Comprehensive Program Announcement for Fiscal Year 1994
Federal RegisterApr 8, 1994
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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Office for Victims of Crime
Comprehensive Program Announcement for Fiscal Year 1994
AGENCY: Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office for
Victims of Crime.
ACTION: Public announcement of the discretionary program plan for
Fiscal Year 1994 and availability of discretionary funds.
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SUMMARY: The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) publishes this notice
to: (1) Announce its discretionary program plan for FY 1994, and (2) to
announce the availability of new and continuation discretionary funds
for training and technical assistance and direct services to victims of
crime. Application information is provided in sections III-VIII.
Discretionary grants are awarded by OVC to advance its advocacy role on
behalf of crime victims and improve services to crime victims.
DATES: Program Announcement is effective April 7, 1994.
ADDRESS: Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, 633
Indiana Avenue, NW., room 1352, Washington, DC 20531.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Diane Wells, Administrative Officer,
(202) 307-5988, or the OVC staff members identified in relation to
identified programs.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This Program Announcement is outlined as
follows:
I. Introduction
II. Description of Continuation Programs
III. Description of New, Competitive Programs
IV. Solicitations for FY 95
V. Eligibility Requirements
VI. Application Requirements
VII. Procedures for Selection
VIII. Submission Requirements
IX. Civil Rights Compliance
I. Introduction
Justice is not merely the meting out of punishment but the making
whole those who have been harmed. The care and concern for victims is a
critical factor in our Federal Government's determination to provide
fairness to all our citizens. The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) is
the Federal agency devoted to the needs of crime victims and to making
sure that the rest of the criminal justice system recognizes victims'
distress and victims' rights.
OVC is a component of the Office of Justice Programs within the
U.S. Department of Justice. The Office serves as the Federal focal
point for improving the treatment of crime victims and ensuring that
their rights and interests are met. In addition to its role as a
national victims' advocate, OVC is responsible for administering two
formula grant programs authorized by the Victims of Crime Act, as
amended (the state victim assistance and compensation grant programs),
supporting national scope training and technical assistance activities
via discretionary grants, and providing training and technical
assistance for Federal and state law enforcement personnel involved in
investigations, prosecutions, corrections and the provision of direct
services to victims of crime. See 42 U.S.C. 10601-10605.
OVC plays a crucial role in the Justice Department's comprehensive
plan to build safe neighborhoods. The Justice Department knows all too
well that law enforcement alone can not create safe and secure
communities. Consequently, the Justice Department is determined to
develop partnerships with other Federal agencies, state and local
governments and community based agencies to build an ethic of non-
violence on all fronts. OVC is working intimately with OJP programs to
insure that attention to victims is well integrated into the anti-
violence initiative. Attention to victims helps to build these
resilient communities both by assuaging the pain suffered by the
victims, and in many instances stirring the conscience of the
perpetrator so they are dissuaded from harming again.
OVC will use its discretionary funds in the most cost-effective and
creative way possible.1 This year OVC has developed a program plan
that explicitly recognizes the need for partnerships: PARTNERSHIPS
WITHIN THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT, PARTNERSHIPS WITH OTHER FEDERAL
AGENCIES, PARTNERSHIPS WITH STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, and
PARTNERSHIPS WITH NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS.2 For example, OVC will
co-monitor grants with other OJP bureaus and offices, include joint-
funded projects within the Department, and provide bonus points to
applicants whose proposals complement Department of Justice and other
Federal initiatives, including the Pulling American Cities Together
(PACT) project, Operation Weed and Seed, Comprehensive Cities Program,
etc.
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\1\Discretionary dollars are limited to two purposes--training
and direct services to Federal crime victims. These dollars cannot
be used to support demonstration projects, research, evaluations or
prevention.
\2\The Office for Victims of Crime will award $126,143,000 in
Crime Victims Fund dollars to support the two formula grant programs
authorized by the Victims of Crime Act--crime victim compensation
and crime victim assistance. VOCA crime victims compensation dollars
supplement state dollars to provide financial assistance to innocent
crime victims for out-of-pocket expenses resulting from a violent
crime. VOCA eligible expenses include medical expenses including
mental health counseling and care, funeral expenses, and lost wages.
VOCA crime victim assistance dollars are awarded to states to
support state and local direct services programs such as rape crisis
centers, domestic violence shelters, child abuse treatment programs,
survivor of homicide victims programs, drunk driving crash victims
programs, etc. VOCA victim assistance funds support direct services
such as crisis intervention, shelter, criminal justice advocacy,
hotline services, etc.
OVC will also commit $240,000 in FY 1994 discretionary dollars
to support the National Victims Resource Center, an information
clearinghouse for crime victims, victim advocates and service
providers, criminal justice professionals, and allied professionals
interested in crime victims issues.
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Fiscal Year 1994 grants will be awarded to improve assistance
rendered by the Federal, State, local and tribal criminal justice
systems and allied professionals. This includes victim assistance
programs in Indian country. Upon selection of the successful
applications, OVC intends to fund the programs described herein up to
the amounts noted. Additional funding may become available and applied
to these or other programs. OVC will fund 14 new and 8 continuation
programs which include 63 individual projects.
Discretionary grants for new programs are generally awarded through
a competitive process. The programs are open to a broad range of
organizations. Awards will be made to organizations and agencies that
offer the greatest potential for achieving the objectives outlined in
the description of each program. Selections will be made on the basis
of the information contained in the applications received. All
applications will be reviewed and rated by a peer panel of experts in
the program areas. The panel will make recommendations for funding to
the Director of OVC. The panel will assign numerical values by rating
competing applicants based on the point distribution identified in the
Selection Criteria section of each program description. As indicated
above, additional points will be given to applicants whose site
selections and project proposals complement other Federal funding
initiatives and whose project proposals build upon previously developed
materials as a cost-saving measure and enhancement to existing training
materials. Letters will be sent to all applicants notifying them that
their proposal has been selected or not selected. OVC will negotiate
specific terms of the awards with the selected applicants.
For continuation programs, the awards are limited to specific
applicants who have previously received at least one year of funding
and the program is a multi-year effort. Most of these grantees were
selected initially through a competitive process. Continuation awards
will be negotiated directly with current grantees to continue program
activities or with the designated organizations that are uniquely
qualified to provide specific services.
Continuation funding consideration for an additional project period
for previously funded discretionary grant programs will be based upon
several factors, including:
The extent to which the project responds to the applicable
requirements of the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA);
Responsiveness to OVC, OJP and Department of Justice FY
1994 program priorities;
Compliance with performance requirements of prior grant
years;
Compliance with fiscal and regulatory requirements;
Compliance with any special conditions of award; and
Availability of funds.
II. Description of Continuation Programs
OVC has not outlined the statement of purpose, goals, objectives,
and strategy in this program announcement for continuation funding.
This information will be outlined in the application kits, grant award
documents, and reimbursable agreements for the programs which follow:
Assistance to Victims of Federal Crime in Indian Country
$775,545
OVC will fund continuation grants for 19 states (Arizona, Colorado,
Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada,
New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah,
Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming) and 46 tribal subgrantee victim
assistance programs which were first funded in cycles from FY 1989 to
93. The program objective is to provide continued support to Native
American communities in remote sections of Indian country where crime
victim assistance services have previously been unavailable or scarce.
Program services include crisis intervention and counseling to provide
emotional support to victims following a violent crime; emergency,
short-term child care or temporary shelter for family violence victims;
help in participating in Federal criminal justice proceedings; and
payment for forensic medical examinations for sexual assault victims.
Funds may also be used for salaries for victim service providers. No
applications will be solicited.
Emergency Assistance for Victims of Federal Crimes
$100,000
OVC will support services for victims of Federal crime when
assistance that is essential to a victim's recovery cannot be obtained
from any other source as authorized by VOCA (42 U.S.C. 10603
(c)(1)(B)). These funds may be accessed by Federal victim-witness
coordinators only to support direct services such as emergency shelter,
crisis intervention, and counseling. Through the continuation of this
program, funds will be made available for victim-witness coordinators
in U.S. Attorneys' and FBI offices to assist victims of Federal crime.
Funds are made available through Reimbursable Agreements (RA) within
the Department; thus, no applications will be solicited.
Training and Technical Assistance for Victim-Witness Coordinators and
Prosecutors in U.S. Attorneys' Offices
$193,000
To continue efforts to improve the response of the Federal criminal
justice system to the needs and rights of crime victims, OVC will enter
into a Reimbursable Agreement (RA) with the Executive Office for United
States Attorneys. This OVC initiative will support training and
technical assistance programs for Federal victim-witness coordinators
and prosecutors as authorized by VOCA (42 U.S.C. 10603 (c)(1)(B)).
Funding activities will specifically support: (1) Reimbursement for
travel and per diem expenses for attendance at OVC approved or
sponsored training sessions and conferences on victim and witness
assistance ($137,000); (2) reimbursement to Federal Districts for the
provision of specialized district-specific training involving victims'
rights legislation, and compliance with the Attorney General Guidelines
for Victim and Witness Assistance, the Victim and Witness Protection
Act, the Victims' Rights and Restitution Act, and/or the Victims of
Child Abuse Act, ($50,000); and (3) reimbursement for participation in
the White Collar Crime Victim's Technical Assistance Group which will
be convened to discuss and develop an informational pamphlet for
Federal victims of white collar crime and fraud ($8,000). As these
activities will be implemented through an (RA) within the Department of
Justice, no applications will be solicited.
Training and Technical Assistance for Federal Law Enforcement Officers
$176,500
The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) provides that Crime Victims Fund
dollars may be used to provide victim assistance training that improves
the Federal criminal justice system response to crime victims (42
U.S.C. 10603 (c)(1)(B)). To promote the rendering of victim services by
Federal law enforcement officers, OVC will enter into Reimbursable and
Interagency Agreements with the following Federal agencies: The Federal
Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Department of Treasury's Federal Law
Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), and the Department of Interior
(DOI). The FBI agreement ($75,000) will provide funds to support the
expansion of victim assistance programs within the FBI. The FLETC
agreement ($50,000) will support basic and advanced training for
Federal law enforcement officers at FLETC, a training conference for
Federal criminal justice personnel on bias crime, regional train-the-
trainer activities, and Federal agency specific training sessions. The
Interagency Agreement with DOI ($3,500) will support the publication of
150,000 victim and witness informational brochures, printed in both
English and Spanish, for distribution to crime victims by the 6,000
commissioned law enforcement personnel in DOI bureaus.
This program will also provide travel funds ($48,000) to sponsor
the attendance of Federal law enforcement personnel at OVC approved
training sessions, i.e. Indian Nations: Justice for Victims of Crime
Conference, training provided by the National Center for Prosecution of
Child Abuse, and the Dallas, Texas, Crimes Against Children Conference.
Because these activities will be supported through Interagency
Agreements and travel funding, no applications will be solicited.
Reproduction of Federal Victim Assistance Information Materials
$81,000
The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) authorizes the use of Crime Victims
Fund dollars to prepare and disseminate informational materials that
describe services and rights due victims and to assist victims to
participate in the Federal criminal justice system (42 U.S.C. 10603
(c)(1)(B)). In the past, OVC has supported the development of video
tapes, informational materials, and brochures that assist victims of
Federal crime as well as Federal law enforcement officers. These
materials explain victim needs, rights and services essential for
effective victim participation in the Federal criminal justice system.
In FY 1994, OVC will continue to reproduce, develop, and disseminate
such informational materials, i.e., brochures that explain crime victim
compensation benefits; videos that assist child victims in
understanding their role as witnesses; brochures for Federal law
enforcement officers that explain services available to Federal crime
victims; special materials for victims of white collar crime, robbery,
and domestic violence; and handbooks for Federal Victim Witness
Coordinators that detail services available at state and local levels.
No applications will be solicited as materials will be reproduced
within the Department of Justice or as the result of Interagency
Agreements.
Crime Victims and Corrections: Agenda for the 90's (Phase IV--Regional
Military Correctional Institutions)
$20,000
Continued funding will be provided to support activities to improve
services for Federal victims of crime during the post-sentencing phases
of criminal cases prosecuted in military courts. Military correctional
facilities are a part of the Federal correctional system. Funding will
broaden the scope of a current grant with the National Victim Center
(NVC) to provide training to regional military correctional
institutions. During the current grant (Phase III), NVC provided
training at the United States Disciplinary Barracks (USDB) at Fort
Leavenworth, Kansas. Funds will be used to provide training at regional
military correctional institutions. Because this will support the
expansion of an existing grant, applications will not be solicited in
FY 94.
