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Victim advocate reports rise in services, new grant support and therapy-session caps
Summary
Devon Shakespeare, victim’s advocate in the county attorney’s office, reported the program served 283 victims so far this year and received the standard $21,000 grant (now awarded on a two‑year cycle); the state will also cover victim-tracking software costs. She warned contracted therapy sessions are being capped under new grant rules.
Devon Shakespeare, the county’s victim advocate, told the commission the victim-services program saw a rise in cases in 2025 and received its regular state grant plus expanded support for tracking software costs.
Shakespeare said the program was awarded $21,000 per year (the grant cycle is now two years, with $21,000 billed each quarter) and that the state will cover the countywide cost of the victim‑tracking program (an estimated value of at least $2,500 per year). She said the office has served 283 crime victims this year, with about 30% of victimizations related to domestic violence and roughly 15% involving child sexual-abuse allegations. The office recorded more than 1,200 criminal-justice‑related services (notifications, impact statements, restitution assistance) and about 500 information/referral services so far this year.
Shakespeare also told commissioners that funding rules for contracted therapists have changed; previously victims could receive services for an open-ended period, but the grant program now caps sessions at roughly 12–14 per victim. She described efforts to work with therapists and alternative funding streams so victims can continue care if needed at no financial cost to them.
Commissioners thanked Shakespeare for the update and asked clarifying questions on billing, service counts and the two‑year grant cycle. Shakespeare said she bills quarterly and that the grant administration staff provides billing support.
Why it matters
Victim-services staffing, grant support and access to therapy directly affect survivors’ ability to navigate the criminal-justice process and obtain support. The new limits on therapy sessions shift case management responsibilities and may require local planning to secure additional resources for ongoing care.
What’s next
Shakespeare will continue to coordinate with contracted providers and the county attorney’s office to ensure continuity of care and explore funding options to maintain services beyond the new session caps.
