To serve crime victims more effectively, victim service organizations must use fundamental financial management practices to stay solvent and operate properly.

In the Financial Management training, you will learn key bookkeeping and accounting principles, how to prepare financial documents, how to prevent fraud, and the differences in available financial management tools.
The training will be delivered online, over the course of 6 weeks, beginning on April 27, 2020. Each week, except for the introductory week, will include a facilitated webinar. Additionally, there are recommended readings and videos, as well as written assignments. You should expect to spend about an hour per week on these in addition to attending the 75-minute webinar. CEUs will be awarded for those who complete all requirements. You will find the training schedule here.

The Financial Management training is part of the NVAA Effective Management Series and, like all OVC TTAC trainings, there is no cost to participate. Please note: Space is limited, so apply today to reserve your spot.
APPLY TODAY

Online, digital voice service, text, or email-based hotlines are a crucial lifeline for victims. If you or someone you know has been a victim of crime, there are services available to help. Explore OVC’s Helplines page to find hotlines (both toll-free and online) that serve victims of a wide range of crimes, including human trafficking, domestic violence, sexual assault, homicide, financial crimes, and stalking.  Resources also include the recently launched Department of Justice’s National Elder Fraud Hotline, managed by OVC, that provides support to adults ages 60 and older who may be victims of financial fraud.View these resources today to access direct services, information, and referrals.

The purpose of this solicitation is to select a set of coordinated training and technical assistance providers to deliver a wide range of TTA services to local, state, and tribal jurisdictions, service providers receiving funding under the Enhanced Collaborative Model (ECM) Task Force to Combat Human Trafficking Program, and others as identified by OJP. TTA providers funded under this solicitation are expected to work in collaboration with other OJP funded TTA programs that offer a range of services to support both crime victims and victim service providers. Current Closing Date for Applications: May 18, 2020.

Greetings OVC CTAS and VSSA Grantees,

OVC is seeking applicants for the OVC FY 2020 Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Formula Program solicitation.

This solicitation complements and builds on OVC’s prior tribal victim services set-aside discretionary funding program created in federal Fiscal Year 2018 to improve services for victims of crime in tribal communities.

Interested tribal applicants will be required to submit a pre-application with eligibility and population information due by Thursday, April 30, 2020, and a full application if OVC notifies them they are eligible to apply for a specified award amount.

OVC anticipates funding awards in the range of $350,000 to $3 million for a performance period of up to 5 years, estimated to begin on January 1, 2021. Amounts per tribe will be determined by a formula described in the Program-Specific Information section of the solicitation.

• Tuesday, April 7, 2020, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m., ET. Register for the webinar.
• Monday, April 13, 2020, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m., ET. Register for the webinar.

If you haven’t already, subscribe to News From OVC to be notified on future announcements related to this solicitation as well as other important OVC announcements.

Submit the pre-application by Thursday, April 30, 2020.

Pre-Application Deadline: Thursday, April 30, 2020

Full Application Deadline: Monday, June 15, 2020

If you need assistance Unified Solutions is here to help you!

Thank you!

On April 1, the Office of Justice Programs announced Jessica Hart as the new director for the Office for Victims of Crime. As the Director, Ms. Hart will oversee programs and services that help victims in the aftermath of crime and as they rebuild their lives.

Ms. Hart has over 10 years of diverse legal and public service experience, including positions within the federal government in the U.S. Department of Justice and in Congress. Prior to joining OVC, she served as the Intergovernmental and Public Liaison for the Department where she managed relationships with governors, state attorneys generals, elected officials, law enforcement, and key stakeholders. She also helped direct responses to congressional inquiries and prepare witnesses for testimony and briefings before the U.S. Congress. During that time, Ms. Hart supported crime victim-related legislation and public policy initiatives.

Learn more about Ms. Hart by reading her bio and the announcement of her appointment.

Description: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2020 Emergency Grants to Address Mental and Substance Use Disorders During COVID-19 (Short Title: Emergency COVID-19). SAMHSA recognizes there are currently 57.8 million Americans living with mental and/or substance use disorders (National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2018). The current national crisis of COVID-19 will certainly contribute to growth in these numbers. Americans across the country will struggle with increases in depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief. There is also anticipated increase in substance misuse as lives are impacted for individuals and families. The purpose of this program is to provide crisis intervention services, mental and substance use disorder treatment, and other related recovery supports for children and adults impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding will be provided for states, territories, and tribes to develop comprehensive systems to address these needs. The purpose of this program is specifically to address the needs of individuals with serious mental illness, individuals with substance use disorders, and/or individuals with co-occurring serious mental illness and substance use disorders.