The Spiritual Dimension in Victim Services
$40,000
This training and technical assistance project will be implemented
by the current OVC grant recipient, the Spiritual Dimension in Victim
Services. Victims commonly seek assistance services from clergy in the
wake of crime. These professionals are often not trained on how to
effectively respond. Thus, the continuing goal of this project is to
provide clergy with appropriate skills training on how best to address
the needs of crime victims. This supplement will be used specifically
to extend the current project into the Denver, Colorado metropolitan
area, a designated Weed and Seed site, and also to provide hospital and
police chaplains with victim services training, including guidance on
death notification. No additional applications will be solicited in FY
1994.
Civil Legal Remedies Against Perpetrators
$20,000
This training and technical assistance program will be implemented
by the current OVC recipient, the National Victim Center (NVC). The
training curriculum, presented at regional training conferences,
apprises non-lawyer victim service providers on how to best assist
crime victims in understanding their legal rights and remedies against
perpetrators, and in determining how and when to attain qualified legal
assistance in appropriate cases. Civil judgements can help crime
victims cover expensive, long-term costs that are oftentimes incurred
in the aftermath of crime. Additional project funding is awarded in
recognition of continued field demand for the training and NVC's
successful efforts in raising alternative funding to support this
successful project. Fiscal Year 1994 funding will be used to update the
training materials and to efficiently present these project products
during at least two additional training events.
Children's Justice Act Discretionary Grant Program for Native Americans
$869,119
The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) (42 U.S.C. 10601(g)(1)) authorizes
the award of grants for the purpose of assisting Indian tribes in
developing, establishing, and operating programs designed to improve
the handling, investigation, and prosecution of child abuse cases,
particularly child sexual abuse cases. This funding supports the
continuation of three successful projects awarded under the CJA program
in FY 1993 and up to eight new projects in FY 1994.
III. Description of New, Competitive Programs
Trainers Bureau
$75,000
Purpose: The purpose of this program is to improve services to
crime victims by providing training and technical assistance to victim
assistance programs and other agencies that deal with crime victims.
Background: The field of victim services has grown in recent years
in response to expanding needs of crime victims for supportive services
in the wake of their victimization. In some cases, existing victim
assistance agencies have had to expand to serve increasing numbers of
victims who need their services. In other cases, new agencies have been
created to meet newly emerging needs, such as the needs of victims of
campus crime and stalking. In addition, a number of agencies that have
not traditionally provided services to crime victims (for example,
corrections agencies) are now expected, and sometimes legally mandated,
to serve victims.
With the growth of the victim service field has come an increasing
demand for technical assistance and staff training. Agencies are
stretching their limited resources to be able to make additional
services available. Often, few resources are left to ensure that the
services offered are appropriate and effective in meeting clients'
needs, and that the organization is operating efficiently.
In past years, OVC has sponsored regional and state training
conferences to address the needs of service providers for training in
basic job skills. New mechanisms are needed, however, if OVC is to
flexibly respond to the emerging needs of an increasingly sophisticated
and complex field.
The Trainers Bureau is being developed as one such mechanism. This
evolving program resource is being officially initiated with this
program announcement.
Goals and objectives: (A) To stimulate the development of
professional expertise in the field of victim services by:
1. Identifying consultants that can serve as a resource for OVC and
the field;
2. Providing assistance in developing model programs, policies and
practices; and
(B) To provide effective, high quality training and short-term
technical assistance by:
1. Encouraging agencies to articulate specific, limited training
and technical assistance needs;
2. Designing training and technical assistance support individually
tailored to meet agency needs;
3. Identifying qualified consultants to deliver the training and
technical assistance; and
4. Promoting administrative support for the skills and/or
technology being transferred.
(C) To create a mechanism for delivering cost-effective training
and technical assistance by:
1. Targeting resources to meet specific, high priority needs; and
2. Using all discretionary funds to pay direct costs of
consultants.
Program strategy: This training initiative creates a mechanism for
supporting cost-effective training and technical assistance to victim
assistance programs and other agencies that deal with crime victims.
OVC will serve as a broker for expert consulting services in response
to requests for assistance from eligible agencies.
Through the Trainers Bureau OVC will respond to requests for
training and technical assistance by providing consultants who are
experts in the field of victim services. This will include skilled
trainers capable of conducting high quality workshops on a wide range
of victim-related topics at conferences, seminars, and other types of
training events. It will also include professionals capable of
providing appropriate, effective on-site technical assistance to
address significant operational problems or needs commonly experienced
by agencies. The experts will have agreed to make their services
available, upon request of OVC, whenever possible within the
constraints of their professional and personal schedules.
Eligible agencies can request assistance by submitting the
following information:
A description of the problem to be addressed and an
explanation of why it cannot be addressed with existing resources;
A suggested plan or specific action to address the
problem;
An estimate of the number of hours/days of assistance
needed;
The name of an agency contact person;
The signature of the executive officer of the agency.
Applications for assistance should be sent to: Trainers Bureau,
Office for Victims of Crime, 633 Indiana Avenue, NW., Washington, DC
20531.
Applications will be reviewed within 30 days of their receipt. Once
an application has been approved, the request will be matched for
assistance with appropriate available consultants. The recipient agency
may select one or more consultants or request the services of another
individual or individuals who will be approved by OVC as qualified to
provide the assistance. The designated consultant(s) will draw up a
training/technical assistance plan that responds directly to the
identified needs of the agency; all parties (i.e., OVC, the recipient
agency and the consultant) must agree to the plan.
Within 30 days after the training or technical assistance has been
provided, the recipient agency will submit to OVC an evaluation of the
trainer/consultant. The evaluation will assess the extent to which the
planned assistance was executed, as well as the effectiveness of the
consultant(s) and the intervention.
Eligibility requirements: Agencies eligible for training and
technical assistance through the Trainers Bureau include state and
local victim service agencies, state and national victims coalitions,
criminal justice system agencies, U.S. Attorneys Offices, Native
American subgrantees, and other agencies that regularly assist crime
victims.
Applications will be reviewed and selected based upon the following
criteria:
Clarity of the request, including the description of the
problem;
Potential impact of the assistance;
Commitment of resources from other sources to support the
training and technical assistance request; and
Need for Federal support to provide the assistance.
Special consideration will be given to requests where the
assistance would have statewide or regional impact, or build inter-
agency or multi-disciplinary capacity to deliver services.
Over the course of the award period, OVC anticipates receiving
requests from a variety of types of agencies providing services that
address a range of crimes (e.g., homicide, sexual assault, domestic
violence) and categories of victims (e.g., children, women, the
elderly).
Award period: Funds will be available to address requests
throughout the duration of Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995.
Award amount: No money will be directly awarded to successful
applicants. OVC will pay consultants a daily rate of up to $200 per day
and reimburse them for travel expenses in accordance with Federal
guidelines throughout Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995. Approved on-site
assistance will be short-term, generally between one and three days in
duration. A maximum of $2,500 will be allocated to each training or
technical assistance event.
Due date: Applications will be accepted for consideration
throughout the award period.
Contact: For further information, either as an agency wishing to
apply for assistance or a party interested in serving as a consultant,
contact Susan Laurence, Special Projects Division, OVC, (202) 514-6444.
Immediate Response to Emerging Problems
$100,000
Purpose: The purpose of this program is to improve services to
victims of violent crime in communities that have experienced crimes
resulting in multiple victimizations.
Background: Violence in America is becoming more frequent, leaving
thousands of traumatized crime victims in its wake. Although
communities understand the devastation caused by violent crime and
usually are able to respond effectively to individual victims,
incidents resulting in multiple victimization often tax existing
service delivery systems beyond their capabilities. Crimes such as mass
murders, serial rapes, terrorist bombings, and street violence create
situations that require increased technical assistance and staff
training to respond effectively to the large number of crime victims.
The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) of 1984, as amended (42 U.S.C.
10601, et seq.), provides funding from the Crime Victims Fund for
programs that provide training and technical assistance to Federal
criminal justice agencies, states, units of local government, and other
public and private organizations in activities related to crime
victims. VOCA also requires the coordination of victim services
provided by the Federal government with victim services offered by
public agencies and nonprofit organizations.
OVC supports many grant programs and Federal Interagency Agreements
to fulfill these requirements. One program, the ``Emergency Assistance
for Victims of Federal Crime,'' supports direct services for victims of
Federal crime when essential services cannot be obtained from any other
source. This program is available to offices of U.S. Attorneys. The
Immediate Response to Emerging Problems Program is modeled after the
Emergency Assistance for Victims of Federal Crime Program, but will
allow OVC the flexibility to respond to requests for training or
technical assistance from communities and Federal, state, and local
agencies that have unique multiple-victim needs. This jointly funded
OVC/BJA program will provide a victim assistance rapid response
mechanism previously unavailable to communities.
Goals:
To improve services to multiple victims of violent crime
by providing training and short-term technical assistance to
communities that have experienced an incident or incidents resulting in
large numbers of crime victims;
To respond to the specific needs of agencies and
communities in crisis situations in a timely manner; and
To increase the coordination among Federal, state, and
local agencies to provide effective victim assistance services; and
To maximize available resources and reduce duplication of
efforts.
Objectives:
To provide specific, limited training and technical
assistance based on the articulated needs of a community requiring
immediate assistance to provide services to multiple victims of a
violent crime;
To encourage agencies or communities to articulate
specific, limited training and technical assistance needs;
To individually tailor training and technical assistance
to the requestor's needs; and
To identify qualified individuals to deliver the training
and technical assistance in a timely manner.
Program strategy: This initiative creates a mechanism for offering
technical assistance to communities suffering from the results of
violent crime and multiple-victim cases. OVC and BJA will arrange
technical assistance services in response to requests for assistance
from eligible agencies.
This program will accept requests from victim service agencies,
Federal, state, and local criminal justice system agencies, U.S.
Attorneys Offices, Native American tribes, and other agencies that
regularly deal with crime victims. Requests for assistance will be
submitted on agency letterhead and signed by the executive director/
officer of the agency. The letter will include the following
information:
A clear statement of the facts surrounding the current
situation;
A description of how the request for assistance is
supported by major community agencies, including a list of the local,
state, and Federal agencies involved and a description of their support
for the request;
A description of the ``victimization'' issues, numbers of
victims, and the impact of the crime on the victims and the community;
Applicants may also attach copies of newspaper articles or
other documentation to provide background information;
An explanation of why the community cannot address the
situation with existing resources;
A description of the specific technical assistance
requested, the expected recipients of the technical assistance, and the
desired outcome;
If known, a description of the knowledge or skills
required by the consultants providing the technical assistance;
An estimate of the anticipated timeframe for the provision
of the technical assistance;
A description of the final product(s) sought from those
providing technical assistance upon the completion of the delivery of
such services (e.g., written report, verbal report, workshops, written
assessment); and
The name and phone number of the agency contact person who
will be responsible for answering additional questions and coordinating
with OVC, should the request be approved.
Requests should be sent to: Immediate Response for Emerging
Problems, Office for Victims of Crime, 633 Indiana Avenue, NW,
Washington, DC 20531.
Requests may also be transmitted by facsimile to OVC at (202) 514-
6383.
OVC will review the requests within 48 hours (2 working days) of
receipt. The OVC Director will approve or disapprove requests. If
applicable, requests will be coordinated with other Office of Justice
Program (OJP) bureaus. After the request has been approved or
disapproved, OVC will contact the requesting agency by telephone and
then follow-up with a written reply.
If a request is approved, names of appropriate individuals
consultants will be selected, as appropriate. Consultants have agreed
to make their services available, upon request of OVC or another OJP
Bureau, whenever possible within the constraints of their professional
and personal schedules. Requesting agency may request the services of
particular individuals who can be approved by OVC as qualified to
provide the assistance.
Because this program requires timely responses to requests for
assistance for victim issues and problems relating to recent acts of
violence, OVC envisions a flexible program format. Communities will be
able to request site-specific training and technical assistance
including, but are not limited to, crisis intervention, victim
assistance staff augmentation, death notifications, critical incident
stress debriefings, and community coordination.
Within 30 days after the technical assistance has been provided,
the recipient agency will submit to OVC a brief assessment of the
assistance provided. The assessment will describe the extent to which
the training or technical assistance helped to address the community's
need, as well as the effectiveness of the consultant(s) and the
intervention.
Eligibility requirements: Requests will be accepted from victim
service agencies, Federal, state, and local criminal justice system
agencies, U.S. Attorneys Offices, Native American tribes, and other
agencies that regularly deal with cases involving multiple crime
victims.
Selection criteria: Requests will be reviewed and selected based
upon the following criteria:
Clarity of the request, including the description of the
problem and need for the assistance;
Potential impact of the assistance;
Need for Federal support to provide the assistance; and
Ability for OVC to respond.
