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VICTIMS OF CRIME ACT VICTIM ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM 2002 TEXAS STATE WIDE ASSISTANCE REPORT Prepared By: Texas Office of the Governor - Criminal Justice Division PO Box 12428 Austin, TX 78711-2428 tel: (512)463-1924
STATE FUNDING INFORMATION
A. THE ANNUAL AMOUNT ALLOCATED TO THE VICTIM ASSISTANCE PROJECTS: 1. Appropriations $ 0 2. Criminal Fines and Penalities $ 1,533,803 3. Assessments $ 0 4. Other $ 0 TOTAL:$ 1,533,803
B. TOTAL NUMBER OF AGENCIES FUNDED FROM THE FEDERAL GRANT: 276
C. NUMBER OF SUBGRANTS FUNDED FROM THIS FEDERAL GRANT: 343
VICTIM STATISTICS
A. THE NUMBER OF VICTIMS SERVED BY TYPE OF VICTIMIZATION:
NO. OF NO. OF VICTIMS SERVED VICTIMS SERVED 20,055 1. Child Physical Abuse 8,487 7. Adults Molested as Children 38,374 2. Child Sexual Abuse 4,775 8. Survivors of Homicide Victims 14,991 3. DUI/DWI Crashes 6,691 9. Robbery 214,846 4. Domestic Violence 37,924 10. Assualt 18,188 5. Adult Sexual Assault 81,017 11. Other 2,327 6. Elder Abuse TOTAL: 447,675
B. THE NUMBER OF VICTIMS WHO RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING SERVICES:
NO. OF VICTIMS SERVED 100,242 1. Crisis Counseling 155,292 2. Followup 39,792 3. Therapy 36,319 4. Group Treatment/Support 137,519 5. Shelter/Safehouse 166,833 6. Information/Referral (in-person) 199,633 7. Criminal Justice Support/Advocacy 18,045 8. Emergency Financial Assistance 33,749 9. Emergency Legal Advocacy 93,666 10. Assistance in filing Compensation Claims 181,881 11. Personal Advocacy 219,609 12. Telephone contact Informational/Referral 80,899 13. Other TOTAL: 1,463,479
A. EFFORTS TO PROMOTE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE AID TO CRIME VICTIMS: Grantee answers were multi-coded. Thus, a grantee’s answer could fall in multiple categories. Grantee answers were summarized into 6 areas. Of the total grantees reporting, 368 responded to Question B with 19 not reporting any significant efforts at this time. # Grantees Summarized Area 154 Multi-agency collaboration Examples of Responses: “CASA of Travis County, Inc. works very closely with the Travis County Courts and Child Protective Services to assure that every child they are serving is receiving all the assistance and services needed to heal. CASA staff meets with Travis County judges several times a year to get their feedback on our volunteer efforts in the courtroom, passing that information back to our training program to shore up any areas that are lacking. CASA also has worked with the Austin Children’s Shelter, Austin Community Foundation, the City of Austin, Travis County, and a developer to begin plans to create a Children’s Village to co-locate agencies providing more coordinated services to abused children. We also share training opportunities.” “Efforts to coordinate with local law enforcement, TDPRS, court systems, school systems, social service agencies and legal advocates include training, education and coordination of services. All efforts are made to provide referral and educational material to all human service agencies, schools, businesses, city/county agencies, and general public in how to access and receive services provided by this program.” “Case Management services and counseling staff strive to link with community agencies to ensure that all victims of crime have at least a connection to varying services, making sure that complete treatment is available. The Case Manager, community education staff, and counselors also work to secure community services and relationships with social service agencies to obtain food stamp applications, obtain food voucher cards from local grocery stores, establish relationships with the local mental health/mental retardation authority, as well as the housing department. Many crime victims, due to the symptoms of trauma, are unable to rely on coping skills they may have had prior to the assault. These combined efforts not only link to many community agencies, but also monitor those services to ensure they are meeting the identified need. Some local coalitions in which The Rape Crisis Center participates, includes several coalition meetings such as the Victims Advocacy Council, The P.E.A.C.E. Initiative (Putting an End to Abuse through Community Efforts), the POWER Group (Providing Options for Women through Education and Resources), and the Safe Family Coalition to ensure continued awareness of the current trends of violence in the community.” “Outreach staff continues to establish working relationships throughout the 12-county region with law enforcement officers, judicial officers, social service agencies, and MHMR and CPS. The agency believes that through collaborative efforts, the agency can assist in the meeting the varied and many needs of victims of domestic violence.” “We feel that we continue to enjoy a good working relationship with other victim advocates within the community. During fiscal year 2002, we worked as members of several committees including the following: Victim Standard Committee - Texas Department of Criminal Justice Criminal Justice Assistance Division, Brazos Valley Community Planning Committee - Organizing Committee, Victims' Issues Focus Group - Brazos Valley Community Planning Comm. We believe that our approach to victim services - serving victims of both violent crimes and property crimes - serves to aid a greater portion of the community. It encompasses a broader continuum of services and benefits both to the business and private sectors.” “Through a variety of coalitions (PEACE Initiative, Victim Advocacy, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Coalition, Greater San Antonio Crime Commission, and others) Bexar County works diligently to address and target specific crime areas, such as domestic violence, crimes against the elderly and gang issues to name a few. We believe that information gives a victim power and control over their victimization. Therefore, the more information the various law enforcement, prosecutorial and social service agencies can provide the community the better the service provided. Unfortunately, so many victims do not know what services are available to them. This community works through special monthly emphases to educate the citizens of Bexar County about victimization and the services available to them.” # Grantees Summarized Area 135 Awareness-raising activities: Public presentations, community education. Distribution of brochures in community locations. Vigils/memorials. Use of media. Examples of Responses: “Public efforts included participating on the planning committee for the "Domestic Violence Fair and Expo", sponsored by the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council. Additional efforts included participating in the PBS program "Breaking the Silence", which included a public forum of professionals in the field of domestic violence. Staff attended the forum, and provided crisis intervention via a hotline during the program. Public presentations were also given at local neighborhood watch meetings. Private efforts included continued sponsoring of the "Zero Tolerance" task force against domestic violence, and collaborations with the Harris County DA's office, BAWC, Family Service Center, Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse, and additional agencies in order to provide timely, comprehensive services to victims.” “We host a Crime Victims' Rights Week Vigil and we give out brochures, booklets at fairs, festivals, meetings/training. We have volunteer training and invite the public. We have an annual Christmas party so that victims/survivors know they are not alone. We display our Silhouettes during October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, to show support for victims/survivors of domestic violence. We try to get the entire community involved by going to churches, schools, and other organizations so that everyone can be aware of victims rights if they have been a victim.” “Crime services information were presentation at public and community meetings and also at the citizen police academy classes. Information was also broadcast through the City cable channel and City radio station.” “The Elder Rights Program has made 42 presentations with 2203 attendees in the three counties. A member of our Elder Rights Panel is on Channel 12 Television monthly for the noon news on "Seniors Beware" alerts to help reduce elderly victimizations. Members of this panel include police departments, sheriff's offices, social services agencies, banking officers, attorneys, and seniors.” “VOCA personnel participated in 110 community meetings during the past year with the intent of promoting improved public and private efforts within the community to aid crime victims. These meetings involved making information available about VOCA services to local health departments, emergency rooms, and senior centers. These meetings centered on working closely with Child Protective Services, local police departments, sheriff's departments, and district attorney's offices to identify and assist victims of crime. These meetings focused on reaching vulnerable populations in the community by going to nursing homes, assisted living programs and schools to provide information about Victim's rights and VOCA services. Additionally, presentations were offered to community members about topics such as the effects of abuse, domestic violence, and the rights of victims. “ “Efforts were made to educate our community through presentations made to civic groups, law enforcement, hospital personnel, school personnel, interested church groups, and other interested community members to know about our victims assistance program and benefits offered to crime victims in El Paso County.” # Grantees Summarized Area 74 Shared Knowledge and Resources Examples of Responses: “The Victim Services Staff is encouraged and active in meeting with other agencies and coalitions to keep abreast of services and trainings available to assist victims. We are associated with the Crime Victims' Council of Dallas County which promotes the rights of victims and assists all providers of Victim Services to network as well as sponsor the Crime Victims Rights week and annual Tree of Angels for crime victims. We also meet quarterly with the Law Enforcement Victim Assistance Coalition. I also attend the Sex Assault Coalition. All these Coalitions meet to update, share information and network in order to provide quality services for victims.” “We have a "network" of service providers that meet every month in addition to the CRCG meetings that