TITLE
Title
BUDGET AMENDMENT: GOVERNOR'S CRIME COMMISSION VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT (VAWA) GRANT/FAMILY JUSTICE CENTER
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SPONSOR
Sponsor
Sheriff Danny H. Rogers (Capt. Wes Mecham)
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BACKGROUND
Background
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is a comprehensive legislative package designed to improve criminal justice responses to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking and to increase the availability of services for victims and survivors. Guilford County opened its first Family Justice Center in Greensboro in 2015 and a second location in High Point in 2018. Within the first six years of operation, the Centers served nearly 54,000 victims. Between 2015 and 2021, the demand for service increased 130%. Currently, seventeen (17) partner organizations totaling 100 professionals work collaboratively to provide onsite streamlined and comprehensive services to victims of domestic and sexual violence, child abuse, stalking, human trafficking, and elder abuse. The Sheriff's Office has its Family Services Unit assigned to the Family Justice Center. The VAWA is a means to assist the Guilford County Sheriff's Office (GCSO) to continue its role within the structure of services provided by the Family Justice Center partnership. Those served by the GCSO Family Services Unit include domestic violence victims and sexual assault victims. Cases of domestic violence can escalate and, all too often, can culminate in serious injury or death. Guilford County experienced a 250% increase in domestic violence related homicides during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is imperative that increased law enforcement coverage be assigned to the Family Services Unit. Within the streamlined service delivery model and collaborative framework of the Family Justice Center, dedicated officers of the GCSO's Family Services Unit provide essential services, which helps prevent victims from falling through the cracks and holds offenders accountable. By combining expertise and efforts in service to a shared mission, the Family Services Unit joins professionals across fields, who are working together to save lives in Guilford County.
In the most recent Performance Measurement Report to the State, for the period October 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023, our deputies reported assisting 9 victims of sexual assault, 123 victims of domestic violence, and 11 victims of stalking. During that three month period they served 291 restraining orders related to domestic violence.
The Sheriff's Office was notified, that the Governor's Crime Commission (GCC) awarded a one year extension of the VAWA grant. This extension was given by the GCC without any application or solicitation by the Sheriff's Office. The county has previously received this grant in past funding cycles. This grant supports the Sheriff's Office assigning three (3) deputies to the Family Justice Center. Currently, only two of these three positions are budgeted in the Grants Fund. This agenda item will include moving the third position into the Grants Fund for better project tracking. The extension of this funding is for one year to run from 1 October 2024-30 September 2025. The amount of funds provided from this grant is $139,999. The county match for the three (3) positions is $93,333. This county match was included in the FY2024-25 budget.
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BUDGET IMPACT
Budget Impact
Grant Project Fund
FY25 GCC VAWA/FJC Grant (adopt)
$233,332 appropriation to Grant Project
$139,999 Federal/State revenue
$93,333 Transfers from Other Funds (General Fund)
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REQUESTED ACTION
Requested Action
Approve receipt of the FY25 Governor’s Crime Commission Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Grant/Family Justice Center Grant award for $139,999 and adopt a grant project ordinance for FY25 GCC VAWA/FJC Grant in the amount of $233,332 with $139,999 in Federal/State revenue, and $93,333 in Transfers from Other Funds (General Funds). Approve the transfer of one (1) positions from the General Fund to the Grant Projects fund, to be funded through September 30, 2025, or as long as funding persists.
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