Award period: Funds will be available to address requests submitted
throughout Fiscal Years 1994-1995, or until such date as the limited
funds ($100,000) are depleted.
Award amount: No money will be awarded directly to successful
applicants. OVC and BJA will absorb all costs in accordance with
Federal guidelines. Approved on-site assistance will be short-term,
generally between one and three days in duration. No funding limitation
has been established for this program, although it is anticipated that
the funding of requests for assistance will not exceed $10,000. OVC and
BJA have designated only $100,000 for this program and large awards
could exhaust available resources to the detriment of other communities
seeking assistance.
Due date: Applications will be accepted for consideration,
beginning 60 days after publication of this notice, and throughout FY
94-95.
Contact: For further information, contact Sue Shriner, Federal
Crime Victims Division, or David Osborne at (202) 514-6444.
Anti-Stalking Initiative
$18,000
OVC will partially support a regional seminar series for states on
implementing anti-stalking codes and the provision of services to
stalking victims to include the preparation and filing of restraining
orders. The overall project will assist policy makers in assessing the
strengths and weaknesses of existing state laws as well as in reviewing
alternative approaches to achieving enforcement objectives. OVC's
contribution will allow for a subject-matter expansion to include civil
protection orders and other victim-related issues so as to encourage
national and state victim advocate participation and provide technical
assistance on the effective implementation of protective orders.
Because this initiative complements an existing Bureau of Justice
Assistance grant awarded to the National Criminal Justice Association,
this project is not open to competition.
Resource Packages for Children Required To Testify in Federal Court
$70,000
Purpose: The purpose of this project is to develop and print four
camera-ready products for inclusion in a child victim assistance
resource package. The package will be distributed to Federal criminal
justice personnel in their effort to assist child victims and witnesses
of Federal crime.
The child victim assistance resource package will include: (1) A
camera-ready Instructors' Guide on effective approaches when working
with children within the Federal court process; (2) two separate
camera-ready ``Going-To-Court Answer and Activity Books'' for child
victims/witnesses--one for Native American children who are required to
testify in either Federal or Tribal court and one specific to the
Federal court process; and (3) camera-ready brochures for parents/
guardians that outline the child's role in Federal court, child
victims' and witnesses' rights, answers to typical questions asked by
child victims/witnesses, and a description of the Federal criminal
justice process. The products will be disseminated to Federal victim-
witness coordinators from the 94 U.S. Attorneys' Offices and will be
made available for use by other Federal jurisdictions and service
providers as well. Applications will be solicited.
Background: Children who report or witness abuse not only suffer
emotional ramifications of the abuse, but are often called on to
participate in an adversarial and adult-oriented criminal justice
system. Children are routinely exposed to confusing information, adult-
oriented courtroom procedures, and unfamiliar language. Without careful
coordination and attention to their needs, children can easily be
victimized by the criminal justice system.
Congress recognized the need to accommodate the needs and abilities
of child witnesses when it enacted the Crime Control Act of 1990,
Public Law 101-647, which includes the Victims of Child Abuse Act of
1990. This legislation places responsibility on Federal investigators,
prosecutors and victim-witness coordinators to develop procedures and
services that allow children to participate as witnesses in the Federal
criminal justice system. Federal victim-witness coordinators are
responsible for the Federal victim/witness program and for implementing
the new provisions of the law for victims of Federal crime.
Fortunately, coordinators can provide in-office and/or in-court
preparation material and orientation activities that may help to
alleviate the potential trauma experienced by children who are required
to testify in court. This program is authorized under 42 U.S.C. 10603
(c)(1)(B).
Goals:
Improve the response of Federal criminal justice personnel
to the rights and needs of children required to testify in Federal
court;
Develop four separate booklets for inclusion in one child
victim assistance resource package intended for distribution to Federal
victim-witness coordinators; and
Help alleviate the potential trauma experienced by
children required to testify in Federal court.
Objectives:
To produce a child victim assistance resource package and
material that can be utilized by Federal victim-witness coordinators;
To design and print camera-ready Instructors' Guides (to
be included in the resource packages) on effective approaches when
working with children within the Federal court process and effective
methods on how to tailor victim assistance services to meet the
district-specific needs of child victims and their families. The
Instructor's Guide should include state-of-the-art information for
victim-witness coordinators on setting up a courtroom-orientation
class, creating their own district-specific court-orientation material
(word games, puzzles, and other material that can be personalized to
the district, etc.), and how-to primers for working with special needs
victims, i.e., physically and developmentally disabled, hearing/sight
impaired, etc.);
To design and print camera-ready ``Going-To-Court Answer
and Activity Books'' for child victims/witnesses (to be included in the
resource packages). The first book should be designed for Native
American children who are required to testify in either Federal or
Tribal court and should closely parallel the characters and information
provided in the Department of Justice (DOJ) video entitled, ``B. J.
Learns About Federal and Tribal Court.'' The second book should be
specific to the Federal court process and closely parallel the
characters and information provided in the DOJ video entitled, ``Inside
Federal Court;''
To design and print camera-ready brochures for parents/
guardians (to be included in the resource packages) that outline the
child's role in Federal court, child victims' and witnesses' rights,
answer typical questions asked by child victims/witnesses, and describe
the Federal criminal justice process;
To produce child victim assistance resource packages that
contain the printed resource material; and
To develop a plan to disseminate the developed products to
Federal victim-witness coordinators nationwide.
Program strategy: This solicitation invites applications for a
grantee to develop resource packages composed of printed material that
will enhance the ability of Federal victim-witness coordinators to
assist child victim/witnesses. The overall objective is to combine the
expertise of an organization that is well experienced in assisting
child victims and witnesses with the expertise within DOJ to produce
information and products each Federal District can use to improve the
response to children who are required to testify in Federal court.
Accordingly, the grantee must review two existing DOJ videos for child
witnesses and work closely with the OVC program specialist throughout
the grant period as the products are developed (the ``Instructors
Guide'' to implementing child victim-witness services; the two ``Going
-to-Court'' answer and activity books; and the brochure for parents/
guardians). Project activities will need to be carefully coordinated
within the Department of Justice prior to final approval of project
products.
The grant activities and products include:
A review of existing material, including DOJ material and
videos, that help orient child victim/witnesses to the Federal criminal
justice system;
An identification of child victim/witness needs (by
developmental/age level and by special needs), and the development and
printing of camera-ready Instructors' Guides for victim-witness
coordinators that references these victim needs and details how victim-
witness coordinators may help child victim/witnesses prepare for court;
The development and printing of camera-ready ``Going-To-
Court Answer and Activity Books'' for child victims/witnesses who are
required to testify in Federal court;
The development and printing of camera-ready brochures for
parents/guardians that explain their child's role and what they as
parents can do to support and assist the child. The brochures will also
outline the phases of the criminal justice process and the various
child victims' and witnesses' rights associated with each step or phase
of the criminal justice process;
The development of the package that will contain the
printed products;
Eligibility criteria: In order to be eligible for funding, each
applicant must demonstrate experience in the following areas:
Experience in developing model material for use by
criminal justice personnel;
Experience in/knowledge of child development issues;
Demonstrated knowledge in assessing the needs and
abilities of child victims/witnesses; and
Demonstrated knowledge in researching and developing
appropriate strategies for preparing children to testify in court.
Selection criteria: All applicants will be evaluated and rated
based on the extent to which they meet the following criteria:
The goals and objectives of the proposed project are
clearly defined (10 points)
Clarity and appropriateness of program implementation plan
and time-task plan (25 points).
Cost effectiveness of the proposed budget and investment
of applicant's own research capability (25 points).
Qualifications of the Program Staff (30 points)
Organizational capability (10 points)
Award period: This award will provide support for the development
and distribution of child victim assistance resource material over a 12
month period.
Award amount: Up to $70,000 has been allocated to support one
cooperative agreement.
Due date: Applications must be received no later than 60 days from
the date of this published announcement.
Contact: For further information, or to obtain a copies of ``B. J.
Learns About Federal and Tribal Court,'' and ``Inside Federal Court,''
contact Laura Federline, Federal Crime Victims Division, OVC, (202)
514-6444.
Victim Assistance Training for Military Victim Assistance Providers
$100,000
Purpose: The purpose of this program is to improve direct services
to victims of crime on military installations by providing training to
military criminal justice personnel and service providers.
Background: The Victims of Crime Act of 1984, as amended (42 U.S.C.
10601 et seq.), earmarked a portion of the Crime Victims Fund to
provide direct services to victims of Federal crime, train Federal
criminal justice personnel in responding to victims of Federal crime,
and support the preparation of informational material regarding
services to victims of Federal crime. The Victims Rights and
Restitution Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 10606, 10607) strengthens this
mandate by establishing a Federal Victims Bill of Rights and enhancing
government responsibility and authority to ensure that Federal crime
victims are treated with compassion, dignity, and respect.
OVC is responsible for training Federal criminal justice personnel
in the delivery of services to victims of Federal crimes (42 U.S.C.
10603 (d)(3)(A)). For programmatic purposes, crimes that occur on
military installations are considered to be within Federal
jurisdiction.
OVC routinely coordinates victim and witness assistance programs
and training activities with all Federal agencies that have law
enforcement functions. The Department of Defense (DOD), like the
Department of Justice (DOJ), is a multi-faceted agency with
investigative, prosecutorial, and correctional responsibilities.
Because of these similarities, it is mutually beneficial to both DOD
and DOJ to share resources and expertise.
In the past year, OVC has coordinated various training and
technical assistance efforts with DOD. Examples include: a Memorandum
of Understanding with the DOD Office of Family Policy, Support, and
Services to share resources to improve the Federal response to child
abuse and neglect; a training session for the Air Force's Office of
Special Investigations on sexual assault and rape; a training for
Federal prosecutors, including military prosecutors, on handling child
abuse and exploitation cases; and a joint DOJ-DOD Symposium on Victim
and Witness Assistance. This project will continue these cooperative
efforts between DOJ and DOD.
Goals:
To provide victim assistance training to military criminal
justice personnel and direct service providers in the areas of program
development, program management, and direct services to victims of
Federal crime;
To combine the expertise and resources of the grantee,
OVC, and the Department of Defense to provide comprehensive skills
training on crime victims' issues;
To disseminate effective strategies for improving services
to crime victims; and
To increase the coordination among military communities,
state and local victim assistance agencies, and Federal criminal
justice personnel to provide effective victim assistance services.
Objectives:
To develop and implement a cost-effective strategy for
providing training to military service providers, utilizing existing
victim assistance training curricula i.e., developed previously by the
applicant, in the public domain, or which the applicant has permission
to use;
To identify military specific topical areas for the
training agenda (using an Advisory Board of military representatives
identified by OVC);
To develop three identical cost-effective training
conferences (Eastern, Western, and Midwest sections of the United
States) for approximately three days each for 200 personnel at each
location;
To identify potential trainers;
Conduct training;
To evaluate the training; and
To develop conference reports assessing the results of the
training conferences and making recommendations for future activities
with military service providers.
Program strategy: This solicitation invites applications for a
grantee to provide comprehensive victim assistance training to military
criminal justice personnel and direct service providers, based on a
previously developed curriculum.
The grantee will work with OVC staff and a Project Advisory
Committee of representatives from the various military services to
expand the core curriculum to meet the unique needs of military
communities. Training conferences supported by this grant will address
the provision of direct services to crime victims, including unique
aspects of jurisdictional issues, and the development of victim
assistance programs that include various Federal, state, and local
resources for crime victims.
Because the training will employ existing curriculum materials, OVC
envisions that a major portion of the proposed budget will be allotted
for conference trainers. Selected trainers should include
representatives from the military services. A limited portion of the
budget will be allotted for the reproduction of the training manual/
materials or reproduction of supplemental materials as well as for
conference logistics, grantee staff time, and travel.
The applicant should attach copies of the existing victim
assistance training materials that the applicant proposes to use as the
core curriculum for the military conferences. The applicant may also
suggest and describe supplemental materials for the training
conferences.
Eligibility requirements: Applications will be accepted from public
and non-profit organizations which have:
Experience in the management and development of large
victim assistance training conferences;
Knowledge of the issues associated with the criminal
justice system's handling of crime victims; and
Organizational experience and financial capability to
administer this training initiative.
Selection criteria: In determining which applicant to fund, OVC
will consider the following:
Experience in developing and delivering victim assistance
training. (20 points)
Project design that constitutes an effective approach to
meet the goals and objectives of this program. (20 points)
Clarity and appropriateness of the program implementation
plan & time-task plan. (20 points)
Budget: Cost effectiveness of the proposed training--i.e.
appropriateness of costs in relation to the proposed strategy. (20
points)
Qualifications of staff identified to implement the
program. (20 points)
Award period: The award will provide support over a 12 month
period.