Eligibility:
•Federally recognized American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) tribes, tribal organizations, Urban Indian Organizations, and consortia of tribes or tribal organizations.
•State governments, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau.

Application Due Date: Friday, April 10, 2020

Visit SAMHSA’s Emergency COVID-19 to learn more.

The 2020 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) Resource Guide is now online. The Resource Guide provides a wealth of materials, in English and Spanish, to educate the public about victims’ rights, protections, and services during NCVRW and throughout the year. Use these tools to help your organization plan for NCVRW.
The online guide includes—
• guidance on developing your campaign,
• tips and tools to communicate your message,
• the 2020 NCVRW Theme Video,
• web artwork, theme artwork, posters, and more
Use the 2020 NCVRW Resource Guide to help your organization raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at future events.

On March 31, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced the following information through a Dear Tribal Leader letter:

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act signed by President Trump on March 27, 2020, provides additional funding to assist Tribes in preventing, preparing for, and responding to coronavirus. The CARES Act includes a Coronavirus Relief Fund (CVF) that includes an $8 billion set aside for Tribal governments, to be distributed no later than April 26, 2020.

The U.S. Department of the Interior and Department of Treasury seeks input from Tribal leaders on developing a methodology or formula to allocate this $8 billion to Tribal governments, as outlined in the CARES Act, and guidance on what qualifies as necessary, so that they distribute the funds as soon as possible to address your needs in these unprecedented and uncertain times. Please join the Indian Affairs and representatives of the U.S. Department of Treasury on two following scheduled consultation sessions:

Thursday, April 2, 2020
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Phone number: 888-950-5924
Participant Code: 1682452

Thursday, April 9, 2020
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Phone number: 888-950-5924
Participant Code: 1682452

In the event that you are In the event you are unable to make the consultation call, please provide written comments and submit to consultation@bia.gov and tribal.consult@treasury.gov no later than Monday, April 13, 2020.

Office for Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance (OVC TTAC) Online Expert Q&A: “Sustainability Planning.” April 15, 2020 | 2:00–3:15 p.m. e.t.

Is your organization positioned to continue providing high-quality services to victims of crime while navigating the ebb and flow of resources, changes in organizational assets, and shifting community partnerships? These are just a few factors essential to sustainability, which is defined as the capacity of a program or organization to accomplish long-lasting success and stability. Please join this session to find out more about starting or expanding your organization’s sustainability planning efforts.

Office for Victims of Crime Tribal Financial Management Center (OVC TFMC) is offering Virtual TTA Sessions.

TFMC is available to provide virtual financial management training and technical assistance (TTA) support to OVC grantees and applicants. Virtual TTA offers a valuable learning opportunity for you (the grantee/applicant) to receive individualized support at your convenience. Virtual TTA is tailored to specifically assist you with any concerns and/or questions you have related to the financial aspects of your OVC award. TFMC will collaborate with you to develop an agenda and determine the best dates and times for you and your team.

If you are interested in scheduling a virtual TA session at no cost, please contact the Virtual Support Center at 703.462.6900 or tfmc@ovctfmc.org.

The United States Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) is seeking applications for the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program. This program furthers the Department’s mission by providing support to law enforcement and other criminal justice agencies to partner with mental health agencies and reduce crime and recidivism associated with people with mental illnesses.

All applications are due by 11:59 p.m. eastern time on May 18, 2020. Applicants must register here prior to submitting an application.

Free Virtual Training Opportunity

April 29, 2020 | 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM EDT

This webinar will provide a basic overview of autism and how it relates to wandering/elopement behaviors. Attendees will learn the reasons behind wandering, how to respond when a child with autism is missing, and the do’s and don’ts of searching for – and interacting with – this population.

Apply by May 26, 2020

OVC is seeking applicants for the FY 2020 Developing Future Victim Specialists to Serve American Indian/Alaska Native Victims of Crime solicitation.

This program will develop a workforce of direct victim service providers to American Indian and Alaska Native victims in hard-to-staff positions and locations.By identifying and training prospective victim service professionals in, or from, the communities to be served, tribal and Bureau of Indian Affairs’ victim service programs will be better able to fill direct victim service positions in remote Indian Country and Alaska Native locations, and in turn ensure that victims in these locations get the services they need.

