JFAC adds $3 million for child advocacy centers as federal grant receipts decline

The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee voted to provide a one‑time addition of $3,000,000 from the General Fund for child advocacy centers (CACs), to be administered through the Domestic Violence Council.

Alex Williamson, budget analyst, explained the Domestic Violence Council has seen a reduction in VOCA and other federal receipts that typically support CACs. Representative Furness moved the appropriation; Senator Cook seconded. The motion passed with a combined tally of 18 ayes, 1 nay, 1 absent (Senate 8 aye,1 nay,1 absent; House unanimous 10 ayes).

Why it matters: committee members described CACs as multidisciplinary centers that provide forensic interviews, counseling, civil legal aid, and wraparound services for children who are victims of abuse. Senator Cook described data from CAC operations and prosecutors: he said CAC involvement improves the likelihood of prosecution and conviction and cited local outcomes in Bonner County. Those statements were offered as testimony in support of the appropriation and were attributed to Senator Cook during committee discussion.

Funding source and purpose: the $3,000,000 is one‑time General Fund support to supplement federal VOCA, FVPSA and other funding streams that have declined. Committee members said the appropriation restores funding levels closer to what the Domestic Violence Council received in prior years.

Ending: The one‑time appropriation was approved and will be forwarded with a due‑pass recommendation. Committee members asked for follow‑up on how the funds will be allocated among CACs and what outcome reporting will look like.