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News Release No. 2005-2 June 17, 2005 Changes to Grant Funding May Jeopardize Services for
Victims The San Juan County
Prosecutor’s Program to serve crime victims is in jeopardy due to funding
changes to implement a new multi-county, regional plan. A proposal under consideration will eliminate
prosecutor offices from participating in grants under the Federal Victims of
Crime Act. "San Juan County provides
a well-respected comprehensive program to serve victims of crime. It takes people to provide this service, and
without the grant funding we will lose two positions. It would be a devastating
loss to the prosecutor’s office and the victims we serve," said Prosecutor
Randall K. Gaylord. According to Gaylord, the San
Juan County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Services Program costs about $90,000 per
year. About $7,000 is funded by penalties paid by defendants, about $13,000 is
paid by local property taxes, and about $70,000 is paid in a federal grant
using penalties paid by defendants in the federal system through the Victims of
Crime Act (VOCA). The Victim Services staff in
the prosecutor’s office assist victims throughout the process. They provide emergency assistance to fix
broken doors and locks. The victims are
informed of the court process and the staff answers their questions. They assure that victims have their paperwork
in on time to obtain orders of restitution and assure that they apply for
compensation programs. Finally, the staff
accompanies them to court and assists them with preparations of statements to
the court. "But, best of all,"
says Gaylord, "is that the Victim Services Office has developed good
relationships with victims, police officers, school counselors, private
counselors and other programs that serve victims. Prosecution-based victim services are at the center of the
information flow. There is no way to
replace these positions within our office. We need to keep this program
going." According to Gaylord, a
regional approach to victim services is not realistic. "The appropriate region is the county.
That is the place where services are provided effectively. We all know that regional service from the
mainland means no service to the islands," said Gaylord. Gaylord said that he is
looking at ways to restore some of the lost funding, though he admits it won’t
be easy. Gaylord said that he will be contacting the state officials and asking
that they allow the prosecutor's office to apply for VOCA funding. "We may simply need to go to the
Commissioners and ask if this is a service they want to have funded." Gaylord said that written
statements from people who have been served by the Victim Services Office would
be helpful in making a case for additional funding. "There are many people who are grateful for the services we
provide," said Gaylord. For more information and a
copy of the Prosecutor’s comments to the Washington State Office of Crime
Victims Advocacy, please call Randall K Gaylord at 360-378-4101. |