OVC anticipates that it will make awards under two purpose areas, as follows:
• Purpose Area 1—Recruiting Interns/Residents to Serve Tribal Victims in the Continental United States.
• Purpose Area 2—Recruiting Interns/Residents to Serve Tribal Victims in Alaska.

OVC anticipates making up to 8 awards of up to $450,000 each for a 36-month period of performance.

Click here for more information!

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is consistent with the principles of tribal sovereignty and self-determination, and with an all of-the-above energy strategy that recognizes the breadth of energy resources on Tribal Lands, and each Tribe’s right to use them as they see fit. Projects sought under this FOA are fuel and technology neutral.

The intended results of the 50% cost-shared projects selected under this FOA are to reduce or stabilize energy costs and increase energy security and resiliency for Indian Tribes and tribal members.

An informational webinar will be held April 07, 2020 to provide information on the FOA to potential applicants.

Congress passed and the President signed into law H.R. 748, a national stimulus package designed to address the far-reaching impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Over the past several weeks, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), tribal nations, partner organizations, and tribal advocates worked tirelessly to develop Indian Country’s top policy priorities for addressing COVID-19 and push Congress to include these priorities in its stimulus package. The final legislation features strong provisions in support of these priorities and will help tribal communities across Indian Country as they respond to the pandemic.

NCAI extends its deepest gratitude to the members of Congress who fought for the inclusion of Indian Country’s priorities in the final legislation. The passage of this bill represents the first of several necessary steps that the federal government must take to ensure tribal nations, communities, organizations, and citizens have the resources they need to combat and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This legislation is not only a monumental achievement for Indian Country, it is a landmark affirmation of tribal governmental parity and the federal government’s trust and treaty obligations to tribal nations,” said NCAI CEO Kevin J. Allis. “Indian Country achieved this victory through the around-the-clock efforts of tribal leaders and advocates across the nation working as one to ensure that the needs of tribal governments and communities are addressed in the weeks and months to come. Unity is our greatest asset.”

Click here for a summary of the key tribal provisions.

International Association of Chiefs of Police launched a new web page that includes general information for law enforcement agencies about COVID-19, FEMA and WHO updates, and an Organizational Readiness Guide to help law enforcement prepare for and respond to COVID-19.

This webpage is dedicated to aiding law enforcement in learning more about COVID-19 and how agencies can prepare. We will post new information as it becomes available.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. It has now been identified in more than 90 countries. Coronaviruses are a family of viruses found in people and animals causing a range of illnesses from the common cold to severe respiratory infection. Due to the increased availability of testing, more COVID-19 infections are being identified every day. As it is a newly-identified virus, this is an emerging and rapidly-evolving situation and new information becomes available daily.

Today we launch National Child Abuse Prevention Month—the Children’s Bureau’s annual initiative to increase public awareness and provide resources to help protect children and prevent maltreatment.

Too often, we wait until maltreatment has already happened to react and repair the damage. However, by increasing the protective capacities of families and communities, we can reduce, mitigate, and prevent the negative outcomes associated with child abuse and neglect.

Like every family, every community is different, and prevention efforts must fit each community’s needs. Child abuse has consequences that last well into adulthood, and sometimes a complex set of stressors makes families more vulnerable.
You know your community best, and the National Child Abuse Prevention Month website is filled with resources to help you tailor information to the families in your area.

Introduced by Congress in 1998, the Denali Commission is an independent federal agency designed to provide critical utilities, infrastructure, and economic support throughout Alaska. With the creation of the Denali Commission, Congress acknowledged the need for increased inter-agency cooperation and focus on Alaska’s remote communities.

The Denali Commission is partnering with the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) to administer a $7 million program to assist victims of crime located in tribal areas of the state. As part of this three year project the Denali Commission will assist Alaskan Tribes through capacity building and technical assistance with the vast majority of the funds set-aside for grants to communities and entities to provide crucial victim services.

The AK TTA will support communities from conception to micro-grant implementation in a culturally informed approach. The AK TTA will provide technical assistance for the administrative reporting to the Commission as well as the Department of Justice’s Performance Measurement Tools including the Subgrant Award Report, Subgrantee Performance Measures Report, and Grantee report. The AK TTA will collect, summarize, and develop reports summarizing services provided. In addition, the AK TTA will compile year-end and grant-end reports documenting the training and technical assistance provided as well as micro-grantee successes for use by the Commission and DOJ.