are held during the school year. During these meetings we discuss the victims and possible services that may be appropriate. Additionally, we discuss new services or the loss of existing services so we can maintain our knowledge and be better equipped to serve victims” “Attending quarterly luncheons and functions with the board members of the Child Advocacy Center and Scotty’s House Multi disciplinary Team helps coordinate, promote, and inform the community about the role and resources available from the Bryan PD’s Crime Victims position for victims of crime. On-going contacts with private physicians who are treating victims promotes networking of victim services that can be referred by law enforcement. Regular visits and contacts with St. Joseph Hospital staff provides awareness of our continuous effort in assisting victims of violent crimes. Regular interaction takes place with the local rape crisis center, Phoebe’s Home. Our Crime Victim Services personnel attend local “beat” meetings. Beat meetings are meetings conducted by Bryan PD beat officers in which the community members for a designated section of the City (a “beat”) have an officer assigned for that particular area. The beat officers inform community members attending about what the police department is doing and, in turn, ask to be informed about any complaints and suggestions community members might have that the police department could assist them with. These meetings provide a forum for Crime Victims to inform the community about our services.” “Network with other agencies to let them know of the services we offer victims and to encourage their participation in related events. Jointly hosted a workshop to educate victims about the negative impact of traumatic stress and positive ways to counter those effects.” “Local community service providers in this area meet once a month in an effort to support one another in our efforts to provide services to victims. This helps in keeping up with any new services as well as any changes in services provided. Each month an area service provider/support is invited and speaks on their services, fees, etc.” # Grantees Summarized Area 34 Training provided to community agencies or external victim service providers. Examples of Responses: “In effort to promote services in our service areas Family Crisis Center has coordinated with the Texas Council on Family Violence and the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault and together we have been providing trainings on these issues to our community. We are planning on providing such trainings every year.” “The staff provides the community with educational presentations and works with all involved agencies in order to develop improved processes during investigative and prosecutorial stages. We provide training and send professionals from other agencies to specialized trainings in order to utilize the best techniques available.” “Provide social service agencies with the educational training to better understand the dynamics of family violence and the rights of victims. Provide assistance in filing protective orders and crime victims’ compensation claims. Provide services to assist clients in crisis.” “Efforts to coordinate with local law enforcement, TDPRS, court systems, school systems, social service agencies and legal advocates include training, education and coordination of services. All efforts are made to provide referral and educational material to all human service agencies, schools, businesses, city/county agencies, and general public in how to access and receive services provided by this program.” “We personally train, one on one, all new Williamson County Sheriff's Officers regarding our Victim's Assistance Program and Crime Victim's Compensation.” “The El Paso County Sheriff's Office is hosting the "2002 Summit on a Community Response to Violence Against Women and Children", in conjunction with the Domestic Violence Prevention Commission. This workshop will bring together managers from law enforcement agencies, child protective services, prosecutors, crime victim service providers, advocacy groups, judges and court administrators. The goal of this workshop is to develop uniform procedures through response checklists and memorandums of understanding.” “The El Paso County Sheriff's Office, Criminal Investigation Division and the Victim Services Unit host trainings and information sessions on the rights of victims, the Texas Crime Victims Compensation Program and the Texas VINE (Victim Information & Notification Everyday) Program. The Victim Services Unit also participates in area awareness fairs, and is an active supporter of Crime Victims' Rights Council programs.” # Grantees Summarized Area Coalitions, Task Forces Examples of Responses: “St. PJ's Counseling Center has expanded its partnerships with several agencies ( see attachments). We have also enhanced our VOCA client services by applying and receiving various grants which help our clients with food, emergency assistance for rent and utilities, psycho tropic medications and baby needs such as diapers, formulas and wipes.” “Our most notable effort was the initiation of the Cameron County Family Violence Task Force. The Task Force is comprised of agencies, organizations, and individuals who work with any aspect of family violence of who have an interest in working together to solve the problem. The goal of the Task Force is to provide a forum to address gaps in social services, the legal and education systems, and others.” “We have developed a Sexual Assault Task Force with area hospitals, law enforcement, advocacy centers, etc. Active member in the Coalition Against Violent Crime, where we collaborate with other agencies to provide a continuum of services to all victims.” “Our local Criminal Justice Planning Committee has a designated subgroup that is specifically looking at victims' issues including advocacy and accessibility to assistance. Both the local Domestic Violence Task Force and the Sexual Assault Task Force are made up of representatives from agencies providing services to crime victims. One product of these two task forces is the annual Crime Victims Vigil designed to support victims and increase community awareness of the problem as well as services available.” “The Travis County Sheriff's Office joined with CAPCO, the District Attorneys office, TDCJ/crime victims office, and others to form the Travis County Crime Victims Task Force. The task force is completing a community assessment to assist in service delivery to crime victims in our community.“ “The Austin/Travis County Victim Services Task Force has been instituted to discover service gaps, overlaps and generally seeks to offer a seamless provision of services. Government and non-profit agencies collaborate to draft and publish an assessment of victim’s needs and to identify how those needs will be met by service providers.” “We have undertaken a number of efforts. We are a part of a Sexual Assault Response Team, sanctioned by the Texas Office of the Attorney General, and comprised of law enforcement, criminal justice/judiciary representatives, hospital representatives and other nonprofit organizations. We also initiated a sexual assault coalition this year. We attend Community Resource Coordinating Group meetings, also state sanctioned, to participate in case management/discussion. We have cross training with medical and criminal justice staff. We initiated a Continuum of Care planning process for our community, addressing issues of housing and homelessness. Shelter staff participated in the local police department's ride-along program and we attempted to have other interactions with local police at the patrol level. We initiated and obtained a liaison with the local office of Children's Protective Services.” “The formation of a coalition with members of the police department, judicial system, and shelter program. The purpose of this group is to develop lines of communication, understand limits to and benefits of services provided by participants and encourage a uniform response.” # Grantees Summarized Area 24 Volunteers and Fund Raising Examples of Responses “CASA staff and volunteers give presentations to civic groups, church groups and others in the community in an effort to recruit more volunteers and to inform the public about the problems in our city. Our volunteers work with therapists, doctors, attorneys, schools, TDPRS and other agencies to keep an open communication between all the parties involved in a child's life. Our volunteers are trained by the following local agencies, among others: Crime Victim Services, Children's Advocacy Center, Legal Aid, Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services, Family Counseling Services, Driscoll Foundation Children's Hospital and the Corpus Christi Police Department. CASA staff coordinates training with other agencies, such as Juvenile Probation department.” “We have trained community volunteers to serve as Guardian Ad Litems for children who are victims of neglect and abuse.” “The Volunteer Mediation Program provides opportunities within the community to assist crime victims through their personal relationship and the mediation process. Volunteers are enlisted throughout the state in an effort to maintain community involvement. The public is kept informed through presentations and a toll free telephone number. The VIPP staff attends the annual Crime Victims Clearinghouse Conference in order to promote the program by networking with other colleagues. The VIP Program also presents Victim Impact Panels at the majority of the Victim Services Division statewide trainings where they also make themselves available to answer questions about the program. Requests are frequently received to assist other victim services agencies with implementing their own in-hour victim impact panel programs. During these trainings, general information about working with victims is also provided. Panels are also conducted in public and private adult and juvenile institutional facilities. The VIP and VOM/D Programs provide information to other states about setting up similar programs in their states.” “We have had a fund-raiser and during the event it was always mentioned what the children are going through. We have had a few television spots this year. We have helped with "Gift of Love" spots on television that informs people of children available for adoption. We have also been in some newspaper articles in the Wood and Van Zandt County area. We have had various speaking engagements regarding CASA and child abuse.”
