Victim advocates report caseload and service increases; new VOCA cycle funds staffing through July 1

Devin Shakespeare updated the County Commission on the VOCA victim services grant, reporting that the first year of the current two‑year grant cycle is nearly complete and all year‑one funds have been spent.

Shakespeare said the new grant year starts July 1 with an allocation of $21,000 intended to cover a portion of the coordinator's hourly wages and benefits; the program tracks grant‑funded hours and reports quarterly to the funder.

On caseloads, staff reported county service counts rose from 209 clients last year to 261 this year (July 1 through mid‑May), and the number of domestic violence clients increased from 54 to 91. Shakespeare said he had logged about 1,300 individual services (referrals, court notifications, victim impact statement support and similar actions) and noted collaboration with local partner programs such as a Reach safe‑housing program and a denim‑day walk.

Commissioners thanked Shakespeare for the update and asked whether the observed trends mirror statewide numbers; Shakespeare said he had only observed similar increases from the Children's Justice Center in Washington County and did not have statewide trend data.

Staff will continue to track services, report quarterly on grant‑funded hours and reapply for the next two‑year VOCA cycle when appropriate.