All application materials are available under Related Documents as well as the Denali Commission website at https://www.denali.gov/programs. Applications will not be submitted in Grants.gov. Current Closing Date for Applications: May 15, 2020.

TFMC is available to provide virtual financial management training and technical assistance (TTA) support to OVC grantees and applicants. Virtual TTA offers a valuable learning opportunity for you (the grantee/applicant) to receive individualized support at your convenience. Virtual TTA is tailored to specifically assist you with any concerns and/or questions you have related to the financial aspects of your OVC award. TFMC will collaborate with you to develop an agenda and determine the best dates and times for you and your team.

If you are interested in scheduling a virtual TA session at no cost, please contact the Virtual Support Center at 703.462.6900 or tfmc@ovctfmc.org.

April 15, 2020 | 2:00–3:15 p.m. e.t.

Is your organization positioned to continue providing high-quality services to victims of crime while navigating the ebb and flow of resources, changes in organizational assets, and shifting community partnerships? These are just a few factors essential to sustainability, which is defined as the capacity of a program or organization to accomplish long-lasting success and stability. Please join this session to find out more about starting or expanding your organization’s sustainability planning efforts.

The 38th Annual Virtual Protecting Our Children Conference will be an opportunity for attendees to participate in NICWA’s conference from their communities. We will highlight keynote presentations as well as workshops available to view as webinars. The virtual conference will take place over the same dates as conference: March 30–April 1. Registration is $150 and you can register online. You can see a complete schedule of the event here.

Don’t forget to register for the pre-application webinar for the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) FY 2020 Enhancing Community Responses to America’s Addiction Crisis: Serving Our Youngest Crime Victims solicitation to learn how this program will support direct services for children and youth who are crime victims as a result of the nation’s addiction crisis, and provide training and technical assistance to the direct services grantees.

The pre-application webinar will be held today, March 23, 2020, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. e.t. to review the requirements and answer questions. Participation in the webinar is optional, but strongly encouraged.

Friday, March 20, 2020 12pm Eastern, 9am Pacific

Dial (866) 288-4581 Direct Event Code:1667819

Five national Native organizations are joining together to host a press teleconference to address the ongoing need for visibility to how the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is affecting Indian Country, as well as efforts with state and federal leaders to ensure that Indian Country is properly funded and resourced during this crisis. The Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA), the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), the National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA), the National Indian Health Board (NIHB), and the National Indian Education Association (NIEA) are offering the members of the press an opportunity to learn more about COVID-19 affects to Indian Country, including answering questions around areas such as health, education, housing, access to resources, and funding needs among other areas.

National Census of Victim Service Providers: Making the Most of Data

Tuesday, March 27, 2020 | 2 p.m. EST
The National Census of Victim Service Providers (NCVSP) is the first-ever effort to collect data from all victim service providers across the nation, providing characteristics of 12,196 victim service providers across all 50 states and Washington DC. This webinar will provide a brief background about the goals and methodology of the NCVSP and discuss key findings and potential uses of the NCVSP data. Presenters will provide guidance in analyzing the NCVSP data, highlighting some of the data strengths and limitations. The NCVSP data can now be downloaded for research or statistical purposes here.

Take a look at the “Tribal Public Health and the Law: Selected Resources” for information from the CDC and resources available while navigating through this difficult time.

Register for the FY 2020 Crime Victims’ Rights Legal Clinics pre-application webinar to learn how this initiative intends to support or expand on federal, state, local, and tribal efforts to enforce crime victims’ rights. The pre-application webinar will be held on Monday, March 16, 2020, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. e.t. to review the requirements and answer questions. Participation in the webinar is optional, but strongly encouraged.

OVC FY 2020 Law Enforcement-Based Victim Specialist Program Pre-Application WebinarOVC staff review the solicitation requirements and conduct a question and answer session with interested potential applicants.

-Review the Recording Webinar

-Download the Webinar Transcript

-Download the Power Point Presentation

Take a look at Office for Victims of Crime’s new Elder Fraud Hotline and Website. There are information and resources available for victims of elder fraud!

Explore strategies to enhance collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the community to reduce crime and improve community quality of life. Practice working in organized problem-solving teams to develop an action plan using community policing principles to address specific public safety threats in your community.

March 24-25, 2020 | Valentine, NE

Register here.

OVC is seeking applicants for the FY 2020 Enhancing Community Responses to America’s Addiction Crisis: Serving Our Youngest Crime Victims solicitation.