B. EFFORTS TAKEN TO SERVE FEDERAL CRIME VICTIMS: Grantee answers were multi-coded. Thus, a grantee’s answer could fall in multiple categories. Grantee answers were summarized into 5 areas. Of the total grantees reporting, 368 responded to Question C with 133 reporting that they do not work with Federal crime victims or the item was not applicable. # Grantees Summarized Area 202 Provide services in coordination with federal agencies as needed. Examples of Responses: “We continue to work closely with the Fort Hood military post which is located in our county. Victims in Bell County may qualify for federal assistance if they are associated with the military. We assist the Ft Hood Victim Assistance Coordinator, along with the US Attorney's office victims' assistance program. Many of our victims are military and have some additional benefits provided by the U.S. Army. It is important that we remain in close contact with the programs on Ft. Hood.” “We work closely with OSI at Goodfellow Airforce Base on all military cases and follow up on all FBI computer porn cases.” “The Midland Rape Crisis Center has a good working relationship with the local FBI office. In addition, we have two federal prosecutors on our board of directors. In the event of an investigation of trial of a federal sex crime the agency is contacted and will provide any and all services necessary to aid victims.” “The STARS program provides sexual-assault education and procedural training to the United States Border Patrol and Immigration Naturalization Services. Also, upon request, VOCA advocates provide supportive counseling to persons waiting deportation who have been victims of sexual assault while residents of the United States.” “Most domestic violence offenses are brought at the municipal or county level. Very few domestic violence crimes are charged as federal offenses. However, we have worked with the U. S. attorney’s office on specific cases and through the HCDVCC to ensure that all domestic violence victims are being served effectively.” “The Women's Shelter receives referrals from all parts of the United States through the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Our services are available to all victims of domestic violence.” “The Rape Crisis Center offers assistance to both federal and civilian crime victims of sexual violence. The agency works in conjunction with military bases and officials to help them serve federal crime victims. When a federal crime victim reports a sexual assault to his or her commander and are taken to the base/post hospital, the hospital will then contact the RCC Hotline. The Hotline calls a volunteer advocate to offer support at the hospital located on the military bases, such as Brooke Army Medical Center or Wilford Hall. Continuing education and awareness campaigns even within the military bases have allowed The Rape Crisis Center to inform the military community about the 24-hour hotline and about many of the services provided. With continued efforts from federal agencies working in conjunction with the Hotline, we are able to be more accessible for federal crime victims. “ “This agency has served victims referred to us through the Federal Witness Protection Program. We have also worked with clients referred by the FBI.” # Grantees Summarized Area 46 Same as other crimes Examples of Responses: “The same services are provided to federal crime victims that we provide to state victims.” “Our program does not differentiate between jurisdictions. All law enforcement agencies and government attorney offices know who we are and how to contact us in the event they have a referral. We see our task as helping victims no matter which court has jurisdiction.” “PAVC serves any victim who contacts us, which includes federal crime victims. Any federal crime victims from out of state that contact PAVC are directly assisted or referred to resources in their area. PAVC maintains a web site with resource/contact information and a 24-hour phone line.” “Any victims of abuse are offered assistance and access any of our services.” “Phoebe's Home will accept and provide services to any client that has been a victim of domestic violence. Federal crime victims would also be eligible, if appropriate, for our transitional housing programs through Twin City Mission - Housing Services.” “All services provided through this grant are available to serve federal crime victims. Staff has informed the Attorney General's Office of these services through telephone and letter contact.” “All services are offered to all victims. We do not discriminate.” # Grantees Summarized Area 36 Coordinate Services Examples of Responses: “We ensure open lines of communication, which are maintained with the Base Legal Office and the Victims Advocate on the military installations. Referrals, examinations and appointments with law enforcement agencies are made through our office. In addition, we have been able to coordinate efforts with CPS investigators assigned to federal cases.” “KAP helps coordinate joint investigations for victims of federal crime if needed. The facility is always available for interviews of child victims for the official service area as well as on a courtesy basis for victims where the crime took place outside of the official service area.” “Federal crime victims of sexual violence are offered services at The Rape Crisis Center through collaborative efforts with Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base as well as Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston. A “safe room” has been established at Wilford Hall and stocked with Crime Victims Compensation applications, information packets, etc. Additionally, counseling services are certainly available for any federal crime victim. This has oftentimes been extremely helpful when the victim may want an additional measure of anonymity or desires a civilian counselor trained in the area of sexual violence trauma. Ongoing interaction with Family Services Units at the varying military bases also assists in keeping education and awareness at the forefront of personnel within the military system.” “DMRS regularly collaborates with US INS and the US Attorney's office to provide services to federal crime victims. In addition, we are coordinating the implementation of the special crime victims visas in the area and provide processing of ORR benefits for crime and trafficking victims.” “Crime victim services are coordinated with interagency partners in order to communicate and collaborate efforts. Monthly meetings of the partner agencies are held to review each open case. Accountability and task assignment provides optimum benefit of the victim and keeps the crime victim informed of the process.” # Grantees Summarized Area 24 Attends Conferences, Meetings and Information Sharing Examples of Responses: “We serve federal crime victims indirectly by providing educational programs to organizations such as the FBI, the Border Patrol and INS new recruits and their supervisors.” “Communication with the Victims’ Assistance program in the U.S. Attorney’s Office allows us to learn from one another and share information. We are thereby able to further promote our services and also inform them of other agencies that are available for their specific needs. Upon request, we share vital case information about victims that we are assisting at the state level who are also receiving services at the federal level.” “Efforts are made to disseminate information to victim/survivors through the Prosecutor's office. HAWC has consistently responded in a timely manner to requests for victim's services.” “We have had law enforcement training and that allows us to keep our working relationship with law enforcement, judges, county and district attorneys. This also keeps staff from this agency visible to the community and officials.”
