as those direct efforts that assist victims with emotional and physical needs to stabilize their lives, provide a measure of safety and security, and enhance victims' experience within the criminal justice system. What Will This VOCA Training Grant Fund? VOCA allows for the Department of Public Safety to retain a portion of the Annual VOCA award to conduct statewide and/or regional trainings for victim services staff. These funds may also be used to fund subrecipients for other types of staff development. The application process is open from July 1 - June 30, however, it is recommended applications be submitted a minimum of 60 days prior to the scheduled event or training for which support is requested to allow time for the evaluation process and contract development. Statewide or regional training supported with training funds should target a diverse audience of victim service providers and allied professionals including VOCA-funded and non-VOCA funded personnel. The training should provide educational opportunities related to all types of crime victims, or a specific victim type. Curriculum may also address gaps in service, underserved populations, or coordinated services. The following will be considered for selection criteria: Clarity of the request and description of the problem Focus on raising public awareness and educating about crime victim issues Potential effect of the training (i.e. systemic change, policy and procedure development, etc.) Need for support for training Commitment of resources from other sources Special consideration is given to the request when the assistance will have statewide impact, or build interagency or multidisciplinary capacity to deliver services. The following items cannot be funded with VOCA training funds: entertainment, tips, bar charges/alcoholic beverages. Agencies receiving VOCA training funds must provide a 20 percent match (5 percent for Native American organizations) for the VOCA funds awarded. For further information, contact Kate Henderson via email at khenderson@azdps.gov or (602) 223-2661.