Award amount: OVC will make up to $100,000 available for this
program initiative.
Due date: Applications must be received no later than 60 days from
the date of this published announcement.
Contact: For further information contact Sue Shriner, Federal Crime
Victims Division, OVC, (202) 514-6444.
State Crime Compensation Program Training Initiative
$63,000
Purpose: The purpose of this training and technical assistance
project is to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of services
received by state and Federal crime victims from state crime
compensation programs.
Background: The training component of this initiative--a national
compensation conference--will address the on-going need for training
and technical assistance for State victim compensation programs
including the need for outreach to victims of Federal crimes. This
national training conference will focus on enhancing program management
and evaluation techniques with the goal of improving services to crime
victims.
The second component of this initiative will support the
development of model crime victim compensation program standards to
better assess program performance and services to crime victims.
Currently, no such standards exist. The standards that are developed
through this initiative will assist State compensation programs in
evaluating and improving their performance against a set of model
victim compensation program standards.
Goals:
To provide for a national training and technical
assistance conference for staff and administrators of State crime
compensation programs;
To convene a National Training Conference for State
compensation program staff and administrators.
To encourage the development and implementation of model
State compensation program standards; and
Objectives:
To conduct a needs assessment, or survey, of State
compensation programs which identifies particular topics for inclusion
in a national training conference.
To establish a Project Planning Committee for the
development of model program standards. Members of the committee shall
include, but shall not be limited to, compensation program
administrators and staff; Victim Witness Coordinators; representatives
from the victim services field, such as rape crisis centers and
domestic violence shelters; and prosecutor-based victim witness
programs.
To develop program performance standards which address the
following critical elements:
1. Maintenance of fiscal stability;
2. Expeditious and efficient claims processing;
3. Efficient decision-making process; and
4. Effective outreach and sensitive communication.
To conduct workshops on the implementation of the program
standards at regional and national training conferences for State crime
victim compensation administrators and staff.
To draft, at the completion of the project, a report which
delineates the model program standards.
Program strategy: This solicitation invites applications for the
development and support of a national training conference, and the
development of comprehensive program standards.
In connection with the training conference, the grant funds may be
used to support the salary of the conference coordinator and a part-
time administrative assistant; development and reproduction of training
materials including brochures and letters; the use of audio visual/
equipment; a survey of states regarding training needs; costs to use
training presenters and facilitator which may include state
compensation administrators, staff, and Federal victim-witness
coordinators; travel expenses for the project coordinator and assistant
only; conference administrative costs including the site, telephones,
rent, postage, photocopying, supplies, etc.
Prior to the conference, the grantee will survey state compensation
programs regarding specific training needs; identify and develop a
training curriculum and conference agenda; select conference presenters
and a facilitator; and will develop a conference resource handbook and
evaluation questionnaire.
Project funds will be allocated for the development of
comprehensive model program standards. The grantee will establish an
Advisory Committee consisting of various representatives from the
victim services field, including at least one person employed in a
victim assistance agency such as a sexual assault center or domestic
violence shelter. The Advisory Committee will survey state compensation
programs on the development of program performance standards. A draft
of proposed program standards will be distributed to State program
administrators, the National Organization for Victim Assistance, and
the National Victim Center for comment. A discussion section will be
incorporated in the preamble to the final report which will address any
comments received from the draft. Once developed, these standards can
be used as an assessment tool, to improve services, expand programs,
and justify the need for increased resources.
Eligibility requirements: Applicants will be accepted from any
State agency and/or public nonprofit agency. However, applicants must
adequately substantiate the following:
Understanding of the purpose and operation of state
compensation programs;
Understanding of VOCA program requirements for state
compensation programs;
Understanding of diversity of state compensation programs
based on administrative structure and staffing;
Experience in developing standards;
Experience in organizing and implementing conferences; and
Understanding of government cost principles.
Selection criteria: In determining which applicant to fund, OVC
will consider the following:
Letters of commitment from two-thirds of the state
compensation programs to participate in grant related activities. (30
points)
Past experience in organizing national conferences. (25
points)
Commitment of resources to support conference. (15 points)
Knowledge of and experience in addressing needs of state
compensation programs. (30 points)
Award period: The award period will provide support over an 24
month period. Thus, funding for this project will not be available
until October 1, 1994.
Award amount: OVC will make a total of $63,000 available for this
program initiative, as follows: $45,000 for a national state
compensation program training conference; and $18,000 for developing
model program standards.
Due date: Applications must be received no later than 60 days from
the date of this published announcement.
Contact: For further information contact Cheryl Grosso, Acting
State Compensation and Assistance Director, OVC, (202) 307-5948.
State/Regional Conference Training Initiative
$200,000
Purpose: The purpose of this program is to provide Federal support
for state and regional victim assistance training conferences.
Background: OVC is continuing, on a competitive basis, the mini-
grant conference training initiative that was launched in 1993. Grants
of up to $10,000 each will be awarded to selected applicants for the
purpose of conducting statewide training conferences as well as
launching a multi-state/regional training initiative. A maximum of
$30,000 will be awarded to selected applicants to support regional
training conferences.
This program provides a cost-efficient method for rendering Federal
support to training events conducted on a state or regional level that
includes participation by victim advocates and service providers at the
Federal, state and local levels. OVC will use it as a vehicle for
disseminating information on model programs, policies and practices,
many of which have been developed through OVC sponsored training and
technical assistance projects. States/regions will have access to
Federal training and technical assistance dollars to address locally
identified training needs. The initiative is also responsive in that it
supports existing professional networks of victim assistance providers
and advocates; at least half of the states have networks and/or
coalitions that annually convene a training event for professionals who
assist crime victims. Simultaneously, in state/regions where the
network or coalition may be unable to convene an annual event, it
sparks interest and offers resources for other organizations to conduct
local training events. Training offered locally conserves vital
resources by limiting the amount of funds and staff time spent on
travel, and it also offers an important networking value.
Crime victims often require effective referrals and assistance as
they move among the various agencies of the criminal justice system and
allied professions: from filing a complaint with law enforcement to
undergoing direct examination, as a witness, by a prosecutor; from
filing an application with the state to obtain compensation to
addressing subrogation issues subsequent to recovering on a civil
judgement. These conferences will bring multi-disciplinary
professionals together representing Federal, state, local and tribal
agencies and provide training on how each profession might better work
with the others to address the critical needs of crime victims.
Goals and objectives:
(A) To offer cost efficient victim assistance training and
technical assistance to professionals at regional, Federal, state and
local levels by:
1. Financially supporting professional victim assistance networks
organized for the purpose of offering training at state or regional
victim assistance conferences;
2. Making experienced, high quality trainers available locally;
3. Offering OVC staff expertise on training issues and effective
trainers, and materials developed through OVC-sponsored national scope
training and technical assistance projects available to local service
providers; and
4. Supporting training that focuses on strengthening practical job
skills.
(B) To provide training support that is responsive to locally
identified needs:
1. Allowing victim serving agencies to determine the appropriate
scope, either statewide or regional, for the training event;
2. Encouraging representatives of local agencies to tailor the
conference to address what they have assessed as important local needs;
3. Supporting a conference that selects skilled trainers from the
local area and from other parts of the country to present important
topics; and
4. Providing minimal budget requirements so that local conference
cost concerns can be accommodated.
(C) To promote coordination and collaboration among the various
professions interacting with crime victims by:
1. Encouraging victim advocates across disciplines to be actively
involved in planning the conference;
2. Encouraging the inclusion of training that features multi-
disciplinary approaches to dealing with crime victims;
3. Stimulating interaction among professionals and volunteers from
the many different disciplines that deal with crime victims by bringing
them together as conference participants; and
4. Promoting training topics that target the unique needs of a
range of crime victims who are served in Federal, state, local and
tribal criminal justice systems.
(D) To promote coordination and collaboration across jurisdictions
by:
1. Encouraging victim advocates from Federal, state, local and
tribal criminal justice systems to plan a training conference that
addresses the unique needs of victims in each criminal justice system;
and
2. Providing information on the needs of victims that participate
in the Federal criminal justice system so that local service providers
are able to respond to those needs.
Program strategy: States and groups of contiguous states are
invited to apply for funds under this program to support state or
regional victim assistance training conferences. Conferences are to be
multi-disciplinary in scope, incorporating training for personnel from
victim service, criminal justice, medical and mental health agencies
and other allied professions. Training should include both basic skills
building workshops and more advanced seminars for experienced service
providers. Applicants are encouraged to design conferences that include
a wide range of victim-related topics and address specific, locally
identified needs. A portion of workshop time must be devoted to Federal
crime victim issues that are priorities for participating Federal
agencies (bank robbery, bias-related crimes, white collar crime, crimes
occurring on Federal enclaves such as military or Indian reservations).
Grantee agencies are required to identify a conference planning
committee to carry out the task of planning the conference. The
committee is to include representatives from the variety of
professional disciplines that deal with crime victims and from
different geographic areas of the state or region to be served. It is
recommended that the committee include representatives from state
agencies that administer victim assistance and compensation (VOCA)
programs; state and local criminal justice agencies; when applicable,
victim assistance coordinators from military and Indian reservations;
and private non-profit organizations such as state coalitions on sexual
assault, domestic violence and child abuse, as well as local chapters
of Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Parents of Murdered Children. In
addition, all selected applicants will be required to involve their
respective Federal victim-witness coordinators in the planning process.
OVC has developed a broad menu of training topics on subjects
considered by the Office to be significant to the field of victim
services. Many of these topics are related to prior OVC funded training
and technical assistance projects and Federal Crime victim issues.
Grantees will be expected to include in their conference agenda a
number of workshops from the OVC list. At least 30 percent of the fund
award must be used to cover cost of workshops selected from the OVC
menu; these funds will cover consultant fees of up to $200 per day and
travel expenses for trainers, and the cost of training materials and
audio-visual equipment. The remainder of the grant funds may be used to
cover other conference-related costs allowable under Federal
guidelines, such as facility expenses, printing and mailing costs, etc.
OVC does not expect applicant agencies to include in their grant
applications a detailed conference agenda, listing specific workshop
topics or proposed presenters. Rather, the conference planning
committee will be responsible for developing the agenda in
collaboration with OVC program managers. In preparing proposed budgets
for the conference, however, it is important to allocate the
appropriate amount of funds to cover OVC approved workshops.
For more information about OVC's menu of training topics and to
discuss cost-related details, all interested applicants are encouraged
to contact the OVC contact person.
Eligibility requirements: Eligible applicants include state
agencies and qualified private organizations with sufficient capability
to manage a statewide or a regional victim assistance training
conference. To be eligible for funding, the applicant must also be
designated, in writing, by the Victim Compensation and Victim
Assistance (VOCA) Administrators of the applicant state(s) as the
appropriate organization to sponsor the conference. Letters of
designation must be included in the application. Agencies responsible
for administering the State Victim Assistance and State Victim
Compensation (VOCA) programs are also eligible applicants.
Selection criteria: All applicants will be evaluated and rated
based on the extent to which they meet the following weighted criteria.
In general, all applications received will be reviewed in terms of
their responsiveness to the minimum program application requirements
and the program goals and objectives. Applications will be evaluated by
a peer review panel according to the OVC competition and Peer Review
Guidelines. The selection criteria and their point values are as
follows:
The training needs of the applicant are clearly stated and
thoughtfully identified. Applications should reflect a responsiveness
to the specific needs of each state and federal district and the
constituencies within the state or region, taking into consideration
types of crime, gaps in services and knowledge, lack of coordination
among service providers and legislative mandates. (15 points)
The goals and objectives of the proposed project are
clearly defined. (15 points)
The project design is sound and the management structure
is adequate to the successful implementation of the project. (Total 25
points) This criterion includes:
1. Adequacy of the project management structure and feasibility of
the time task plan. (15 points)
2. The qualifications of staff identified to manage and implement
the program. (10 points)
Organizational capability is demonstrated at a level
sufficient to support the project successfully. (25 points)
Budgeted costs are reasonable, allowable and cost
effective for the activities to be undertaken. (10 points)
Funding preference will be given to applications received
from applicants who have not previously benefitted from grant project
support. (10 points)
Award period: The award will provide support over no longer than a
12 month period.
Award amount: OVC will make awards in amounts up to $10,000 to
selected applicants for the state grants. Awards in amounts up to
$30,000 will be made to applicants submitting proposals for regional
victim assistance training conferences.
Due date: Applications must be received no later than 60 days from
the date of this published Announcement.
Contact: For further information contact Cheryl Gross, Acting
Director, State Compensation and Assistance Division at (202) 307-5947.