C. ACTIVITIES TO IMPROVE THE DELIVERY OF VICTIM SERVICES: Grantee answers were multi-coded. Thus, a grantee’s answer could fall in multiple categories. Grantee answers were summarized into 11 areas. Of the total grantees reporting, 368 responded to Question D with 22 not reporting any activities. # Grantees Summarized Area 196 Training for Staff and Volunteers Examples of Responses: “Amarillo Area CASA provides crime victim's compensation training for all our volunteers. Potter and Randall County's Victim's Assistance Coordinator provide training for our volunteers and staff. Our last volunteer training was held in May 2002.” “Training of CASA 69, Inc. personal and volunteers is specifically geared toward focusing our efforts in areas of victimization as an ongoing concern. Through program evaluations, contact logs, and our Comet database we ensure that each victim is receiving needed support and that services are being provided. Volunteers are required to attend 30 hours of training before they are certified to provide services to victims. This training includes child development, victim's assistance, family law, family diversity, and culture awareness, and local resources.” “AFVRCC uses VOCA approved training funds to send 3 of our advocates to training to better serve out clients. Training advocates equal to better victim services provided.” “Crisis intervention advocates and counselors have received a wide variety of training to improve services to victims, including in-state training provided by the Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV) and the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA). The Battered Women’s Justice Project (BWJP) and the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project (DAIP) provided national training for the Center’s staff, local area judges and law enforcement, such as ‘Working with Battered Women in the Criminal and Civil Justice System: Strategies for Advocates’.” “CASA provides initial and ongoing training to its staff and to its volunteers concerning child abuse issues. In addition, CASA is annually evaluated by its local judges and participates in area activities, forums and training that speak to victims issues.” “CASA of Denton County staff paid through VOCA funds trained 37 additional community volunteers to advocate for children who are victims of child abuse. These volunteers join others in our agency to advocate for 220 children served in the court system during the grant year. CASA also provides on-going in-service training to 63 volunteer advocates and CASA staff, paid by VOCA funds co-sponsored a seminar in conjunction with the Denton County Bar Association to train attorneys on the representation of children's best interests in the legal system.” “We have greatly improved our volunteer training due to attending a training funded by VOCA. We have introduced a new curriculum that has proven to be very effective. We have also started having quarterly in-service trainings for our volunteers using other agencies that work with crime victims.” “We open our training up to schools, law enforcement, medical field, mental health providers, churches and basically anyone willing to come to learn more about services. We have partnered with the Children's Justice Act and Attorney General for this training.” “Children's Advocacy Center staff are highly trained and encouraged to attend regional and state-wide professional training and conferences, including the annual CACTX conference, the Crimes Against Children Conference and other specific interviewing and monitoring programs. The CASA staff also regularly participates in regional and state training, as well as provides initial and ongoing training of CASA volunteers. All volunteers must undergo 30 hours of initial training and are encouraged to continue that training via lunches and seminars through the year.” # Grantees Summarized Area 129 Evaluation, self-evaluation, data collection and/or surveys Examples of Responses: “BAWC is currently implementing a self report survey for assessment of client satisfaction and response to interventions. Additionally, outcome measurements are currently being developed which will provide BAWC counseling staff pertinent data regarding client knowledge of personal safety, self care, and community resources.” “CASA is currently conducting a program evaluation which consists of mailing out a four page survey to all of the families, coordinating agencies, attorneys and volunteers we work with. This evaluation will be repeated every six months to ensure that the staff, volunteers and services of CASA are of high quality and gain input about the needs of the community.” “Harmony Home is working closely with the Permian Basin Non-Profit Management Center and the United Way to develop, design and implement program goals and outcome evaluations. We have implemented Client Satisfaction surveys for therapy and will be implementing measurement tools for all direct service programs in the near future. Harmony Home has begun a non-offending care giver education program with the goal of ensuring, as much as possible, when the child leaves the therapy program he/she goes back to a healthy home environment.” “The agency recently conducted a survey of other victim service providers to determine how well our agency is meeting the needs of other criminal justice and community service agencies. The results were positive with 71% of respondents rating our performance as superior when compared to other service provides and 29% saying it was about the same as other providers. No respondents perceived our performance to be inferior to other agencies. In regards to improving our services, many said no improvements were necessary and other requested that we continue to offer more of what we already do in terms of victims services, education, professional training, and community awareness.” “Program evaluation surveys were generated and distributed to program clients to measure the effective of services provided. Results of quantitative as well as qualitative data were used to develop long range goals and improve the quality of services already being provided.” “During the past grant year The Children's Advocacy Center implemented a program evaluation survey to send to all families who have received services through The CAC. This evaluation is to determine what services and procedures can be improved. We began sending out this survey on a quarterly basis, but have recently change that to a monthly basis, and have seen an increase in the number of people completing the form.” # Grantees Summarized Area 42 Community awareness, victim awareness, collaborating partner awareness Examples of Responses: “Several contacts have been made with the District Attorney’s office to improve the communication with the Attorney’s and Victim Assistance providers regarding the awareness of victims who’s defendants are court ordered to probation.” “The Austin Police Department/Victim Services Division was requested to assist local victims rights group in organizing and participating in the “Day Without Violence March”, march on the Capital. The Department and Victim Services Staff were requested to assist in activities during “Victim’s Awareness Month” that promoted awareness and services for domestic violence victims.” “Noah Project again sponsored a seminar during October's Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Approximately 100 people from Noah's ten county service area attended. Noah Project has teamed with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to provide a Noah Project caseworker onsite at TWC to serve TWC clients who identify with family violence issues. Noah Project is in process of completing a Memorandum of Understanding with our local Batterers Program to insure the safety of victims. The Noah Project legal staff conducted 17 public presentations/training seminars during the year in review for medical, legal, and social service professionals who work with violence victims. Presentation venues were local, statewide, and national. Our presentations are approved for medical, CAU, legal CAU, and LCS CAU’s.” “During October, a Candlelight Vigil was held in conjunction with Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In April, our annual Walk Without Fear was held in conjunction with Sexual Assault Awareness Month.” # Grantees Summarized Area 30 Goal attainment, achieving the goals and aims of the grant. Examples of Responses: “Individual treatment goals are set at intake. Goal attainment is evaluated at regular intervals by both the counselor and Project Director. Monthly professional development meetings with client staffing are conducted.” “The Community Resource Liaison team documents in narrative form all of the helps, hindrances and recommendations for each victim. Weekly staff meeting and case staffing record the goals for each victim, actions taken and recommendations as well as goal attainment.” “Dallas CASA has a 5 year Strategic Plan, broken down into 5, one year incremental goals. At the end of each year, all goals are reviewed for attainment. Cases are reviewed weekly by our multi-disciplinary program staff to endure best outcomes.” “The program is evaluated each month internally for efficiency and goal attainment measures. Additionally, each year the program changes it’s goals to some degree to meet the changing needs of the victims. “ # Grantees Summarized Area 26 Program Monitoring Examples of Responses: “The monitoring of victim statistical contacts regarding non-violent defendants has been implemented in the Grant Manager program in the computer system to eliminate any manual tracking and the missing of initial and later contacts. A program has been installed in the computer system to assist in the monitoring and tracking of Domestic Violence questionnaires and agreements.” “The Victim Assistance Program staff is working with the HCCSCD Research Specialist in order to monitor the program and to provide data to assist the unit in continuing to provide quality services to crime victims.” “The Children's Advocacy Center of the Big Bend monitors its program to ensure child victim services. VOCA funds were used to conduct case staffing throughout the service area of Brester, Jeff Davis, Presidio and Terrell Counties.” “This program attempt to improve victim services by routinely monitoring program activities and program evaluations completed by the victims who access services.