Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Victim Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Victim advocate reports rising-intensity caseload, VOCA funding approved; county housing aid lost
Summary
Victim advocate Celeste told the Clinton City Council on June 10 that Clinton’s FY25 client count stands at 101 (down from 140 in FY24 in combined-city figures), cited more time-intensive cases and a recent homicide, and said VOCA funding will begin July 1 even as a regional housing-assistance program was terminated.
Celeste, the victim advocate for Clinton and the surrounding cities, told the council on June 10 that Clinton’s caseload is holding near 101 clients for fiscal year 2025 compared with 140 in FY24 countywide. She attributed the change in part to her two-and-a-half-month maternity leave and said recent cases have required more in-person work and longer case management.
"Crime never stops. Victimization never stops," Celeste said, describing a shift toward more time-intensive services such as one-on-one advocacy, safety planning and court accompaniment. She said those services — including help applying for programs, emotional support, and coordination with detectives and prosecutors — require more staff time per victim than previous years.
Celeste highlighted a November double homicide and an aggravated assault in the county that have required extended, trauma-informed assistance for victims. She also reported a local program change affecting housing assistance: "I just actually found out today that Clearfield Davis County housing program was terminated, so we're not gonna have that resource anymore available," she said, adding the program will now only serve Clearfield residents rather than the county as a whole.
On funding, Celeste said she received notice that VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) funding for the program was approved and "that'll start July 1," though she must submit required amendments before funds begin. She also said a requested part-time grant was denied.
Council members and the mayor thanked Celeste for her work. One council member said, "I wish we didn't need your services," and praised her efforts; the mayor confirmed final FY25 totals will close at the end of the month on June 30.
The advocate encouraged council members to refer residents to her office and said she will continue coordinating with county advocates and law enforcement. She invited council members to request the full data and slides by email.
What happens next: Celeste will submit the VOCA amendments required by the funder and finalize FY25 totals on June 30; the council did not take any funding votes at the June 10 meeting.