Training and Technical Assistance for Native American Children's
Justice Act Grantees
$100,000
Purpose: The purpose of this program is to provide comprehensive,
skills-building training and technical assistance to Indian tribes and
organizations that have received a grant from the Children's Justice
Act Grant Program for Native Americans (CJA).
Background: The CJA program is designed to develop model projects
in Native American communities for the purpose of improving the
investigation, prosecution and handling of cases of child abuse,
especially child sexual abuse, in a manner that increases support for
and reduces trauma to child victims. Due to the uniqueness of each
tribe and variations in size, location, availability of resources and
services, legal structures and law enforcement jurisdictions, OVC
believes training and technical support is critical to allowing these
programs to achieve their stated goals and objectives.
Child sexual abuse cases on Indian reservations may be handled a
myriad of different ways. The cases may be investigated by state
police, tribal police, BIA criminal investigators, the FBI or others.
Cases may be prosecuted in Federal, state, tribal, or a combination of
these courts. Formal protocols may or may not exist between agencies.
In instances where they exist, they may be fragmented rather than
incorporate a multi-disciplined approach for handling child sexual
abuse. OVC seeks to ensure that all tribal programs funded by the CJA
initiative are provided the training and technical assistance necessary
to implement the projects successfully.
This grant will provide the necessary training and/or technical
assistance for the tribes to develop a multidisciplinary approach to
investigating, prosecuting, treating and advocating for child sexual
abuse victims. Training efforts will focus on a multi-disciplinary
approach that minimizes the trauma suffered by the child victim and
maximizes the opportunity to provide assistance and services needed to
support the child's recovery. Coordination of all tribal, Federal and
state agencies involved in child abuse cases as well as strategies for
accomplishing systemic change so that the improvements become part of
an institutionalized tribal response should also be addressed in the
training and technical assistance.
Goal:
To assist CJA grantees to meet the goals of their grants
and to improve the handling of child victim cases through the provision
of culturally relevant training and technical assistance services. It
is anticipated that eight different grantees will require these
services.
Objectives:
To identify and assess CJA grantees' needs for training
and technical assistance (OVC anticipates that there will be eight
active CJA programs in Native American communities that will need
training and technical assistance);
To develop a training plan and curriculum for each grantee
based upon the assessment; the curriculum will be composed of the
agenda and training materials to be used on site;
To provide on-site training and technical assistance,
including telephone technical assistance, to the grantees that enables
them to successfully implement changes to improve the handling of child
abuse cases;
To assist the grantees develop protocols, manuals,
curriculum and other victim related materials that can be adapted by
different tribes;
To identify and collect exemplary program materials such
as protocols, training agendas, and brochures describing available
services, tribal codes, etc., and make the materials available to CJA
grantees as examples of workable implementation materials;
To design, develop, and disseminate Indian-specific
resource materials to the grantees, and;
To work with OVC staff to develop skills-building
workshops for the OVC/NCCAN training seminar for CJA grantees in
November of 1994.
Program strategy: The recipient of this grant will be expected to
establish communication with each of OVC's current CJA grantees, review
their grant applications, develop a needs assessment form, and complete
a needs assessment survey that identifies the grantees' training and
technical assistance needs. The recipient will then be expected to
categorize, establish priorities and develop a comprehensive training
and technical assistance strategy and/or delivery plan. The plan would
be based upon information collected during the assessment phase of the
project and should include such information as: The types of technical
assistance to be provided, the steps necessary to adapt suitable
resources to the grantee's needs, the location for providing the
assistance, the consultants that will be used as presenters,
anticipated attendance at the training, the reason such training/
technical assistance was selected, the cost of such training, the
method to be used to assess the effectiveness of such training, the
period during which the training/technical assistance is to be
provided, and a plan for responding to follow-up training and technical
assistance requests. Additionally, the grantee will work with OVC staff
to develop several workshops to be included in the OVC/NCCAN training
seminar for CJA grantees.
The training and technical assistance delivery plan is subject to
review and approval by OVC. Upon OVC's final approval of the plan, the
recipient will provide a 2-day on-site, individualized training session
at each tribe or a regional training session for several tribes if
regional training would accomplish the same objectives.
OVC recognizes that the requests for training and technical
assistance may exceed the availability of resources. Therefore, it is
critical that the recipient develop a delivery plan that maximizes
available resources. The recipient of this grant can assume that the
CJA grantees have the necessary funds for travel, lodging and per diem
expenses for one regional training session, if regional training is
selected. Project costs will cover up to 16 visits per year to
reservation sites (2 trips to 8 projects), the development and printing
of materials needed to implement the training, travel and per diem for
staff and consultants, and consultant's fees.
Eligible applicants: Public or private, non-profit agencies or
organizations are eligible to apply. Applicants must demonstrate
knowledge of the subject matter and have expertise and experience in
providing training and technical assistance on multidisciplinary
responses to child sexual abuse. During the selection process,
preference will be given to organizations which have staff members who
are experienced in working with Native American organizations and who
have expertise in handling child sexual abuse cases and related issues.
Selection criteria:
The goals and objectives of the proposed project are
clearly defined. (15 points)
The project design is sound and contains program elements
directly linked to the achievement of project objectives. This
criterion includes:
(1) Adequacy of the project management structure and feasibility of
the time task plan. (15 points)
(2) The qualifications of staff identified to manage and implement
the program. (10 points)
In-depth knowledge of the multidisciplinary approach to
child sexual abuse investigation, prosecution, and treatment as well as
an understanding of the jurisdictional issues involved in law
enforcement and criminal prosecution of child sexual abuse cases in
Indian country is demonstrated at a level sufficient to support the
project successfully. (20 points)
Experience in organizing and implementing conferences and
experience in the ability to adapt suitable victims related materials
and resources to the cultural diversity of Indian tribes is clearly
delineated. (20 points)
A detailed budget which demonstrates the cost-
effectiveness of the project including the use of available resources,
and which indicates the time commitment of the key staff of the
project. Budgeted costs must be reasonable, allowable and cost
effective for the activities to be undertaken. (20 points)
Award period: This recipient will be eligible for funding for 24
months.
Award amount: This is planned as a 24 month effort. OVC will make
$100,000 available for the first 12 months of this program initiative.
Continuation funding of $100,000 will be available for an additional 12
months if the grantee demonstrates success in the first 12 month award
period.
Due date: Applications must be received no later than 60 days from
the date of this published announcement.
Contact: For further information contact Cathy Sanders, Federal
Crime Victims Division, (202) 514-6445.
National-Scope Training on Implementation of Victim Services Within
Community Policing
$250,000
Purpose: Within the context of community policing, to promote an
effective response to the needs of crime victims by law enforcement
officers.
Background: Law enforcement contact with the victim should not
cease upon apprehension of an offender, particularly within a community
policing jurisdiction where officers may very well know the victim and
will likely come into contact with him or her after case closure. Thus,
victim services is key to effective community policing. Indeed, victim
satisfaction with law enforcement's response is a good evaluation
measure of the success of a community policing approach.
Both OVC and Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) funding will be
used to fund the awarded project.
Goals:
OVC will complement on-going and new Office of Justice
Programs community policing projects through this training and
technical assistance project.
This project is designed to institutionalize victim
services as an essential component of community policing approaches.
Objectives:
Within the context of community policing, to identify
services necessary for an effective law enforcement response to crime
victims.
To present the identified services within the context of a
community policing protocol, offering agencies implementation guidance.
To effectively present and disseminate all project
products through training within at least four community policing
jurisdictions.
Project strategy: All project products will be developed under the
guidance and subject to the approval of a multi-disciplinary project
steering committee. Membership will be subject to OVC and BJA approval
and will include a broad representation from law enforcement
organizations.
The principal project product is a victim services protocol for
community policing law enforcement officers. This ``how to'' protocol
will identify critical victim services as well as alternate strategies
for addressing the needs of various types of crime victims including
sexual assault victims, survivors of homicide victims, domestic
violence victims, etc. Annotations will be developed to guide agency
implementation and will address agency variances such as considerations
unique to rural and urban law enforcement agencies. The protocol will
include, as well, strategies for providing community residents and
victims with protection from harassment and intimidation, strategies
for offering long-term support to victimized community members and
suggested ways for generating trust between victimized residents and
law enforcement officers. The protocol will be based on the results of
a literature assessment as well as input from model community policing
agencies which offer victim services.
Additional products will be derived from the protocol, including a
corresponding video-tape which would be suitable for roll call
presentation, pilot training presentations of the protocol, development
and presentation(s) of a train-the-trainers' curriculum and development
of prototype law enforcement information materials for crime victims,
such as a pocket card identifying local referrals and victim rights. At
a minimum, the grantee will conduct a pilot training of officers within
four community policing jurisdictions on protocol elements, and based
on the results, will refine the protocol and training products, if
necessary. The protocol will be printed in the form of a ``How To''
resource manual for community policing law enforcement agencies.
Project funding will be used to disseminate broadly all products
including to new and existing Weed and Seed sites, jurisdictions
participating in the PACT and Comprehensive Cities projects. The number
of training curriculum presentations conducted and the number of
protocol manuals printed and disseminated will be as permitted under
the budget.
The selected grantee will also be asked to incorporate substantive
elements of OVC hate crime and elder abuse training curricula into the
project products. The selected grantee will also undertake all
necessary efforts to institutionalize basic protocol elements into
basic and in-service law enforcement training.
Upon the conclusion of the project, the grantee will draft a report
summarizing the project protocol, capable of nationwide distribution in
the form of an OVC Bulletin. All products will be subject to OVC and
BJA approval.
Eligibility requirements: To be eligible for funding, the applicant
must have a capacity to train, nationwide, and must have experience in
training law enforcement officers.
Selection criteria: All applicants will be evaluated and rated
based on the extent to which they meet the following weighted criteria.
The problem to be addressed by the project is clearly
stated. (5 points)
The goals and objectives of the proposed project are
clearly defined. (10 points)
The project design or strategy is sound and contains
program elements directly linked to the achievement of project
objectives. (20 points)
The project management structure is adequate to the
successful implementation of the project. (Total 25 points). This
criterion includes:
1. Adequacy of the project management structure and feasibility of
the time task plan, particularly in relation to identified project
products. (15 points)
2. The qualifications of staff identified to manage and implement
the program. (10 points)
Organizational capability is demonstrated at a level
sufficient to support the project successfully. Previous experience and
history with providing law enforcement training, particularly within
the context of victim services and community policing, will be taken
into account during the selection process. (25 points)
Budgeted costs are reasonable, allowable, and cost-
effective for the activities to be undertaken. (15 points)
Award period: The award will provide support over no longer than a
24 month period. Thus, funding for this project will not be available
until October 1, 1994.
Award amount: OVC will make up to $250,000 available for this
project.
Due date: Applications must be received no later than 60 days from
the date of this published Announcement.
Contact: For further information contact Duane Ragan, Special
Projects Division, OVC at (202) 514-6444.
Victim Assistance Academy
$125,000
Purpose: The purpose of this project is to make high quality
intensive training available to OVC staff and victim service providers
who are committed to serving crime victims and the victim services
profession.
Background: This project will provide victim assistance
professionals with intensive skills training over a two week period.
The Academy training presentation will be conducted in Washington, DC
during the Summer of 1995. OVC anticipates that this project will be an
initial step toward establishing a regular training event on an annual
basis. The annualized event may serve as a precursor for the eventual
establishment of a victim assistance academy or institute in
Washington, DC.
Goals:
Subject to OVC approval, to develop and present a one-
week, 40 hour long intensive, skills training for the victim assistance
providers.
To recruit and involve qualified trainers to present the
training topics.
To invite and facilitate the attendance of a select group
of 30 victim assistance advocates, as well as OVC staff, to participate
in the training academy; grant funds will be used to cover travel and
per diem costs of participants and trainers.
To develop and make available all necessary training
materials, including trainee evaluation survey.
To develop and broadly disseminate the substance of the
training.
Objectives:
To develop a training topic list, which will serve as a
rudimentary agenda, as well as specific learning objectives for the OVC
Director's approval.
To identify, recommend and upon OVC approval, to retain
qualified trainers to address the learning objectives.
Upon OVC approval, to prepare a fair and equitable method
for soliciting and selecting victim assistance trainees.
To handle all logistics related to conducting the
training.
To produce a video capturing the highlights of the
training event.
To evaluate participant satisfaction with the training and
to present recommendations for similar future events.