“ # Grantees Summarized Area 24 Co-programming and funding with other agencies Examples of Responses: “As Victim Services Coordinator, I am always looking for ways to address any issues of concern to improve the services for victims. Presently, I am on a sub-committee to explore ideas to provide a more comprehensive and immediate assistance for Sex Assault victims. I also coordinate workshops as requested for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice/Victim Services and The Texas Crime Victims Compensation Program to inform and update providers in the metroplex and surrounding counties of the changes in these programs. We also network with service providers and attend as much training as possible. I instruct at the Dallas Police Academy as well as any workshops that include issues regarding victims of crime when requested.” “Austin Police Department, Victim Services Division is presently beginning a new partnership with the University of Texas who main goal is to provide crisis intervention services to campus students who are victims of domestic violence and other crimes.” “CASA participates in the El Paso Model Court as well as the local Drug Court of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges. The purpose of the model court is to collaborate at the local level to provide permanency in a timely manner to abused and neglected children. Our local Model Court is a leader in securing permanent homes within 12 months for every child who enters the state child protection system.” “Efforts continue in training law enforcement personnel and the community as a whole in domestic violence issues. Delivery of victim services is also being improved through coordinating with hospital personnel, county health agencies, legal services, and other community agencies, with the goal of removing barriers to independent living free of violence.” # Grantees Summarized Area 22 Needs assessment Examples of Responses: “Grantee serving as active member of committee assessing needs and gaps in resources within the community. Information gathered will be a part of a five-year community plan for Ector County.” “A needs assessment is conducted within the first three sessions of counseling for every client. Based on the needs assessment, the presenting problem, and client symptoms; a diagnosis and treatment plan are developed. Goals are mutually developed by the client and therapist. Goal attainment is reviewed every three months and goal sheets are signed by the supervising clinician. When a case is closed the clients are sent a satisfaction survey. The results of the surveys are tallied quarterly and reviewed by the Director of Client Services and the Executive Director.” “We have done several needs assessments and continue to improve our program monitoring system. We are looking at several computer programs that can be used to evaluate client outcomes.” “CASA provides an internal and external needs assessment to staff, volunteer staff, and collaterals such as TDPRS, attorneys, and other to ensure that goals are met by gaining input on needs so that our program remains effective and efficient.” “Participation in the community assessment to determine crime victims needs, gaps in services, and satisfaction with all facets of the system including the Travis County Sheriff's Office.” # Grantees Summarized Area 22 New facilities, positions, resources Examples of Responses: “AVDA continues to review its policies, procedures, forms, staff structure and service delivery system to identify issues and make improvements. We have purchased ‘CLIENTS’ a new case management software package and have converted our data into this new system. AVDA feels that by implementing CLIENTS software program we will improve our ability to document, track, and follow-up with clients, all which allow for precise reporting capabilities to our founders.” “VOCA funds have provided the funds necessary to recruit, train and supervise additional volunteers. VOCA funds enabled us to hire a Recruiter/Trainer and we have successfully recruited and trained three classes during this grant period. This position was cut July 1, due to the decrease in funding. VOCA funds are also used to send volunteers and staff to local and statewide conferences on child issues. Our program continues to serve 100% of the children removed from their homes due to abuse and/or neglect.” “This program has, with the funding that has allowed the staff increase, been able to make follow-up telephone calls to most victims of crimes against persons. During the call, we explain about crime victims compensation and the social services available in the community.”
D. WAYS VOCA FUNDS HAVE BEEN USED TO ASSIST CRIME VICTIMS: “A particular crime victim had recently filed for a divorce as well as was granted a protective order for 2 years. Though, she was still consistently being threatened, harassed, and stalked while it was in force. Personal advocacy was provided to the victim about the terms of the order. She was encouraged to come to the front desk and report the harassment. The officer was timid about taking the report since she had still been talking to the offender on occasion about the divorce. The advocate provided justice support advocacy by educating the officer on the history of violence in the relationship. Eventually with support from the advocate, a warrant was issued for violating the order through email threats. The offender continued to stalk, threaten, and harass the victim. He even obtained a mental health warrant for her arrest by filling out a false affidavit about her behavior. She was arrested as a result of the mental health warrant. Though, she was able to give the sheriff and Dr. the # to the advocate and family violence counselor so they again could educate them on the history of violence in the relationship. The victim was released within hours from the hospital and the sheriff was so upset that he turned around and served the warrant for the offender in violating the protective order. Then, another warrant was issued through the Carrollton Police by the advocate encouraging the police to take in account the facts of the offender continually making false reports such as the mental health warrant, a CPS referral, and an animal control report. The offender has since been arrested again. The advocate now has been working with the victim on getting her relocated with the assistance of CVC. It was apparent that the offender was not going to leave her alone and may hurt or even kill her. He had even stated to police that he had to get convicted of the assault/violations of the order to mean anything and he could beat it. The victim has been extremely thankful for all the assistance we have been able to advocate for. She believes that she is safe at the moment because of our assistance.” “Earlier this year a case involving Criminal Mischief took place in a local school. Damages were estimated at over $5000.00 Generally, in offences of this nature, the restitution is paid to the school district. Unfortunately, this does not allow the teachers to claim restitution for their individual items, as well as teaching aids. In a joint effort, the victim assistance coordinator and the court officer were able to request restitution to each individual teacher that was a victim of this offense. For the teachers it was not about the money, rather it was making the juvenile accountable for the items they had destroyed. The teachers also attended the court hearings and, read various letters from their students outlining how the incident had affected their learning experience. This was a very emotional experience for the teachers, however they felt empowered. They had been heard. “ “A sibling group of children that we had been appointed to were Native American. Our volunteer educated herself on the Indian Child Welfare Act and was able to ensure, by providing materials to the judge, that the family was treated according to their legal rights. She also educated herself on the cultural issues surrounding Native Americans. The family has since been reunified and has returned to their tribe where their mother is attending college.” “We have received several letters from crime victims. The first states: As a survivor of physical, sexual, emotional, and verbal abuse, I would like to commend the Eastland County Crime Victim Assistance Center. It has been two years since I gained my freedom from the abuser, but the emotional captivity still lingers at times. The people at the center have been so patient, kind, and more than willing to help and be available when needed. I have come so far, so fast. I have finished my education, work for myself in my own business, and am happily married to a wonderful "gentle-man"! I owe many thanks and hugs to the people at the center for helping me gain the confidence to heal and move forward. I know I have a ways to go yet at the center, but one day I know I will be whole again. Thank you for making it possible for victims of violent crimes to have somewhere to go and someone to talk to when we don't know what else to do. You have made a big difference in my life and the lives of my children. For that I will be forever thankful. With Sincere Gratitude… The second letter is as follows: On January 10/11 I was assaulted, both physically and sexually. I was taken by ambulance to Eastland Hospital. The crisis center came to the hospital immediately! The women from the Eastland Crisis Center have helped me and my son above and beyond their capabilities. They have assisted me to pack clothes to get the shelter, to help secure our home from break-ins, to get to their counseling services and helped to get the protective order as needed to through law agencies. I never knew such angels existed on earth! The are very effective in everything I needed. The have been helping us on a daily basis. It has been nearly six weeks since