Gov. Ralph Northam today announced that $5.9 million in grants administered by the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) have been awarded to support the Commonwealth’s criminal justice system. The grants were approved by the Criminal Justice Services Board (CJSB) at its meeting in Richmond on Dec. 6.
These grant funds are allocated to Virginia through the federal Violence Against Women Act and the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program. The awards include over $4.5 million to bolster the response to crimes of violence against women and services for survivors, and $1.4 million to provide equipment, technology, and training for law enforcement agencies throughout the Commonwealth.
“This funding is key to our ability to respond to the diverse needs of our communities and build a safer, healthier Virginia,” said Gov. Northam. “From survivors of violent crimes, to the law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line each day to protect our Commonwealth, these resources will help ensure that all Virginians have the opportunity to thrive.”
Included in the awards is a grant to expand the Court Appointed Special Advocate Program (CASA) to the 16th Judicial District in Culpeper County, an area currently without CASA services. CASA is a child advocacy organization that seeks to provide trained volunteers to speak for abused and neglected children who are the subjects of juvenile court proceedings.
“These grants are just one example of the many great ways DCJS and the Board have worked to expand the availability of these critical services in Virginia,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian Moran. “I know that the availability of these programs and services for crime victims, as well as funding for law enforcement, will have a tremendous impact on communities across the Commonwealth.”
“We are delighted that the children of Culpeper County will have the support of CASA volunteers when their cases are before the court,” said Culpeper Human Services Director Lisa Peacock. “Already an extremely difficult time in the lives of children, these CASA volunteers will provide additional support to help them get the resources they need to heal and thrive.”
“Each year, DCJS administers nearly 1,000 grants totaling over $250 million in state and federal funds.” said DCJS Director Shannon Dion. “These grants support programs and initiatives across the criminal justice system and enable DCJS to provide extensive training and technical assistance to agencies throughout Virginia.”
More information about the grants approved by the Board on Dec. 6 is available on the DCJS website at www.dcjs.virginia.gov.
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