Panel approves $3 million to child advocacy centers after lawmakers cite drop in federal funds

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee approved a one-time $3,000,000 General Fund appropriation Friday to the Domestic Violence Council to support child advocacy centers that provide forensic interviews, counseling and legal aid to underage victims of crime and family violence.

Analyst Alex Williamson told the committee the appropriation would supplement recent declines in federal VOCA funding and other grant streams that traditionally helped finance child advocacy services. Senator Cook, who spoke at length in support of the appropriation, said federal funding declines have reduced cash available to centers and described outcomes such as higher prosecution and conviction rates when child advocacy centers are used.

"There's a 95 percent chance of conviction rates when the CAC is involved," Cook said in his remarks describing prosecution results and the advantages of a coordinated center-based forensic interview model. He told colleagues that Bonner County saw a 250% increase in successful prosecutions in five years after implementing a child advocacy center and that convictions in those cases often result in longer prison terms for offenders.

Representative Furness moved the appropriation; Senator Cook seconded. The committee approved the motion on a recorded vote (total: 18 ayes, 1 nay, 1 absent/excused). Williamson and multiple members described child advocacy centers as providing trauma-informed, child-friendly settings and specialized forensic interviewing that both improves investigative outcomes and reduces repeated trauma for children.

Discussion vs. decision - Discussion: Members discussed declining VOCA and other federal grant receipts and described the operational model and outcomes of child advocacy centers, including improved prosecution results and reduced retraumatization of victims. - Formal action: The committee approved a one-time $3,000,000 General Fund appropriation to the Domestic Violence Council for children's advocacy services; the motion carries a due-pass recommendation to the Legislature.

Next steps The appropriation will be forwarded to the full Legislature for consideration. Committee members asked for additional detail on current funding levels for child advocacy centers and intend to follow up with the council and department staff as the funds are allocated.