the assault. I wish that we could tell everyone in these counties to support them in every way. I realize that I am in far a long process of the judicial system. But I did file charges to get this predator off the streets. I know we will be all right. They are always there for us... I put our lives in their hands and their reputation is outstanding for the help they give us victims.... My thanks to them…” “There was a teenaged victim of a sexual assault. The victim's mother needed various CVC assistance. However, she’d also has been advised by the victim's therapist that the victim could not be left alone due to her mental state. This was a problem for the mother because she worked from 8am to 5pm and the victim got out of school at 2. Due to the victim's age, the places for her to go after school and be properly supervised were limited. So, our agency made arrangements with the school to have the victim do some volunteer work with us.” “We received a call that a new resident would be coming into our emergency shelter. We were told that she was coming to us after enduring fourteen years of verbal, physical, emotional, and sexual abuse by her husband. Upon her arrival at the shelter, we greeted “Millie”, a grandmother of five. At first glance, Millie is just like anyone’s grandmother. After a closer look, it is obvious that she cannot mask the pain that she has suffered at the hands of her abuser. Millie is visibly very frightened and spends the next two days crying. She is withdrawn and her mood is of constant depression. The advocates monitor Millie since they know this is the most critical time for shelter residents to form a trusting relationship with the staff. After Millie has had a chance to sleep and eat, counseling is offered to her. Because Millie has stated that she desperately wants a divorce, Legal Aid services are offered to her. She accepts and files for divorce. This decision is not easily made, as she has battled back and forth with it for many years. Shelter staff also offers Millie options and resources throughout the community. The Family Crisis Center collaborates with a variety of area agencies, including Mental Health Mental Retardation, Child Protective Services, and Adult Protective Services in order to provide quality case management. Other services provided to Millie at our emergency shelter include: transportation to various appointments; accompaniment to medical doctor’s appointments, assistance with a Department of Human Services application, and assistance with a Crime Victim Compensation application. When Millie fled her abuser, she took nothing except what she was wearing. Nothing was more important to her than her freedom. The Family Crisis Center provided her with a voucher for clothing, shoes, and a warm winter coat. With her consent, shelter staff contacted her physician and he called in refills for the prescriptions she left behind. “But what about housing? Where will I go? I’m too old, sick, and scared. I don’t have any money. What will happen to me?” These fears expressed by Millie are common statements from many residents that come to the shelter for assistance. Shelter staff suggested that she apply for a transitional housing apartment, available through the Family Crisis Center. One of the advocates assisted her with completing the application. She qualified for the apartment. Millie was elated and couldn’t believe it. She is now gaining more self-confidence from knowing that she has done this on her own. She said, “Maybe now I can finally start living.” Many victims of domestic violence have no or little confidence in themselves. Our shelter advocates encourage and empower our clients to make decisions on their own, learn how to keep themselves and their children safe, learn how to create a budget, fill out housing and employment applications, and assist in completing many other steps that will help them become self-sufficient. Millie moved out of the emergency shelter and into her transitional housing apartment. Our thrift store, Bits and Pieces, supplied all the furnishings for her apartment. Millie chose everything herself. Millie is now safe, divorced, and employed. She has gotten her self-respect back and she is finally living.” “One client who has been accessing VOCA-funded counseling services for several years and was in an abusive marriage for over 40 years has just recently begun to speak in public about her struggle and how the FVC has helped her begin a violence-free life.” “Shanon Byers was the victim of an Aggravated Kidnapping by her ex-boyfriend. He was on a football scholarship at TCU and hometown hero. Many incidents of violence were reported to the police in his small town but no arrests were ever made. When she made the decision to leave him, the Aggravated Kidnapping occurred. Even after his arrest, he continued to harass and threaten her and was even charged with another offense. He lost his scholarship to TCU. The victims mother continued to be very scared for the victim. The victim was young and though very afraid, did not want to be the one responsible for getting him in trouble. I took this information to the prosecutor and we were able to go back to court to request a no bond based on continued harassment. The judge re-set the bond to a higher amount and the defendant remains in jail to date. It has been 6 months. Though the victim was not interested in a Protective Order since he was in jail, we did refer her to counseling. I saw her about 2 months ago and she was working, had her own apartment and doing very well. 2 weeks later, her mother called and she had been in a terrible car accident and her arm was severed from her body. She spent weeks in the hospital and was recently released. I am now working with the family again getting ready for court. I am currently trying to get her back into counseling and assist her with CVC though she was not interested before. The defendant has made no effort to contact her. We do not know if it is because he finally got the message or because her learned of her new disability.. Working with the victim has been very rewarding. Despite her misfortune, the victim has overcome her initial reluctance to prosecute and is now a willing participant. Her mother truly believes we saved her life.” “A recent client was a shelter resident and received individual counseling and group therapy after leaving the shelter. She has subsequently been successful in obtaining a good job and also buying a house. That was really an accomplishment since her credit rating had been destroyed by her spouse. We were able to assist her with useful resources.” “CASA has been instrumental in bringing crucial information forward in abuse cases where parental terminations are sought. In one particular case, CASA brought forth first-hand information, including pictures, during testimony that assisted in freeing four children from over a decade of severe physical and sexual abuse, malnourishment, and physical neglect. This termination ended a reign of abuse that spanned four states. These four children are now happily adopted, well adjusted children who have a bright future.” “The Lopez family migrated to Texas from Mexico so they could have a better life for their children. They stayed with a relative while they looked for a place to live. While at the relative's house, Miguel was sexually abused by a family friend. The family was devastated. Both Miguel, age 6, and his mother attended therapy at DCAC. Miguel worked through his issues of shame and anger after a few months, but Mrs. Lopez continued in therapy. As the family has not obtained citizenship yet, find housing and a job were difficult. The therapist assisted them with clothing and food. Mr. Lopez found a job but it was not enough to support the family of five. Mrs. Lopez expressed a wish to have a sewing machine so that she could make clothes for her family. The therapist spoke with the volunteer coordinator who was able to obtain a donated sewing machine from the wife of one of the board members. Mrs. Lopez cried when the gift was given to her. Since receiving the gift, she has made diapers and garments for the entire family, and school clothing for the children. She sews many of the items that she makes and takes in mending to help support the family. After almost a year in therapy, the therapist met with Mrs. Lopez to assess treatment progress. Mrs. Lopez talked about how valuable the sessions have been. She takes the bus every week to attend sessions. She reported that it is the most important day of her life. She lays her clothes out the day before in anticipation of her big day. The thought that someone would set aside an hour a week for just her, makes her feel significant. She reported that the therapist has not only helped her deal with her feelings of guilt regarding her son's abuse, but has also helped her develop her own self-esteem. She has also learned invaluable information on parenting. She reluctantly told the therapist that if someone needs her therapy slot, she would relinquish it. However, she hopes that she will be able to continue her own personal journey of growth. “ “In August of 2001, the citizens of Amarillo were living in fear as a child rapist broke into a home during the night in an upscale neighborhood and abducted a five-year-old child from her bedroom. Following several hours of molestation, the little girl was released by her abductor and left on a street corner to be found and eventually returned to her parents by the police. Then in early 2002, an eight-year-old girl was molested in her home as her parents and siblings slept just down the hall. In both cases, April Leming, whose position is partially paid by VOCA, interviewed these two scared little girls and gathered detailed descriptions of the man, a necklace and his car. Following the second crime, the police were able to lift one perfect fingerprint that identified the man. However, the interviews April provided established a link between the cases because of the identical descriptions the girls provided. Today, this 29 year-old man resides at the Randall County Jail and April received a commendation for her part in the investigation.”
