Gov. Beshear Awards Nearly $800,000 for Victims' Services

Press Release

Gov. Steve Beshear today announced the award of 15 federal Victims of Crime Act grants funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. The $778,090 in stimulus funds will be used to support new and continuing victims' services programs, including Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs), domestic violence shelters, children's advocacy centers and rape crisis centers.

"Recipients of these vital services represent some of the Commonwealth's most vulnerable citizens -- victims of violent crime -- who rely on these organizations to help them navigate the criminal justice system and begin the healing process," said Gov. Steve Beshear. "These funds will enable the recognized programs to hire new employees, provide services, and purchase vital equipment and supplies that would otherwise be impossible in the present economic situation."

Gov. Beshear said the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet will administer these awards to state and local government and not-for-profit agencies from throughout the Commonwealth. These one-time funds represent a portion of the state's public safety stimulus dollars, and are part of the "Kentucky at Work" initiative announced by Gov. Beshear in February 2009. The Justice and Public Safety Cabinet estimates that 21 jobs will be created or preserved with these funds.

The largest category of both applications and awards was programs addressing child abuse, with $260,778, or 34 percent of the total funding available. Awards were based on numerous factors, including score, geographic and programmatic distribution, and Cabinet policy priorities, such as underserved victims' groups. Award periods are generally for one year, and are subject to intensive reporting requirements.

Award announcement for Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) stimulus funds will be released at a future date.

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