Utah Victim Services Program (UVSP)

Eligibility

This state funding is allocated as continuation funding and is non-competitive. ONLY PROGRAMS WHO CURRENTLY RECIEVE FUNDING SHOULD APPLY FOR THIS FUNDING. UVSP funded programs currently receiving funding will continue to receive the same dollar amount as their original award.

Criminal Justice Programs

The general purpose of this contract is to provide state funding to a criminal justice system based advocacy program within the specified county or jurisdiction outlined above.  The program should employ Criminal Justice System Victim Advocates (CJSVA) as defined as an employee authorized by a government agency that possesses a role or responsibility within the criminal justice system, and has a primary responsibility to address the mental, physical, and/or emotional recovery of victims. See Utah State Code 77-38-403.  The CJSVA provides crisis intervention, support throughout the criminal justice process, and connects victims of crime to resources. The CJSVA acts as a liaison between the victim, the criminal justice system, and allied agencies that are focused on system improvement. The CJSVA ensures the victim’s rights are upheld and honored. 

In order to ensure that core services are being provided for all victims in the criminal justice system, UOVC has established the following standards to be implemented in every one of the criminal justice victim advocacy programs that will receive state funding: 

• Advocate for all types of crimes, and not solely focus on one area of victimizations. 
• Actively listen to and collaborate with the victim to address their mental, physical, and/or emotional needs for recovery.
• Recognize the interests of the victim as a primary responsibility. 
• Act as a liaison between the victim and law enforcement officers and/or prosecutors. 
• Provide crisis intervention (e.g. on-scene response, walk-in crisis assistance, and/or hotline calls)
• Review police reports and/or court records to provide follow-up contact and resources to victims of crime. 
• Educate, notify, advocate, support, and/or accompany the crime victim throughout the criminal justice process.
• Inform crime victims of their constitutional rights and ensure their rights are upheld.
• Safety plan with the crime victim initially and consistently. 
• Address the need for orders of protection and assist with obtaining civil orders of protection, criminal orders of protection, and/or jail release no contact orders.
• Assist victims with pre-sentence investigation reports, victim impact statements, reparation applications, and/or restitution efforts. 
• Inform victims about the automated victim notification systems (VINE) 
• Connect victims with community resources for additional support. 
• Ensure victims receive services and assistance in their language and utilize certified interpreters in criminal justice proceedings. 
• Understand and respect values, attitudes, beliefs, and customs that differ across cultures, and respond appropriately to these differences when assisting victims of crime.  
• Intervene with employer, creditor, landlord, or academic institution.

In addition to the core services to be provided above, victim advocates shall have knowledge of the State of Utah Criminal Justice System and Victims’ Rights Act; policies, practices, and techniques of crisis intervention; trauma informed response modalities, and practices; and cultural awareness and language access best practices. Victim advocates will also increase collaboration and communication with law enforcement agencies, courts, legal representatives, children's justice centers, and community-based programs. Last, victim advocates shall have the responsibility to: 

• Be the regional advocate liaison for mass casualty victim response plan.
• Strengthen the advocacy response to criminal justice crime victims in the region. 
• Complete 40 hours of trauma informed training per Utah Code 77-38-403 
• Coordinate with the Victim Rights Chair in each corresponding judicial district for victim’s rights complaints and remedies. 

Legal Programs

This funding provides a crucial baseline level of legal services for all crime victims across the state of Utah to ensure safety of those victims and lend toward justice. Victim services may be in the form of orders of protection, victims rights, immigration, family law, and other civil matters. 

Underserved Programs

Utah is home to a number of diverse populations. Unfortunately, there are many whose access to victim services is extremely limited. To make matters worse, individuals who are a part of underserved communities are at greater risk to become victims of crime. This funding supports victims services that are specific to the unique needs of underserved victims. 

Reporting Requirements

Allowable and Unallowable Costs