E. ISSUES OR TRENDS IMPACTING CRIME VICTIM SERVICES: Grantee answers were multi-coded. Thus, a grantee’s answer could fall in multiple categories. Grantee answers were summarized into 7 areas. Of the total grantees reporting, 246 responded to Question F. # Grantees Summarized Area 70 Positive efforts to facilitate timely information about/access to benefits and services. Examples of Responses: “More neglected and/or abused children are being given a voice in court by an increase of community volunteers stepping forward to commit to child advocacy.” “More people are aware of the availability of CVC, as well as the services available in the area. As a result, more victims are being served by CASA and other victim services.” “Victim services has prioritized resources more effectively in order to meet the specific needs of each area command, essentially setting up seven areas of command with sworn personnel and victim services counselors who are taking ownership for their area of command. We believe this has been successful” “An incredible impact of CVC is the support and change in attitude of veteran officers for crime victims being noticed, though they may not comment of the success of the program the support in forwarding cases to CVS or comments in helping a mother or a child is beyond words.” “Public and local agency awareness has made this office more useful to the community. More and more victims are being referred, even if it is not for CVC assistance, it may only be for referral, but they know they will receive assistance from this office.” “...the ability of prosecutorial staff to utilize the enhancement laws that have been recently approved, in that staff are able to raise many of what were formerly misdemeanor family violence charges to the felony level. As a result, criminals are receiving jail sentences more often, and those sentences are now for longer periods of time.” “A notable trend in this area is the continuing and plentiful training being provided by this program and other sources on assisting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.” “The use of DNA testing continues to be more prevalent and supportive to the investigation of crimes. CVC funds paying for SA exams is a great asset.” “With the development of the Crisis Community Coalition, and the enactment of new legislation designed to better protect crime victims, there appears to be greater continuity of care between service providers. Also, with increased training for the judicial system, we are seeing more expedient trial dates and longer and tougher jail sentences for perpetrators.” “With the establishment of the Fort Bend Child Advocacy Center and the Fort Bend County child Advocates program, trauma to child victims of crime has been dramatically reduced. With interviews of the children being conducted at the center and video taped, has helped to eliminate the child victim being interviewed repeatedly by law enforcement and the prosecution team. we have developed an effective and efficient working relationship with the staff of these programs to better understand how to assist and serve these child victims.“ “We are a very small community with very few resources to service victims and their families. We do not require a great deal of funds compared to some of the larger agencies, however, the funds that we do receive make an INCREDIBLE difference in the lives of those we serve. Also, it is important to note that the rural areas do not have a multitude of various agencies and resources as do the larger populated areas.“ # Grantees Summarized Area 58 Increasing number of victims; More victim participation in processing cases. Examples of Responses: “Bastrop County is the 30th fastest growing county in the US. We have seen a sharp increase in the number of referrals throughout our service area. We expect this trend to continue.” “There is an increasing number of children being placed into foster care as a result of child victimization. The need for volunteers increases each year as the rate of child abuse increases. There is a decrease in funding which effects our ability to provide the necessary services to the child victims.” “The number of children removed from their homes continues to increase drastically for each county. The history of abuse and the presence of drug use within the family units are astounding. Our county has a remarkable prevalence of drug manufacturing, sell and use.” “Our number of victims seems to be increasing this calendar year and the number of child witnesses to crimes seems to be on the increase. We are starting to see more internet linked crimes to children.” “The number of victims is increasing as a result of outreach efforts while funds are being cut. The remote colonials where access/literacy are prime considerations in reaching victims requires one on one approach. The 15,000 sq. miles of area to be covered to reach these victims located so far from the hospital, courthouse and state services offices results in services for each client requiring an extraordinary amount of time.” “There continues to be an increase in the number of children removed by TDPRS. In our area there is also significant changes in the economic conditions; this has added stress to some already stressful households. There is a growing problem of drug abuse and lack of young people who use, practicing safe sex.” “This County experienced a 51% increase in new cases of child abuse last year and this year new cases are ahead of last year’s number. This obviously puts a big strain on available resources.” # Grantees Summarized Area 55 Financial issues, decreases in funds. Examples of Responses: “Crime victim services are also being impacted by a decrease in local funds. Several municipalities are experiencing budget shortfalls. This has caused a cut in human services dollars, including funds available for crime victim services. In addition, corporate and individual donations are down due to economic woes. Several businesses are having to lay-off employees, and this has caused donations to decrease to several non-profit organizations.” “Due to the economy and the high unemployment figures, there is a greater need for services and funding is being cut. We are no longer able to maintain status quo at a time when additional services are needed.” “Loss of and gap in federal funding has dramatically impacted services locally. We anticipate the same due to reduction in upcoming VOCA funding along with a difficult philanthropic giving climate.” “We currently see funding entities with reduced resources, while the number of children in care remains high. A recurring frustration is that victims of child abuse are not considered eligible to receive direct monetary assistance from direct services. “ “One issue would have to be Court costs and related expenses. Since the agency does not receive funding to cover such costs as filing and service of process fees that expense becomes the responsibility of the client. Because we serve low income clients, we find that it is extremely difficult, if not impossible for these clients to pay them.” “The trend of reduced funding has resulted in less staff time being devoted to services for crime victims. Agencies working with crime victims must diversify revenue sources as government funding decreases.” “The trend of decreasing government funds have led to decreasing staff time being devoted to such grants. The number of victims requesting services does not appear to be on the decline, the revenue needed to provide services does provide limitations.” # Grantees Summarized Area 52 Need for services targeting special populations (e.g., non-English speaking, elderly). Examples of Responses: “One trend mentioned previously is the lack of counseling support and services for non-offending family members. Although the CAC has made efforts to remedy the situation, it is obvious from the outcome measures that areas involving non-offending family members are the areas that need improvement.” “The most notable trend in Cameron County is the number of illegal immigrant women who become victims in Texas. These women are often abused by men who threaten their immigrant status should they choose to leave. Many women do not know what services are available to them and their children. Years of abuse have left them financially dependent on their husbands and without working skills. They are often afraid to report the abuse believing that law enforcement will deport them, leaving their American children alone in the abusive home.” “The need for victim advocates for sexual assault victims. More multilingual counselors and funds for translators are needed.” “Mental health services are