Applicants may apply under only one of the following purpose areas—

• Purpose Area 1: direct services to children and youth who are crime victims as a result of the nation’s addiction crisis, and

• Purpose Area 2: training and technical assistance for the direct services grantees.

OVC will conduct one pre-application webinar on Monday, March 23, 2020, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. eastern time to review requirements and answer questions. Participation in the webinar is optional, but strongly encouraged. Register for the webinar.
OVC anticipates making up to 25 awards under Purpose Area 1 of up to $700,000 each and 1 award under Purpose Area 2 of up to $1.5 million for a 36-month period of performance.

Apply here.

“This webinar will provide a detailed overview of the solicitation and allow an opportunity for interested applicants to ask questions. Preregistration is required for all participants. Due to the limited time, OJJDP encourages participants to review the solicitation and submit any questions they may have in advance and no later than 3 days prior. Submit your questions to grants@ncjrs.gov with the subject as “Questions for OJJDP FY 2020 Strategies to Support Children Exposed to Violence Webinar.”

OVC is seeking applicants for the FY 2020 Enhancing Services for Older Victims of Abuse and Financial Exploitation solicitation. The goal of this program is to improve outcomes, minimize additional trauma, and restore safety and security to older adult victims of abuse and financial exploitation.

Deadline: May 5, 2020

Posted: March 5, 2020

OVC will conduct one pre-application webinar on Thursday, March 26, 2020, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. eastern time to review requirements and answer questions. Participation in the webinar is optional, but strongly encouraged. Register for the webinar.

OVC anticipates making up to 12 awards up to $500,000 for a 36-month period of performance. Apply by May 5, 2020.

BJA’s Justice Reinvestment Initiative: Reducing Violent Crime by Improving Justice System Performance provides funding to develop and implement innovative and research-based responses that address a range of criminal justice system problems. It employs the Justice Reinvestment approach to criminal justice which recognizes that every justice agency has a role to play in preventing crime, apprehending and prosecuting perpetrators, ensuring efficient and effective court and pretrial decision making, facilitating appropriate sentencing and treatment, and protecting community security. Current Closing Date for Applications: May 01, 2020.

OVC is seeking applicants for FY 2020 Addressing Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting (FGM) solicitation. The goal of this program is to deliver programming to address and help stop the practice of FGM by—educating law enforcement, public health professionals, and educators on detecting at-risk girls in localities where FGM is a risk, responding to victims by providing appropriate services, and forming community networks of agencies and organizations that are positioned to identify persons at-risk. Applicants may apply under only one of the following purpose areas—

Purpose Area 1: a training and technical assistance provider will educate law enforcement, public health professionals, educators, and other professionals on detecting at-risk girls and provide support to the project sites.

Purpose Area 2: project sites will develop services to deliver to victims of FGM and work to increase education, detection, and local partner engagement to address and help stop victimization through FGM at the community level. OVC anticipates making one award under Purpose Area 1 of up to $1.2 million and up to eight awards under Purpose Area 2 of up to $300,000 each. OVC expects to make awards for a 36-month period of performance, to begin on October 1, 2020. Learn more and apply for the FY 2020 Addressing Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting solicitation. Apply by 11:59 p.m. eastern time on April 30, 2020.

Office for Victims of Crime is seeking applicants for the FY 2020 Crime Victims’ Rights Legal Clinics solicitation.This initiative is intended to support or expand federal, state, local, and tribal efforts to enforce crime victims’ rights. Applicants may apply under the following purpose areas—

Purpose Area 1: victims’ rights legal clinics that will provide the enforcement of crime victims’ rights in the criminal justice process, and

Purpose Area 2: one training and technical assistance provider to support the selected legal clinics. OVC anticipates making up to eight awards under purpose area 1 and one award under purpose 2 of up to $1 million each. OVC expects to make awards for a 36-month period of performance, to begin on October 1, 2020.

OVC will conduct one pre-application webinar on Thursday, March 12, 2020, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. eastern time to review requirements and answer questions. Participation in the webinar is optional, but strongly encouraged. Register for the webinar.
Learn more and apply for the FY 2020 Crime Victims’ Rights Legal Clinics solicitation at the link below.

This is a friendly reminder to register for the pre-application webinar for the recently released FY 2020 Law Enforcement-Based Victim Specialist Program solicitation.
“OVC will conduct one pre-application webinar on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. eastern time to review requirements and answer questions. Participation in the webinar is optional, but strongly encouraged. Register for the webinar.”