Program strategy: The selected grantee will work closely with OVC
to establish a training agenda and will take appropriate measures to
recruit qualified trainers. A fair and equitable process for selecting
trainees will also be developed and implemented by the selected
applicant. OVC will approve all selection requirements, selected
trainee candidates--professionals demonstrating a commitment to making
a long-term contribution to the victims movement and trainers. Among
other things, project funds will be used to recruit trainers; cover
travel and per diem costs of selected trainees as well as materials
compilation. OVC will work with the selected grantee to locate adequate
Federal facilities to conduct the training. The project products will
include a one week training event for victim assistance professionals,
and OVC staff, and training materials as well as a video tape of
training highlights and intended for broad dissemination.
Eligibility requirements: The selected applicant must have
experience in developing an appropriate victims assistance training
agenda, the administrative capacity to implement the project, as well
as a willingness to work in close collaboration with OVC to implement
this project.
Selection criteria: All applicants will be evaluated and rated
based on the extent to which they meet the specified weighted criteria.
The goals and objectives of the proposed project are
clearly defined. (10 points)
The project design or strategy is sound and contains
program elements directly linked to the achievement of project
objectives. (20 points)
The project management structure is adequate to the
successful implementation of the project. (Total 25 points). This
criterion includes:
1. Adequacy of the project management structure and feasibility of
the time task plan, particularly in relation to identified project
products (15 points).
2. The qualifications of staff identified to manage and implement
the program. (10 points)
Organizational capability is demonstrated at a level
sufficient to support the project successfully. Previous experience and
history with providing victim assistance will be taken into account
during the selection process. (25 points)
Budgeted costs are reasonable, allowable, and cost-
effective for the activities to be undertaken. (20 points)
Award period: The award will provide support over no longer than a
18 month period. Thus, funding for this project will not be available
until October 1, 1994.
Award amount: OVC will make up to $125,000 available for this
project.
Contact: For further information contact Bob Hubbard, OVC at (202)
307-5950.
Multi-Purpose Educational Curriculum for Young Victims
$175,000
Purpose: To develop curricula and training materials for victim
advocates, school personnel and youth groups to (1) teach adolescents
to outreach and provide peer support for young victims of crime and (2)
to identify effective ways of resolving interpersonal conflict without
violence.
Background: While statistics reveal a reduction in overall rates of
violent crime during the past few years, victimization among youth has
skyrocketed. This project will assist victim service providers in
conducting outreach to youth and in identifying the range of choices
available when conflict arises. Youth confide in and seek support from
peers; they look for assistance from friends who care but often do not
know how best to respond to critical needs that emerge as a result of
victimization. The absence of coping skills oftentimes results in
inappropriate responses to violence, such as retaliation, truancy,
suicide, etc.
The need for victim assistance and youth service organizations to
develop approaches to heighten victimization awareness and provide
guidance regarding effective conflict resolution cannot be underscored.
This can be accomplished through curricula and training materials that
allows victims of crime to share the physical and emotional impact of
their victimization and to channel their desire for retribution in non-
violent ways. This project has multiple benefits: crime victims gain a
therapeutic benefit in sharing with others who might be spared similar
suffering; youth learn about the consequences of crime in their lives--
how it affects family and friends and how they might best respond to
such crises; youth are provided with a forum to explore, possibly,
their own victimization and to empathize with others who have been
victimized; they are apprised of local service providers and the types
of supportive services that they offer; and youth are exposed, as well,
to the victim assistance profession and may be inspired to volunteer
with local providers. Once apprised of the personal and often long-term
injuries sustained by crime victims, and alternative means for
resolving conflicts, potential offenders may also very well become
dissuaded from committing crime.
Goals:
To develop training curricula and materials for victim
service providers, youth groups and school personnel on ways to provide
outreach and assistance to victimized youth.
To train victim services providers on ways to strengthen
the support network for victimized youth.
To train professionals who interact with young people to
implement conflict-resolution training.
Objectives:
The development and/or integration of an existing multi-
purpose curriculum on conflict-resolution and victimization to: (a)
Instruct youth on appropriate responses to victimization and the
availability of local resources and referrals, (b) discourage youth
from victimizing others, and (c) to encourage youth cooperation with
law enforcement.
To conduct pilot training presentations and refine project
products.
To provide victim assistance providers with technical
assistance strategies to guide on-going relations with schools and
youth groups.
To educate youth on the devastating impact of crime on
victims, their families, friends and the community.
Program strategy: This project will produce an assessment and
consolidation of existing literature on victimization and conflict
resolution curricula; a stand alone curricula, replete with
implementation annotations for a variety of settings, capable of
presentation by victim service providers, educational professionals,
and youth groups urban and suburban settings; the development of
training tools to assist in the presentations; pilot presentations of
the curriculum within a cooperating high-crime school district and, at
least one youth service organization (e.g., Boys and Girls Clubs of
America, Scouts, etc.). Youth service professionals, law enforcement
and juvenile criminal justice professionals will also be involved in
presentations of the curriculum and in guiding discussion among youth.
The recipient will widely disseminate project products and will also
draft a monograph summarizing the essence of project for publication by
OVC as a bulletin.
The target audience will consist of junior high and high school
students as well as youth participating in activities sponsored by
private youth services agencies (focusing on youth at risk of becoming
victims of crime).
A Project Advisory Committee consisting of professionals
experienced in this subject area and with these audiences will be
convened to guide the project and approve all products. Appointment of
Project Advisory Committee members will be subject to OVC approval.
Eligibility requirements: Qualified recipients must, at a minimum,
demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the impact of crime and victim
services, conflict-resolution techniques as well as appropriate
teaching methods. Applicants should also be able to demonstrate a
familiarity with previously developed curricula on this subject and an
expertise in developing curricula for public school settings.
Selection criteria: All applicants will be evaluated and rated
based on the extent to which they address the following weighted
criteria.
Statement of the problem to be addressed by the project.
(5 points)
The goals and objectives of the proposed project are
clearly defined. (10 points)
The project design or strategy is sound and contains
program elements directly linked to the achievement of project
objectives. Adequacy of the project management structure and
feasibility of the time task plan, particularly in relation to
identified project products. (35 points)
The project management structure is adequate to the
successful implementation of the project. The qualifications of staff
identified to manage and implement the program. (10 points)
Organizational capability is demonstrated at a level
sufficient to support the project successfully. Previous experience and
history with providing victim assistance and a background in conflict
resolution will be taken into account during the selection process. (25
points)
Budgeted costs are reasonable, allowable, and cost-
effective for the activities to be undertaken. (15 points)
Award period: The award will provide support over an 18 month
period. Thus, funding for this project will not be available until
October 1, 1994.
Award amount: OVC will make up to $175,000 available for this
project.
Due date: Applications must be received no later than 60 days from
the date of this published Announcement.
Contact: For further information contact Susan Laurence, Special
Projects Division, OVC at (202) 307-5950.
Support for Grieving and Bereaved Children
$75,000
Purpose: The goal of this project to assist victim service
providers in effectively responding to the needs of children who are
grieving as a result of violence.
Background: Victim assistance providers are often called upon to
support survivors of homicide victims and others who grieve as a result
of violent crime. Grieving children have special needs that victim
assistance providers are not always prepared to address. It is critical
that children receive support and assistance throughout the grieving
process. This project will help by providing victim assistance
providers with appropriate guidance and technical assistance, in the
form of age appropriate videotapes and literature.
Goals:
To assist victim assistance providers in effectively
responding to the special needs of children grieving as a result of
crime.
Objectives:
To produce age appropriate videotapes for presentation by
victim assistance providers for children trying to effectively cope
with grief issues.
To develop a guidebook and two hour training curriculum
for victim service providers, assisting them in using the project
products and in guiding discussions about grief and violent crime
issues.
To broadly disseminate the products through a mailing,
presentations of a training curriculum and a monograph reflecting
brief, substantive guidance for victim assistance professionals.
Program strategy: Project products will entail the development of a
``How To'' guidebook and two-hour training curriculum for victim
service providers as well as a videotape series for use by victim
service providers (including school counsellors, youth program
personnel, etc.) when responding to grieving children who have survived
or witnessed homicide or other violent crimes, such as domestic and
spousal abuse.
The guidebook will address topics such as a description of the
grieving process in children; appropriate death notification for
children; building effective school and community support services for
grieving children; sensitive interviewing techniques for child
witnesses of violence; and appropriate expectations of grieving
children by teachers and other adult supervisors. The book will offer
age specific guidance and will assist the user in discussing issues
after a videotape viewing. Victim service providers will be able to
make effective use of the guidebook even if they do not have the
benefit of project training.
Three short (20 to 25 minute) videotapes will be developed for 4-6,
7-11, and 12-16 year old children, respectively. Each will help
``predict and prepare'' child viewer audiences for the range of
emotions that they may experience as part of the grieving process. All
tapes will be focussed on grief issues experienced as a result of
violent crime.
Finally, the grant recipient will produce a training curriculum
designed to enable OVC speakers (and other trainers) to impart to
teachers, school administrators, social workers, victim service
providers, and others, reliable and practical information on how to
effectively assist grieving children and how to best use the other
project products.
All grant products will be subject to OVC approval and designed to
respond to the needs of children from diverse cultural and ethnic
backgrounds.
Eligibility requirements: Qualified applicants should possess
expertise in assisting child survivors of homicide and other violent
crimes.
Selection criteria: All applicants will be evaluated and rated
based on the extent to which they meet the following weighted criteria.
Statement of the problem to be addressed by the project.
(5 points)
The goals and objectives of the proposed project are
clearly defined. (10 points)
The project design or strategy is sound and contains
program elements directly linked to the achievement of project
objectives. (20 points)
The project management structure is adequate to the
successful implementation of the project. (Total 25 points). This
criterion includes:
1. Adequacy of the project management structure and feasibility of
the time task plan, particularly in relation to identified project
products (15 points).
2. The qualifications of staff identified to manage and implement
the program. (10 points)
Organizational capability is demonstrated at a level
sufficient to support the project successfully. Previous experience and
history with providing victim assistance to children will be taken into
account during the selection process. (25 points)
Budgeted costs are reasonable, allowable, and cost-
effective for the activities to be undertaken. (15 points)
Award period: The award will provide support over no longer than a
12 month period.
Award amount: OVC will make up to $75,000 available for this
project.
Due date: Applications must be received no later than 60 days from
the date of this published Announcement.
Contact: For further information contact Duane Ragan, Special
Projects Division, OVC at (202) 514-6444.
Training and Technical Assistance on Media Issues Impacting Crime
Victims
$50,000
Purpose: To promote an effective and sensitive media response to
crime victim concerns and needs.
Background: Both crime victims and their survivors are at risk of
secondary victimization through exposure to media questions that
intrude on the victim's private grief, jarring photographic images of
injured or slain victims, as well as public disclosure by the media of
their identities (particularly in sensitive cases, such as sexual
assaults). The goal of this project is to train victim service
providers, at the state and local level, on effective strategies for
encouraging sensitive and dignified media reporting and visual
depictions involving victims and survivors of homicide, sexual assault,
and other violent crimes, and ways to minimize victim suffering
commonly experienced as a result of insensitive press coverage of the
crime.
Goal:
To train victim assistance providers on ways to encourage
effective and sensitive media coverage and treatment of crime victims.
Objectives:
To develop a resource guide, for use by victim service
providers, on strategies for sensitizing the media to victim needs,
concerns and rights.
To test pilot the substance of the resource guide at a
presentation on victim issues before members of the media and based
thereon, to refine the project products.
To develop a monograph, capable of being re-printed in the
form of an OVC Bulletin, that provides the reader with a condensed
version of the substance of the resource guide.
Program strategy: The project's goal will be achieved through the
development and, to the extent allowed under the budget, the printing
of a resource guide for victim service providers. This product will
include strategies for achieving an effective professional relationship
with the media--one that serves to protect crime victims and addresses
their concerns. The guide will also contain a presentation curriculum
for formally sensitizing members of the media about victim issues. The
curriculum section of the resource guide will be pilot tested at a
professional gathering of media professionals and then refined.
Substantively, the developed product will assist victim service
providers in educating state and local media professional groups about
victim issues, i.e, the trauma of victimization; victim privacy;
confidentiality of victim identities in sexual assault and abuse cases;
and approaches to investigating and reporting news stories that
minimize the risk of additional trauma to crime victims. Finally, the
substance of the resource guide will also be redrafted in a condensed
version--a monograph capable of being reprinted as an OVC Bulletin.
Eligibility requirements: Qualified applicants possess expertise in
victim issues, as well as contacts within the print and broadcast
media.
Selection criteria: All applicants will be evaluated and rated
based on the extent to which they meet the following weighted criteria.
Statement of the problem to be addressed by the project.