extremely underfunded; therefore, putting a greater burden on agencies such as ours, and families; Increasing number of undocumented aliens seeking assistance of shelter and very limited resources to refer them for housing & services.” “The Children’s Advocacy Center for Denton County sees a need to improve service provision to households that speak Spanish as the primary language. During the 2001 program year, 16% of the center’s clients were Hispanic. Many of the Hispanic households include family members, or secondary victims, that prefer to speak Spanish. Unfortunately, our organization and many of our agency partners do not have bilingual staff. This causes families to tend to not bring children back for follow-up services. It is a goal of this agency to provide quality services to our growing Spanish speaking population. “ “Immigration issues continue to be a barrier to services and housing. New Beginning Center outreach has seen a large influx in the number of children needing services in the bilingual program. “ “The need for bilingual personnel to assist Spanish speaking victims continues to be an issue. The Spanish speaking population continues to grow in Carrollton. Though, we are trying to hire another qualified Spanish speaking advocate, assistance to Spanish speaking victims is not as quick of a response as we would like. “ “As the awareness of our services continue to increase, we are learning more and more the necessity of a specialized program to provide same-sex clients is appropriate and needed.” # Grantees Summarized Area 34 Changes in type of cases/clients processed (internet victims, date rape drugs, younger victims, parent abandonment of adolescents, teen run-aways, involvement in substance abuse, internet crimes). Examples of Responses: “An increase in reporting by male sexual assault victims.” “Housing Issues: Costs continue to rise making it harder for shelter clients to secure housing so more people are staying in the shelter longer and driving up the number of total shelter days. Public housing is becoming less accessible because of concerns about potential violence. Fewer private landlords are accepting Section 8 vouchers. Application fees limit the number of apartment complexes that our clients can afford to apply to. Public and private landlords are adopting increasingly restrictive occupancy policies.” “Referrals of sexual abuse and physical abuse victims continue to increase. For the year 2001, there appeared more violence toward children.” “The two major concerns I have seen develop over the last year is the increase in intensity of violence in domestic violence cases and the increase in intensity of violence against children.” “Again, as last grant period, we have seen the increase of juvenile sex offenders. The ages of these offenders has ranged from 10-17 years of age, but a significant increase has been seen in the 10-13 years of age. Also, we continue to see an increase in female sex offenders, both juvenile and adult.” “Internet crime and the exploitation of younger teenage girls appears to be a growing trend in our area. The Advocacy Center has seen an increase in 13 and 14 year old teenagers "romantically" and sexually involved with older adult males. The number of male victims reporting abuse appears to be increasing, and recent national news relating to sexually abusive clergy and other public authority figures seems to be creating greater interest in services and addressing the problems of unreported victimizations.” # Grantees Summarized Area 29 Expansion or improvement of shelter/victim services (e.g., through interagency collaborations, development of a website (for anonymous support). Examples of Responses: “Most of Parker County would be considered to be a rural area; however, the city of Weatherford and area communities are rapidly expanding as many people move outside the DFW metroplex. Along with this expansion comes an increase in crime activity and a greater need for victim services as well as a need for a more efficient transportation system so that crime victims can more easily receive services. “ “A lack of ongoing therapy services free of charge for victims of crime needing more than six months of individual counseling (which is our current limitation). This is particularly problematic in cases of childhood physical and sexual abuse, where crime victims compensation funds are not available because the crime was never reported.” “Another issue that is affecting our ability to provide victim services is a problem we have encountered with day care facilities in the community. Our goal was to acquire contracts with day care centers in Cameron County so that they may take care of the children of victims who are needed for testimony, interviews, or court appearances. With pre-arranged contracts, we would then be allowed to bring children to the various day care centers with very little notice or on a drop-in basis. However, upon meeting with owners and managers of these licensed day care centers, we have found that they have provisions that require proof of immunization and other health requirements that are not attainable within the time frame that we have to work with. Furthermore, the majority of day care centers in the area are at full capacity and rarely have room for drop-ins.” “This is something that has impacted our agency from the beginning: our agency is located in a rural area and has no public transportation. This continues to be a hindrance to crime victims, especially victims of domestic violence who need to get out of their situation in a hurry.” # Grantees Summarized Area 47 Staffing issues: turnover, under-staffing, lack of volunteers, need for staff training. Examples of Responses: “Personnel cuts in our local CPS office have negatively impacted our agency because of their ability to pull together as a team. Our staff has been blind-sided by decisions they have made without the input of CASA, and such decisions have been counter productive to the children we serve.” “In the area that CASA of West Texas serves (Midland, Martin, Howard, and Glasscock counties) CPS and CASA staff turnover has been high. Common reasons given for staff turnover are career advancement, for family or personal reasons, exposure to secondary trauma and overwhelming volume of caseload.” “CASA continues to be concerned with the turnover rate of TDPRS caseworkers. Those remaining have caseloads too large to work intelligently and with relevance to the precipitating factors. When there is turnover of caseworkers on a case, the more remote the subsequent caseworkers are from the event that brought the children into foster care, the less geared to the individual children’s needs the resolution of the case tends to be.” “We continue to experience difficulty in staffing volunteers consistently. We have utilized community volunteers resources without much success. Our volunteers have typically come by ‘word of mouth’. Towards the end of fiscal year 2002, our volunteer hours picked up and we hope to continue this positive trend into fiscal year 2003.” “Ongoing issues with lack of volunteer support, lack of sufficiently trained and sensitive law enforcement personnel, and the increasing numbers of sexual assaults that occur each year are the most significant obstacles in providing ongoing services. It is important to provide larger numbers of staff and volunteers who are available to go to the hospitals at any time. Adequately training SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners) personnel is needed to prevent burnout and fatigue. The need for properly trained SANE grows daily and is not being adequately filled to serve all victims. Recently a trained psychologist in the community has offered to provide a process group for all volunteers, advocates, and nursing personnel monthly to discuss the anger, frustration, burnout, and fatigue that can easily mount.”
F. USE OF VOCA ADMINISTRATIVE FUNDS: During fiscal year 2002, Texas used approximately $85,000 in administrative funds. This represents significantly less than 2% of the VOCA dollars allocated to the state for that fiscal year. The majority of these funds ($78,104) were used to contract with an outside vendor to track grantee performance and evaluation efforts. This vendor has established a web-based reporting system for all sub-grantees, making it easier for grantees to submit required reports. In addition, with the data now available in an electronic database, we are better able to establish funding trends and identify need areas. The remaining administrative funds were spent on general office supplies that assist grant managers in the day to day management of this program.