This OVC-funded initiative provides evidence-based information, training, and other resources for communities so they can effectively prepare for and respond to mass violence incidents. Take a look at the National Mass Violence Victimization Resource Center!

The Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Program (COSSAP) was developed as part of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) legislation. COSSAP’s purpose is to provide financial and technical assistance to states, units of local government, and Indian tribal governments to develop, implement, or expand comprehensive efforts to identify, respond to, treat, and support those impacted by illicit opioids, stimulants, and other drugs of abuse.

COSSAP aims to reduce the impact of these substances on individuals and communities, including a reduction in the number of overdose fatalities, as well as mitigate the impacts on crime victims by supporting comprehensive, collaborative initiatives.

Register for the FY 2020 Law Enforcement-Based Victim Specialist Program pre-application webinar to learn how this program seeks to assist state, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies in developing or enhancing victim specialist programs that connect victims and families to much-needed services. Apply under four purpose areas based on the size or type of law enforcement agency (small, mid-size, large, or tribal). The pre-application webinar will be held on March 3, 2020, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. e.t. to review the requirements and answer questions. Participation in the webinar is optional, but strongly encouraged.

OVC is seeking applicants for the FY 2020 Crime Victim Compensation Program Assessment solicitation.

During this three-phase project, successful applicants will seek to increase awareness of victim compensation programs and interest in seeking victim compensation.

Phase 1: Conduct an assessment of the state’s current compensation program, policies, and procedures regarding victims’ access to compensation, which should include an analysis of applicable rules, regulations, statutes, and other relevant standards or policies providing guidance for the state’s compensation program.

Phase 2: Develop an implementation plan based on the needs identified in the assessment. Successful applicants will also generate model recommendations and promising practices for their states that may be replicated in other states or territories in the future.

Phase 3: Execute the implementation plan of recommendations identified during the first two phases that will result in enhanced victim access to compensation funding.

OVC anticipates making up to 6 awards of up to $350,000 each. OVC expects to make awards for a 36-month period of performance, to begin on October 1, 2020.

OVC will conduct one pre-application webinar on Thursday, March 5, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. eastern time to review requirements and answer questions. Participation in the webinar is optional, but strongly encouraged. Register for the webinar.

Learn more and apply for the FY 2020 Crime Victim Compensation Program Assessment solicitation. Apply by 11:59 p.m. eastern time on April 20, 2020.

Join OVC TTAC for their upcoming Expert Q&A on Helping Survivors of Multiple Victimizations!

“Polyvictimization refers to having experienced multiple victimizations, such as sexual abuse, physical abuse, bullying, and exposure to family violence, and occurs when individuals experience different kinds of victimization, rather than multiple episodes of the same kind of victimization. Understanding the prevalence, occurrence, and identification of polyvictimization across all generations is essential for victim advocates and other victim-serving professionals to help ensure that the right types of assistance, support, and intervention are made available.”

Register for this webinar happening on March 18, 2020; 2:00–3:15 p.m. e.t.

The CY Program supports comprehensive, community-based efforts to develop or expand prevention, intervention, treatment, and response strategies to address the needs of children and youth impacted by domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Current Closing Date for Applications: March 30, 2020.

Below please find the information for the recently posted FY 2020 Law Enforcement-Based Victim Specialist Program Solicitation. Federal Award Information for “Purpose Area 4: Tribal Agencies” can be found on page 6.
Please also notice the information for the pre-application webinar scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, 2020, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET.

“The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) is seeking applications for funding for the OVC Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Law Enforcement-Based Victim Specialist Program. This program furthers the Department’s mission by assisting law enforcement to better support victims through the criminal justice process. This solicitation incorporates the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide by reference. The OJP Grant Application Resource Guide provides guidance to applicants for the preparation and submission to OJP of applications for funding. If this solicitation expressly modifies any provision in the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide, the applicant is to follow the guidelines in this solicitation as to that provision.”

“Register for the FY 2020 State Victim Liaison Project solicitation pre-application webinar to learn how crime victim liaison(s) within selected Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) State Administrating Agencies will act as a bridge between the state and other state-based non-governmental organizations to identify gaps in victim services and improve and increase access to resources for crime victims in rural/tribal areas, older victims, and victims of violent crime. The pre-application webinar will be held on February 20, 2020, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. e.t. to review the requirements and answer questions. Participation in the webinar is optional, but strongly encouraged.”