(5 points)
The goals and objectives of the proposed project are
clearly defined. (10 points)
The project design or strategy is sound and contains
program elements directly linked to the achievement of project
objectives. (20 points)
The project management structure is adequate to the
successful implementation of the project. (Total 25 points). This
criterion includes:
1. Adequacy of the project management structure and feasibility of
the time task plan, particularly in relation to identified project
products (15 points).
2. The qualifications of staff identified to manage and implement
the program. (10 points)
Organizational capability is demonstrated at a level
sufficient to support the project successfully. Previous experience and
history in providing victim assistance and in establishing effective
relations with the media will be taken into account during the
selection process. (25 points)
Budgeted costs are reasonable, allowable, and cost-
effective for the activities to be undertaken. (15 points)
Award period: The award will provide support over no longer than a
12 month period.
Award amount: OVC will make up to $50,000 available for this
project.
Due date: Applications must be received no later than 60 days from
the date of this published announcement.
Contact: For further information contact Melanie Smith, Special
Projects Division, OVC at (202) 514-6444.
Training Mental Health Providers to Assist Crime Victims
$60,000
Purpose: To promote an effective response to crime victim needs by
mental health professionals and to bridge a professional gap between
mental health professionals and victim service providers.
Background: Victims of crime often seek out support and counselling
from mental health professionals in the aftermath of crime. Emotional
and psychological trauma suffered as a result of crime is unique.
Mental health professionals are not always trained to provide an
effective response. Thus, this project is intended to enhance treatment
by making such professionals aware of crime victimization issues.
This training and technical assistance project is also intended to
bridge a gap between the victim assistance and mental health
counselling professions. There is an overlap between the two
professions in that counselling is offered to crime victims by members
of both. This project will identify the goals of each profession and
will suggest strategies, to be implemented at the state and local
level, for enhancing the professional relationship between mental
health professionals and victim service providers.
Goal:
To enhance the provision of appropriate mental health
services to crime victims and to facilitate effective referrals by
victim assistance providers to mental health practitioners.
Objectives:
To develop a training manual and training curriculum for
mental health service providers and victim service providers on mental
health issues uniquely experienced by crime victims.
To develop strategies on creating an effective
relationship among both the victim assistance and mental health
profession--one that serves crime victims well.
To present the developed curriculum at a professional
gathering of mental health professionals, i.e. a conference workshop
conducted by the American Psychological Association.
Within the context of service crime victims' needs, to
make mental health professionals and victim assistance providers
familiar with each other's professional objectives.
To assist victim assistance professionals in identifying
specific behaviors or circumstances that might merit victim referral to
a mental health practitioner.
To develop a monograph, capable of being re-printed in the
form of an OVC Bulletin, that provides the reader with a condensed
version of the substance of the manual.
Program strategy: The grant recipient will convene a one or two-day
working group of mental health and victim assistance professionals to
outline the content of the grant products. The developed training
manual will cover basic topics such as the trauma of victimization;
identifying and assessing signs of crisis and post-traumatic stress
disorder that arise from crime victimization; and developing treatment
plans for specific kinds of victimization, (e.g., domestic violence,
sexual assault, sexual abuse, homicide survivors, etc.). It will also
identify both written and institutional sources of more in-depth,
current information for practitioners treating crime victims. The
companion, training curriculum will serve as a training guide for
participants in OVC's Trainers Bureau, as well as other instructors,
who wish to provide training on crime victims' mental health needs. The
grant recipient will present the training products at one or a series
of conferences involving members of national psychological
organizations, as well as victim service providers. To the extent
allowed under the budget, copies of the project manual will be printed.
Finally, a condensed version of the manual, capable of being
distributed in the form of an OVC Bulletin, will be drafted.
Victims of Federal as well as state and local crime will be
assisted through the project products.
Eligibility requirements: Qualified applicants must possess
expertise in mental health treatment for victims in a clinical setting
and must demonstrate a commitment to present the developed curriculum
and materials at a national conference attended by mental health
practitioners. Review criteria will include the applicant's plan to
select and consolidate existing, relevant information on victims'
mental health issues into a concise and practical training manual; and
its proposed plan to present the training products to as wide a
national audience as possible.
Selection criteria: All applicants will be evaluated and rated
based on the extent to which they meet the following weighted criteria.
Statement of the problem to be addressed by the project.
(5 points)
The goals and objectives of the proposed project are
clearly defined. (10 points)
The project design or strategy is sound and contains
program elements directly linked to the achievement of project
objectives. (20 points)
The project management structure is adequate to the
successful implementation of the project. (Total 25 points). This
criterion includes:
1. Adequacy of the project management structure and feasibility of
the time task plan, particularly in relation to identified project
products. (15 points)
2. The qualifications of staff identified to manage and implement
the program. (10 points)
Organizational capability is demonstrated at a level
sufficient to support the project successfully. Previous experience and
history in providing victim assistance and contacts with mental health
organizations capable of disseminating project products throughout the
country. (25 points)
Budgeted costs are reasonable, allowable, and cost-
effective for the activities to be undertaken. (15 points)
Award period: The award will provide support over no longer than a
12 month period.
Award amount: OVC will make up to $60,000 available for this
project.
Due date: Applications must be received no later than 60 days from
the date of this published Announcement.
Contact: For further information contact Duane Ragan, Special
Projects Division, OVC at (202) 514-6444.
Field-Initiated, Topic-Specific Training and Technical Assistance
$100,000
Purpose: The purpose of this program is to provide funding support
for up to two projects at $50,000 each that will improve the quality of
services to crime victims. The awarded funding will be used to support
the development of training materials and the provision of training on
a variety of specific topics relating to crime victims and of concern
to victim service providers, law enforcement, mental health
practitioners, the clergy, and others who play a critical role in
responding to victims.
Background: Violent crime and the knowledge that any person,
without provocation or warning can become a victim of crime, has
increased the need for competent personnel to assist crime victims in
the aftermath of a crime. A fundamental component to providing high-
quality services to crime victims is trained, competent direct service
providers.
To expand the cadre of skilled professionals and volunteers
providing high quality services, each year OVC funds training for
direct service providers. With this program, OVC is again soliciting
proposals for developing and conducting training and technical
assistance. However, the focus of this program is the provision of
training on specific topics relating to crime victims. OVC expects that
such a training format will serve as an opportunity to address timely,
relevant issues relating to crime victims and appropriate for
concentrated examination, discussion, and instruction. Examples of
specific topics may include, but are not limited to, how to provide
effective services for survivors of homicide victims, victims of gang
violence, elderly abuse victims, adults molested as children, drunk
driving crash victims, spouse abuse, child abuse, etc. Previous years
topic-specific solicitations have yielded grant awards for training and
technical assistance in the areas of drug-related crimes, bias crimes,
and elder abuse.
There are many new and innovative approaches to assisting victims
in the aftermath of a crime. OVC is soliciting applications which will
improve the quality of victim services. Targeted personnel to be
trained include, but are not limited to, victim service providers,
mental health practitioners, judges, prosecutors, clergy, law
enforcement, etc. Since the amount of money available for such training
is limited and the on-going need for training is extensive, preference
will be given to proposals which utilize or build upon existing
training curriculums focused on the specific topic or audience.
Goal:
To develop and offer topic-specific training to direct
victims service providers, mental health practitioners, judges,
prosecutors, clergy and others so that services to victims of crime
will be improved.
Objectives:
To assess existing research and training programs on the
topic.
To develop a training curriculum.
To develop a training and technical assistance package for
presentation.
To provide training and technical assistance.
Program strategy: Specific products will be produced at each stage
of each funded project.
Stage I--Assessment
As part of the assessment, the selected applicant's first quarterly
report will describe efforts to ensure that the topical materials to be
presented are up-to-date, comprehensive, and adequate in scope.
Stage II--Curriculum Development
As a result of work undertaken during the training curriculum
development stage, a training curriculum will be developed based on
material collected and reviewed during stage one.
Stage III--Development of Training and Technical Assistance Package
The training and technical assistance package for presentation will
include, at a minimum:
Identification of training and technical assistance
personnel.
The development of a training agenda.
The development of a draft and final training manual.
Comprehensive training manuals that detail the project's design and
operation must be developed to encourage and facilitate replication of
the training event.
The development of a report summarizing the project,
capable of nationwide distribution in the form of an OVC Bulletin.
Stage IV--Provision of Training and Technical Assistance
Finally, during the training and technical assistance provision
stage, the applicant will be expected to explain the methods and
approaches to be employed to implement this stage. Products to be
completed will include, at a minimum:
A training event(s);
An evaluation of the training; and
A final report.
Eligibility requirements: Applications are invited from public and
private agencies and organizations having an in depth knowledge and
expertise in the subject of their application. Applicants must
demonstrate that they have ample expertise and/or prior experience in
the design and conduct of a project of a nature similar to that for
which they are applying.
Selection criteria: In determining which applications to fund, OVC
will consider the following:
A. The topic to be addressed by the project is clearly stated.
Applicants should include a background section demonstrating a clear
understanding of the state-of-the-art regarding the topic and a
statement justifying the need of victim service providers and other
professionals for the proposed training. (15 points)
B. Goals and objectives of the proposed project are clearly
defined. (10 points)
C. The project design is sound and contains program elements
directly linked to the achievement of project objectives. (20 points)
D. The project management structure is adequate to the successful
conduct of the project. This criterion includes: adequacy and
appropriateness of the project management structure and the feasibility
of the time task-plan; and, the qualifications of staff identified to
manage the project, and develop and deliver training in the proposed
topical area to be addressed by the grant project, including the
clarity and appropriateness of position descriptions, required
qualifications and selection criteria relative to the specific
functions set out in the implementation plan. (20 points)
E. Organizational capability is demonstrated at a level sufficient
to successfully support the project. This criterion includes the extent
and quality of organizational experience in the development, delivery,
and coordination of programs of a similar nature. (15 points)
F. Budgeted costs are reasonable, allowable and cost-effective for
the activities to be undertaken. This criterion includes completeness
and appropriateness of the proposed costs in relation to the proposed
strategy and tasks to be accomplished. The use of materials already
proven to be effective and their contribution to cost containment will
be considered. (20 points)
Award period: The award period will provide support over a 12 month
period.
Amount of award: OVC will make up to $100,000 available for this
program effort. Grants up to $50,000 each will be awarded for
individual projects.
Due date: Applications must be received no later than 60 days from
the date of this published announcement.
Contact: For further information contact Jo Morrow, Special
Projects Division, OVC at (202) 514-6444.
IV. Solicitations for FY 1995
Children's Justice Act Discretionary Grant Program for Native Americans
$698,771
The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) authorizes the award of grants for
the purpose of assisting Indian tribes in developing, establishing, and
operating programs designed to improve the handling, investigation, and
prosecution of child abuse cases, particularly child sexual abuse cases
(42 U.S.C. 10601 (g)(1)). This funding will support the continuation of
successful projects awarded under the CJA program in FY 1994. Only the
current, active CJA grantees need apply. These funds will be awarded
early in FY 1995. Current grantees may contact Cathy Sanders, Federal
Crime Victims Division, (202) 514-6445.
Investigation and Handling of Child Sexual Abuse Cases
$30,000
The goal of this project is to provide support for specialized
training for Federal criminal justice professionals at the National
Symposium on Child Sexual Abuse. The grant will be awarded in early FY
1995 and the training will be offered in the Spring of 1995 at the
Eleventh National Symposium. A Federal Training Day preceding the
symposium and a separate Federal training curriculum to address issues
uniquely experienced by Federal criminal justice professionals will be
supported with this funding (42 U.S.C. 10603(c)(1)(B)). Funds will
cover registration fees for the Federal criminal justice personnel
selected to attend the training symposium. Teams of Federal
prosecutors, DOJ Victim-Witness Coordinators, criminal investigators,
and other members of Federal District multidisciplinary teams will
attend. The training will promote a comprehensive multi-disciplinary
approach among these professionals.
This program will be implemented by the National Children's
Advocacy Center of Huntsville, Alabama, the sponsor of the National
Symposium on Child Sexual Abuse. No other applications will be
solicited in FY 94.
Twelve Years Later Symposium
$20,000
OVC will use $20,000 in training and technical assistance dollars
to host a symposium to present findings and offer technical assistance
to victim service providers on the implementation of the 68
recommendations found in the President's Task Force on Victims of
Crime. OVC plans to contract for the services of experts in the field
to author articles assessing the implementation of victims rights and
services and forwarding recommendations to further improve the plight
of crime victims. Potential article authors include medical
professionals, judges, psychologists, law enforcement officers, and
other representatives from the many professions who interface with
victims of crime. The consultant/authors' article would reflect their
perceptions based on extensive expertise in the victims' field. OVC
will review their work and arrange for a formal release of the
publication via a symposium hosted by the Attorney General. This
project would serve to stimulate the effective provision of victim
services throughout the country. This project will be managed in-house,
therefore, no applications are being solicited.
