Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Victim Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Granite County accepts VOCA grant to fund 0.75 FTE victim-witness advocate through 2028
Summary
The commissioners accepted a VOCA grant renewal funding roughly a 0.75 full-time victim-witness advocate position through June 30, 2028; discussion noted many cases involve substance abuse and domestic violence and that the position depends on continued grant support.
The Board unanimously approved renewal of the Victim Witness Advocate VOCA contract, which funds approximately a 0.75 full-time equivalent position through June 30, 2028. Commissioner McLure moved to accept the VOCA contract for the next two years; Commissioner Adler seconded and the motion carried without public opposition.
County Attorney Blaine Bradshaw and commissioners recognized the work of the current advocate, Pennie Pyle, and noted the position connects victims to counseling, chemical-dependency evaluations, anger-management services and emergency assistance such as temporary lodging. In response to public comment, Justine Richmond asked how many cases are referred annually and urged attention to underlying drug and alcohol issues; Bradshaw said many cases involve substance abuse or domestic violence and that the advocate works with dozens of victims each year by coordinating referrals to services.
Commissioners emphasized that the position is contingent on state and federal grant funding; they said if VOCA funding ends the county would need to consider using local funds or pursuing a regional partnership to continue victim services.
