NOFO # 1745-0701- Victims of Crime Act (VOCA)- Law Enforcement/Prosecution-Based Assistance Grant

The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Law Enforcement/Prosecution-Based Assistance program provides funding to support advocate positions in law enforcement agencies. These advocates deliver critical direct services, including crisis intervention and case management, to victims of crime. The program aims to assist victims in stabilizing their lives, understanding the criminal justice process, and regaining a sense of safety. Funding may cover staffing, training, and equipment to enhance victim services, ensuring comprehensive support for those affected by crime.

Program Requirements
This funding opportunity will support the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Law Enforcement/Prosecution-Based Assistance program which will fund advocate position(s) to provide direct services to victims of crime through municipal police departments, county sheriff’s agencies, and state’s attorney’s offices. Advocates are required to provide crisis intervention and case management to crime victims. Services funded under this funding opportunity must be located within the offices of a law enforcement agency or state’s attorney’s office.
A crime victim is a person who has suffered physical, sexual, financial, or emotional harm as a result of the commission of a crime.
Direct services for crime victims include those described in 42 U.S.C. 10603(d)(2) and efforts that:

• Respond to the emotional, psychological, or physical needs of crime victims.
• Assist victims to stabilize their lives after victimization.
• Assist victims to understand and participate in the criminal justice system.
• Restore a measure of security and safety for the victim.

Applicants may apply for funding to support staffing, staff training, supervision of direct services, and office equipment to create or expand an existing victim service program.
All activities supported with this award must fall outside of the normal scope of any active investigation or prosecution of criminal activities. Grant funds cannot be used to facilitate witness participation in criminal justice proceedings. Victim eligibility for services cannot be contingent upon participation in the criminal justice process. Services also must be made available after a victim’s involvement with the criminal justice system has ended by either the applicant agency or referral to a victim service provider.