For further information regarding participation as either an author
of an article for the report or attendance at the symposium, please
contact: Melanie Smith, Special Projects Division, (202) 514-6444.
Resources for National Crime Victims' Rights Week 1995
$20,000
Purpose: The purpose of this project is to draw national attention
to National Crime Victims Rights Week, 1995, through the development
and dissemination of materials in the form of a kit and in the
development of appropriate public relations strategies.
Background: Compared to prior years, OVC is allocating additional
OVC resources for the purpose of assisting in the publication of a
National Crime Victims Rights Week kit. OVC hopes that funding and a
competitive award process will generate innovative ideas for
commemorating this important annual event. National Crime Victims
Rights Week heightens public awareness on the plight of innocent
victims of crime. We hope that the kit produced under this project will
effectively assist victim service providers in igniting public advocacy
efforts for victim rights. The product will be subject to OVC approval
and will be distributed to at least 5,000 organizations, including OVC
victim assistance subgrantees, state victim compensation programs and
others throughout the United States.
Goal:
This project is proposed to solicit creative, innovative
ideas for commemorating National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 1995 and
heightening public awareness of victim issues nationwide.
Objectives:
To address the goal of this project through the
development and dissemination of a Crime Victims Rights Week kit.
To disseminate the project product nationwide and in a
timely manner.
Program strategy: Though appropriations will be solicited and
received in 1994, an award will not be made until early Fiscal Year
1995. Project applications should include ideas for effectively and
creatively conducting outreach to the public in all areas of the
country. Project applications may also include strategies for obtaining
public service announcement scripts; suggestions for observance of the
Week at the state, local and Federal levels; detailed suggested
logistics for carrying out an observance on a community-wide basis;
ideas on the development of a commemorative poster; implementation of a
product distribution plan, etc. Drafts will be accepted in a form of
the applicant's choosing: a concept paper; an annotated table of
contents; outline for the resource book; art work or sketches to be
included in the guidebook, and/or cover design; or a rough draft of the
contents to show writing ability, style and format.
Eligibility requirements: Knowledge of victim issues and previous
work in generating public awareness with respect to National Crime
Victims Rights Week.
Selection criteria: All applicants will be evaluated and rated
based on the extent to which they meet the following weighted criteria.
In general, all applications received will be reviewed in terms of
their responsiveness to the minimum program application requirements as
well as the stated program goals and objectives. Applications will be
evaluated by a peer review panel according to the OVC Competition and
Peer Review Guidance. The selection criteria and their point values are
as follows:
Statement of the problem to be addressed by the project.
(5 points)
The goals and objectives of the proposed project are
clearly defined. (10 points)
The project design or strategy is sound and contains
program elements directly linked to the achievement of project
objectives. (20 points)
The project management structure is adequate to the
successful implementation of the project. (Total 25 points). This
criterion includes:
1. Adequacy of the project management structure and feasibility of
the time task plan, particularly in relation to identified project
products (15 points).
2. The qualifications of staff identified to manage and implement
the program. (10 points)
Organizational capability is demonstrated at a level
sufficient to support the project successfully. Previous experience and
history in providing victim assistance and in commemorating National
Crime Victims Rights week through the publication of materials will be
taken into account during the selection process. (25 points)
Budgeted costs are reasonable, allowable, and cost-
effective for the activities to be undertaken. (15 points)
Award period: The award will provide support over no longer than a
12 month period.
Award amount: OVC will make up to $20,000 available for this
project.
Due date: Applications must be received no later than 60 days from
the date of this published Announcement.
Contact: For further information contact Jo Morrow, Special
Projects Division, OVC at (202) 514-6444.
Solicitation of Concept Papers for FY 1995
OVC is soliciting concept papers (5-10 pages) for innovative
training and technical assistance programs that may be considered for
funding in FY 1995. The purpose of this effort is to identify
innovative ideas to improve the response to the nation's crime victims
through the provision of training and technical assistance. Often,
successful victim assistance approaches are fashioned to address a
unique need in a particular community. OVC is seeking input from the
victim assistance field by soliciting innovative ideas that describe
new ways of meeting the needs of crime victims.
Concept papers may focus on the needs of a specific group of crime
victims, such as victims of workplace violence, may focus on improving
the quality of services, or may focus on a new concept or design for
providing services (e.g., child advocacy centers). Such concept papers
will permit OVC to identify program areas of primary interest to the
field, to determine program funding priorities, to identify emerging
issues, and to explore innovative ideas that address crime victims
needs.
Concept papers will be reviewed as part of OVC's FY 1995 program
planning process. The papers should support the development of training
materials and the delivery of training on specific topics relating to
crime victims. Topics discussed in the concept papers also should
address the needs of victim service providers, law enforcement, mental
health practitioners, the clergy, or others who play a critical role in
responding to victims of crime.
A brief program narrative should be included to describe the need
for any project described in a concept paper, the process by which the
project would be undertaken, the method of determining the effects and
quality of the project, and the possible products arising from the
project.
The submission of a concept paper does not in any way constitute a
commitment by OVC to award a grant to support any program proposed in
the concept paper.
Concept papers should be submitted to David Osborne, OVC, (202)
307-5947 for consideration. The concept papers will be reviewed in
conjunction with Administration priorities, OVC legislative mandates,
and staff input during the development of OVC's FY 1995 discretionary
program planning priorities. Invitations to submit applications for
funding on a competitive basis will be announced in OVC's FY 1995
program plan. A specific invitation by OVC to submit a grant
application as a result of the concept paper review process will not in
any way constitute a commitment by OVC to award a grant to support that
proposed project.
IV. Eligibility Requirement
In addition to special eligibility requirements listed within the
individual program descriptions above, the following will apply.
Applications are invited from public and private agencies and
organizations. Applications will be accepted from for-profit agencies
as long as they agree to waive any profit and accept only actual
allowable costs. Applicants must demonstrate that they have ample
expertise and/or prior experience in the design and conduct of projects
of a nature similar to that for which they are applying.
Applicants must also demonstrate that they have the management
capability, fiscal integrity, and financial responsibility, including
but not limited to an acceptable accounting system and internal
controls, and compliance with grant fiscal requirements. Applicants who
fail to demonstrate that they have the capability to manage the program
will be ineligible for funding consideration.
V. Application Requirements
All applicants must submit a completed Application for Federal
Assistance (Standard Form 424), including a program narrative. All
applications must include the information outlined in this section of
the solicitation (Section V, Application Requirements) in Part IV,
Program Narrative of the application (SF-424). The program narrative of
the application should not exceed 35 double-spaced pages in length.
In accordance with Executive Order No. 12549, 28 CFR 67.510,
applications must also provide Certifications Regarding Lobbying,
Debarment, Suspension, and other Responsibility Matters; and Drug-Free
Workplace Requirements (OJP Form 4061/6), which will be supplied with
the application package, and must be submitted with the application.
Applications that include non-competitive contracts for the
provision of specific services must include a sole source justification
for any procurement in excess of $25,000.
The following information must be included in the application (SF-
424) Part IV Program Narrative:
A. Organizational Capability. Applicants must demonstrate that they
are eligible to compete for this grant on the basis of the eligibility
criteria established in Section IV of this solicitation. Applicants
must concisely describe their organizational experience with respect to
the eligibility criteria specified in each program description listed
above. Applicants must demonstrate how their organizational experience
and capabilities will enable them to achieve the goals and objectives
of this initiative. Applicants are invited to append examples of prior
work products of a similar nature to their application.
Applicants must demonstrate that their organization has or can
establish fiscal controls and accounting procedures which assure that
Federal funds available under this agreement are disbursed and
accounted for properly. Applicants who have not previously received
Federal funds will be asked to submit a copy of the Office of Justice
Programs Accounting System and Financial Capability Questionnaire (OJP
Form 7120/1). Copies of the form will be provided in the application
kit and must be prepared and submitted along with the application.
Other applicants may be requested to submit this form. The CPA
certification (Section H) is required only of those applicants who have
not previously received Federal funding.
B. Program Goals and Objectives. A brief statement of the
applicant's understanding of the goals and objectives of the program
should be included. The application should also include a problem
statement and a discussion of the potential contribution of this
program to the field.
C. Program Strategy. Applicants should describe the proposed
approach for achieving the goals and objectives of each program. A
detailed discussion of how the activities and products of each program
would be accomplished should be included.
D. Program Implementation Plan. Applicants should prepare a plan
that outlines the major activities involved in implementing the
program, describe how they will allocate available resources to
implement the project, and also describe how the program will be
managed.
The plan must also include an organizational chart depicting the
roles and describing the responsibilities of key organizational and
functional components and a list of key personnel responsible for
managing and implementing the major stages of the project. Applicants
must present detailed position descriptions, qualifications, and
selection criteria for each position. This documentation and individual
resumes may be submitted as appendices to the applications.
E. Time-Task Plan. Applicants must develop a time-task plan for the
duration of the project periods, clearly identifying major milestones
and products. This must include designation of organizational
responsibility and a schedule for the completion of the activities and
products. Applicants should also indicate the anticipated cost schedule
per month for the entire project period.
F. Products. Applicants must concisely describe the interim and
final products of each stage of the program.
G. Program Budget. Budgets must be accompanied by a detailed
justification for all costs, including the basis for computation of
these costs. Applications containing contract(s) must include detailed
budgets for each organization's expenses.
H. Evaluation. Each grant recipient will be required to submit
formal findings from an assessment or evaluation, within 60 days of the
completion of each year's activities and within 90 days of project
completion. Each application must provide a plan for assessing or
evaluating the project.
VI. Procedures for Selection
All applications will be evaluated and rated based on the extent to
which they meet the established weighed criteria. In general, all
applications received will be reviewed in terms of their responsiveness
to the minimum program application requirements set forth in Section
IV. Applications will be evaluated by a peer review panel according to
the OVC Competition and Peer Review Guidance.
Applications submitted in response to the competitive announcements
will be evaluated by a peer review panel. The results of the peer
review will be a relative aggregate ranking of applications in the form
of ``Summary of Ratings.'' These will ordinarily be based on numerical
values assigned by individual peer reviewers. Peer review
recommendations, in conjunction with the results of internal review and
any necessary supplementary reviews, will assist OVC in considering
competing applications and in selection of the application for funding.
The final award decision will be made by the OVC Director.
VII. Submission Requirements
All applicants responding to this solicitation are subject to the
following requirements:
1. Upon request to OVC, the necessary forms for application will be
provided, along with Department of Justice certification information.
2. Applicants must submit the original signal application (Standard
Form 424) and two copies to OVC. Applicants should also include
Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment; Suspension and other
Responsibility Matters; and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements (Form
4061/6), in order to meet the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace
Act of 1988 (Pub. L. 100-690, title V, subtitle D) and the Disclosure
of Lobbying Activities Form (SF LLL) in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 1352.
3. All applications must be received by mail or hand delivered to
OVC by 5 p.m. E.S.T. by the established deadline. Those applications
sent by mail should be addressed to: Office for Victims of Crime, U.S.
Department of Justice, 633 Indiana Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20531.
Hand delivered applications must be taken to OVC, 633 Indiana Avenue,
NW., room 1352, Washington, DC between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
except Saturdays, Sundays or Federal holidays.
OVC will notify applicants in writing of the receipt of their
application. Subsequently, applicants will be notified by letters as to
the decision made regarding whether or not their submission will be
recommended for funding. Applications will be reviewed as Peer Review
Panels can be convened. Every effort will be made to review
applications in a timely manner.
VIII. Civil Rights Compliance
A. All recipients of OVC assistance, including and contractors,
must comply with the non-discrimination requirements of the Victims of
Crime Act of 1984, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 10604 (e); title VI of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2000d, et seq.; section
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; subtitle A, title II
of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA of 1990), 42 U.S.C. 12101,
et seq.; title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, 20
U.S.C. 1681-1683; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, 42
U.S.C. 6101, et seq.; Department of Justice non-Discrimination
Regulations, 28 CFR part 42, subparts C, D, E, and G; and Department of
Justice regulations on disability discrimination, 28 CFR part 35 and
part 39.
B. In the event a Federal or State court or Federal or State
administrative agency makes a finding of discrimination after a due
process hearing on the grounds of race, color, religion, national
origin, sex, or disability against a recipient of funds, the recipient
will forward a copy of the finding to the Office for Civil Rights,
Office of Justice Programs.
Carolyn A. Hightower,
Acting Director, Office for Victims of Crime.
[FR Doc. 94-8298 Filed 4-7-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4410-18-P
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