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Clinton victim advocate reports steady caseload, VOCA funding approved and program challenges
Summary
Victim advocate Celeste told the council the Clinton program handled about 101 victims so far in FY25 compared with 140 in FY24, cited increased time-per-case and staff shortages, and said VOCA funding was approved to start July 1; another local housing fund was terminated.
Clinton — Celeste, the city’s victim advocate, briefed the Clinton City Council on June 10 about caseloads, service demands and funding for victim services covering Clinton, Syracuse and Sunset.
Celeste told the council that, as of fiscal year 2025 to date, Clinton’s caseload stood at 101 victims compared with 140 in FY24. She said part of the difference reflected her recent maternity leave and that individual victims are requiring more time for in-person meetings, applications and court accompaniment than in past years.
“Victimization never stops,” Celeste said, describing an increased workload per case and noting the county’s mutual aid among advocates when cases spike. She described the November double homicide and a recent aggravated assault in neighboring Syracuse as incidents that have required extended advocacy and coordination with law enforcement.
Celeste listed common services she provides: explanation of the criminal-justice process and victim rights, referrals to housing and crisis services, safety planning, notification of criminal-justice events, individual advocacy (including contacting detectives and prosecutors on a victim’s behalf) and court accompaniment. She said an audit of the program led state reviewers to recommend a renewed emphasis on explaining victims’ rights and filing rights complaints to the state when appropriate.
On funding, Celeste told the council she had just received approval for VOCA funding that will begin July 1, subject to required amendments. She also reported that the Clearfield Davis County housing program was terminated and will no longer be available countywide; a small amount of funding will remain only for Clearfield residents. Celeste said another funding application — referred to in the transcript as “the Vowel grama” — was turned down and that the city will continue to operate without the proposed part-time position for now.
Council members expressed appreciation for the work. One member said they “wish we didn’t need your services,” and another thanked Celeste for taking maternity leave and returning to provide the program.
Celeste closed by offering to appear at community events and asking council members to send ideas for outreach; she invited officials to email her for further details on city and county caseloads and services.
There were no formal council actions attached to the presentation; Celeste noted that VOCA funding will start July 1 once required amendments are submitted and accepted.
