The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) is now accepting applications for funding under the federal Victims of Crime Act of 1984 (VOCA) grant program. The primary purpose of the VOCA grant program is to support the provision of essential and direct services to victims of crime.
The goal of this VOCA funding announcement is to support project activities currently funded through the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) 2023-2025 (Non-Competitive) funding announcement from PCCD.
The anticipated impact with VOCA funding is for victims of crime to be provided with essential services that will benefit them in the aftermath of the crime. Possible benefits for crime victims include, but are not limited to, increased coping skills; enhanced knowledge regarding the traumatic impact of criminal victimization; the restoration of safety and security; and the fostering of self-empowerment and healing.
VOCA funds may only be used to provide direct services to crime victims. The services must respond to the emotional, psychological, or physical needs of crime victims, assist victims in stabilizing their lives after victimization, assist victims to understand and participate in the criminal and juvenile justice process, or restore a measure of security and safety for the crime victim. Allowable activities include:
- Immediate emotional, psychological and physical health and safety
- Personal advocacy and emotional support
- Mental health counseling
- Facilitation of participation in the criminal justice system and other public proceedings (e.g., juvenile justice hearings, civil commitment proceedings) arising from the crime
- Legal assistance services where the need for such services arises as a direct result of the victimization
- Forensic Interviews
- Public awareness
- Transitional housing
- Relocation
- Coordination of activities that facilitate the provision of direct services; including, but not limited to, crisis response teams, multi-disciplinary teams, coalitions to support and assist victims and other such programs, and salaries and expenses of such coordinators.
- Multi-system, interagency, multidisciplinary response to crime victim needs
- Volunteer Trainings
- Restorative Justice
- Automated systems and technology that support delivery of direct services to crime victims (e.g. case management systems, computers, smart phones and tablets, etc.)
- Contracting for specialized professional services (e.g., psychological/psychiatric consultation, legal services, interpreters)
More information on allowable costs is available in Appendix A of the 2018 Program Guidance.