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JFAC adds $3 million one-time for child advocacy centers amid falling VOCA funds
Summary
The committee approved a one-time $3 million General Fund appropriation to the Domestic Violence Council to support child advocacy centers, offsetting declines in VOCA and other grant funding.
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on March 14 approved a one-time $3,000,000 General Fund appropriation for children’s advocacy services administered through the Domestic Violence Council to help child advocacy centers statewide respond to rising case severity and declining federal grant receipts.
Budget analyst Alex Williamson said Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding and other federal grant cash flowing to the centers have decreased, leaving a shortfall. Senator Cook, who spoke in support, said the appropriation would restore funding levels to roughly where they were in 2023 and described evidence that centers significantly improve prosecution and conviction outcomes in child sexual abuse cases — citing examples that involvement of a Child Advocacy Center (CAC) correlates with higher prosecution rates and longer average sentences.
Committee members described child advocacy centers as specialized sites that provide forensic interviews, counseling, civil legal aid and other supports while avoiding repeated traumatic interviews in courtroom settings. Representative Furness moved and Senator Cook seconded the appropriation. The roll call returned a combined 18 ayes, 1 nay, 1 absent; the motion carries a due-pass recommendation.
The appropriation is a trailer item not included in the program maintenance bill; the committee attached conditions, limitations and restrictions language customary for such appropriations.
