Caitlin Latimer, the Victim-Witness advocate assigned to Park County through the county attorney's office, outlined the program's duties, target cases and funding at the June 8 budget workshop. "This program is designed to help victims of violent crime, proceed and process through the court," Latimer said.

Latimer said the program focuses on domestic violence and sexual assault cases under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) but also assists victims of misdemeanors, DUI crashes, elder abuse and fraud. She told the commissioners she works under the direct supervision of the county attorney and helps with subpoenas, contacting witnesses about court dates and connecting victims with local services such as Aspen for emergency housing.

On funding, county budget staff explained the program combines a state grant, a transfer from Fund 2870 (court-assessed fines and fees earmarked for witness assistance) and a transfer from the county attorney's general-fund budget to meet the required match. Budget staff said the grant requires a 25% match, with in-kind contributions such as utilities and office rent counted toward that match; one-time licensing fees for victim-service tracking software are typically paid through the attorney's office.

Latimer said the county submitted the grant application on May 14 and expects an award decision in August. "We won't know the outcome officially until August," she said, and noted the county has received the grant for more than 20 years. County budget staff said they prefer to minimize general-fund transfers and will use revenue from Fund 2870 first; if fines are not paid, the general fund may be used to make up shortfalls.

Latimer also described training work with local law enforcement, hospital partners for forensic exams and collaboration with Aspen for emergency shelter; she noted that victim releases are needed before the program and Aspen can freely share case details.