Description: One of the core missions of DHS/FEMA is to enhance the ability of state, local, tribal, and territorial governments to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from terrorist attacks and other disasters. The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s comprehensive suite of grant programs is an important part of the Administration’s larger, coordinated effort to strengthen homeland security preparedness. The THSGP is one tool among a comprehensive set of initiatives authorized by Congress and implemented by the Administration to help strengthen the Nation against risks associated with potential terrorist attacks. Funding under the FY 2020 THSGP is provided to strengthen tribes’ capacity to prepare for and respond to emergency situations.

Read more or apply here.

This course provides an overview of financial management, accounting and audit requirements that pertain to the use of Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) funding for administration of tribal housing programs. Participants will learn about financial responsibilities applicable to tribal housing, how to develop operational and project budgets, Accounting principles and systems, Program Income requirements, 2 CFR 200 Audit requirements, and other financial management methods for sound program administration in accordance with the Native American Housing and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA). Students will also participate in skill building exercises and case studies. Course objective is to provide tools to improve compliance, reporting accuracy, and performance in the financial management of IHBG funding awards. Click here to register.

Do you know federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers who went above and beyond the call of duty in 2019?

The deadline for all Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery nominations are due Sunday, February 15, 2020.

• Multiple officers can be nominated, and an officer can be nominated for multiple incidents.

• Separate nominations must be submitted for each officer and incident.

• All nominations must be submitted through the online Congressional Badge of Bravery Nomination System.

Thank you for support and recognizing our nation’s law enforcement for their acts of bravery that keep our citizens and communities safe.

Recording now available for OVC TTAC’s Expert Q&A on Increasing Community Awareness of Labor Trafficking!
“Presenters discuss trauma-informed approaches to increasing community awareness of labor trafficking, as well as explore how to help community partners provide potential victims with appropriate resources for support. As a result of the session, participants will: identify approaches that victim service providers can take to expand their knowledge and/or community knowledge of labor trafficking, discuss innovative approaches for outreach and awareness on labor trafficking, and identify resources and approaches for referring potential victims of labor trafficking safely for additional support.”
Find the recording here.

This solicitation provides federally recognized tribes and tribal consortia an opportunity to apply for funding to aid in developing a comprehensive and coordinated approach to public safety and victimization. The majority of DOJ’s existing Tribal Government–specific programs are included in and available through this single Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation.Closing on February 25, 2020 at 9:00 p.m. E.T. Apply Here.

Family Justice Centers provide a “one-stop shop” for victims of family violence (intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse). These co-located, multidisciplinary service centers reduce the number of places a victim must go to receive services following the crime. Services include, but are not limited to, assistance with protective orders, legal services, medical, counseling, safety planning, and more. This session will allow the audience to inquire about innovative practices within the Family Justice Center model.Happening February 19, 2020; 2:00–3:15 p.m. e.t. Register here.

Sign Up to Receive the 2020 NCVRW Theme and Awareness Poster Kit

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) will be held April 19–25. This year’s theme is Seek Justice | Ensure Victims’ Rights | Inspire Hope.

To receive a complimentary printed copy of this year’s Theme and Awareness Poster Kit, sign up for the NCVRW subscription list by 11:59 p.m. eastern time on February 21, 2020.

Sign up here.

Threat Assessments and Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) Training for K-12 Schools

Take a caring and proactive approach to students who are expressing alarming and concerning behaviors. Learn the importance of developing a sound foundation for Behavioral Intervention Teams (BITs) including creating a multidisciplinary team made up of your organization’s key players. Apply best practices as they relate to addressing threats, identifying pre-attack indicators, and stopping the pathway to violence.

“This solicitation provides funding to address the needs of child victims and their families in tribal communities through a multidisciplinary team response to child abuse cases. Many tribal communities are without access or have limited access to CACs to respond to cases of serious physical and sexual child abuse. This initiative will expand coverage and enhancement of proven, critical services offered by CACs throughout Indian country.” Read more or apply here.

“The goal of this program is to facilitate program support to benefit the ICAC task force program. The primary objective will be the delivery of specific products to serve law enforcement and other key stakeholders affiliated with the ICAC task force program. The deliverables are directed toward the continuation, expansion, and enhancement of the ICAC task force program which includes: (1) develop and implement a strategic plan for support service delivery; (2) plan to support an ICAC task force national training event and commanders’ meetings, and assist in the implementation of the National Strategy for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction (National Strategy); (3) develop and maintain a system for monitoring consumer feedback; (4) maintain, expand, and regularly update the training and technical assistance website; (5) plan for general project management and monthly reporting; and (6) conduct special projects or develop products to support ICAC task forces as directed by OJJDP.” Read more or apply here.

