MBCC is soliciting proposals to offer comprehensive specialized services, tailored to the distinct needs of victims of crime under the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), to be funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office for Victims of Crime. The application process is competitive. Previous funding does not guarantee an award during this funding cycle. Because federal funds are not always available immediately following the award date, applicants should prepare for this contingency.
VOCA Federal Guidelines state that services are defined as those efforts that: 1) respond to the emotional and physical needs of crime victims; 2) assist primary and secondary victims of crime to stabilize their lives after a victimization; 3) assist victims to understand and participate in the criminal justice system; and 4) provide victims of crime with a measure of safety and security. For the purposes of this program, a crime victim is a person who has suffered physical, sexual, financial, or emotional harm as a result of the commission of a crime.” The four federally required service categories include victims of child abuse, victims of domestic violence, victims of sexual assault, and underserved victim populations.
The Board will award 80% of the federal allocation, setting aside 20% for sustainability.
Funds will be awarded in the four federally required service categories:
- Domestic Violence
- Sexual Assault
- Child Abuse
- Underserved Populations
MBCC has also prioritized funding the service categories below with a goal of utilizing at least
10% of the federal award for new programs:
- Legal Services
- New Programs
- Innovative Services - A practice can be considered innovative if it:
- Is based on research.
- Incorporates technology to improve access or efficiency.
- Uses new resources or techniques.
- Can be replicated.
- Increases efficiency, productivity, or quality.
- Enhances services.
- Reduces costs.
- Improves consumer satisfaction.
- Generates revenue.
- Is borrowed from another field and adapted to meet the needs of victims.
- Reaches a new population
The current Federal guidelines require that VOCA funds be used to provide direct services to individual crime victims. Direct services include, but are not limited to:
- Crisis intervention;
- Emergency services such as shelter, transportation, and food;
- Support services such as follow-up counseling, personal or legal advocacy, and referral to other service agencies;
- Court related services such as legal advocacy, emotional support during trial, and parole/probation hearings;
- Recruitment, training and coordination of volunteers who provide direct services to victims;
- Personal advocacy such as intervention with employers;
- Restitution advocacy;
- Victim impact panels; and
- Court Appointed Special Advocates working directly with child victims of crime or coordinating volunteers.