Gov. Perry Announces $25.9 Million Distributed from Victims of Crime Act Funds
Gov. Perry Announces $25.9 Million Distributed from Victims of Crime Act Funds
Criminal Justice Grants Aid Victim Services Across Texas
AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry today announced the award of $25,973,904 in grants to help victims of crime. The grants are awarded under the federal Victims of Crime Act fund (VOCA) and are distributed by the Governor's Criminal Justice Division (CJD).
"It is important to all Texans that we support programs that protect the public, administer justice, and offer hope and healing to victims," Perry said. "These victim service programs will help provide a safer living environment for all residents of Texas, particularly our most vulnerable citizens and Texas youth."
VOCA funds provide outreach, advocacy, crisis centers and shelters to identify needs and expedite appropriate services for crime victims. Programs address issues such as family violence, child abuse and sexual assault. Support services are also available to address neglect and exploitation of youth and the elderly.
Statewide programs that help in this effort include a grant to Texas CASA, Inc., in the amount of $4,331,423 to administer individual sub-contracts to local Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) programs throughout Texas. These CASA programs advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children currently residing in the foster care system. Texas State MADD was granted $1,631,479 to provide statewide services to victims of drunk driving including referrals to support groups, legal advocacy, assistance with death notification, accompaniment and assistance with crime victim compensation applications.
Each year, CJD provides more than $130 million in grants to help Texans at the forefront of the fight against crime. CJD funds a variety of programs for juvenile justice, crime prevention and victim services grants - all aimed at making Texas a safer place.
http://www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/press/pressreleases/PressRelease.2005-07-15.5735