“Updated resources and outreach tools are now available to help you align your local Child Abuse Prevention Month activities with the Children’s Bureau’s national campaign!Visit the 2020 National Child Abuse Prevention website and use the free videos, sample social media posts, and new shareable graphics to help raise child abuse prevention awareness. Join the conversation and share what’s working in your community on Twitter and Facebook by using the #ChildAbusePreventionMonth hashtag.

If you missed the webinar or would like to review or share with your team, here is access to the playback and handouts from the session through the links below. The recording is also available on OVCTFMC.org.
Download Handouts:

• OVC TFMC Overview of an Effective Financial Management System Presentation (PDF)
• OVC TFMC Introduction to the TFMC for OVC Tribal Grantees (PDF)
• Cash Flow Projections (JPG)
• W-2 Financial Statements (PDF)
• W-2 Financial Statements (Excel)
If you have any questions, please contact TFMC at 703-462-6900 or TFMC@OVCTFMC.org.

OVC announced the release of the new Understanding Human Trafficking training at the Human Trafficking Grantee Meeting in Albuquerque, NM.OVC invites victim service providers, allied professionals, and interested members of the general public to register for this new training, a series of five interactive online modules that offer foundational learning on trauma-informed and victim-centered approaches to human trafficking. Understanding Human Trafficking equips participants to think critically about human trafficking using reliable resources, both locally and from across the United States. Participants will review topics including:

• Implementing trauma-informed approaches to victim identification and outreach.

• Assessing victims for comprehensive service needs.

• Employing a collaborative victim service delivery model by connecting with local partners.

• Identifying accurate data and research on human trafficking.

• New strategies for researching and analyzing laws and policies that impact human trafficking, victim services, and victims’ rights.

Register here.

The Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS), includes nine purpose areas of funding available exclusively for tribes from the U.S. Department of Justice. This webinar will identify what purpose areas can be used to fund a Tribal Healing to Wellness Court; identify significant changes from last year’s solicitation; and overview CTAS proposal writing tips.
This webinar will be lead by Lauren van Schilfgaarde, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Tribal Legal Development Clinic Director, UCLA School of Law.

This webinar takes place on Thu, Feb 6, 2020 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST.

Take a listen to OVC TTAC’s recorded webinar on Human Trafficking Screening Processes and Best Practices. This webinar explores promising practices for human trafficking screening processes across various service provider settings, identifies policies and procedures needed to adapt effective screening tools and processes, and discusses resources that may benefit your organization’s approach to screening potential victims of human trafficking. Listen here.

The National Resource Center for Reaching Victims and Vera Institute of Justice collaborated to publish the article, “Opening the Door to Healing: Reaching and Serving Crime Victims Who Have a History of Incarceration.”

“Opening the Door to Healing: Reaching and Serving Crime Victims Who Have a History of Incarceration explores the realities of survivors who live with a history of both victimization and incarceration. The report, based on a needs assessment that encompassed informational interviews, listening sessions, and a review of academic and practice literature, reflects what the National Resource Center for Reaching Victims has come to understand about this community of survivors: the shame and stigma of being “offenders” eclipses the less visible but painful reality that they are also survivors of violence—harm that may have happened to them before, during, and/or after their time behind bars.”

Read the full article here.

End Violence Against Women International Poster Submissions Due for 2020 International Conference on February 7, 2020.
There’s still time to submit a poster proposal for our 2020 International Conference. Are you a student, first-time presenter or a researcher? We encourage you to submit a poster!
All material must be submitted as a complete package to Susan@evawintl.org by Friday, February 7, 2020. Have questions? Call us at 509.684.9800 or email Susan.

“The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) is seeking applications for funding for the fiscal year (FY) 2020 Alaska Native Youth Training and Technical Assistance Program. This program furthers the Department’s mission by providing comprehensive and culturally relevant training and technical assistance to support Alaska Native villages and communities in their efforts to create, expand, and/or sustain programs, services, and supports for youth.” Find out more.

This solicitation seeks to support the capacity of Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task forces to conduct effective and efficient forensic examination of evidence in cases of technology-facilitated child exploitation. This initiative will assist ICAC task forces by providing funding to help hire and equip wounded, ill, or injured veterans as digital forensic analysts or investigators. These positions will help address forensic examination backlogs, reduce evidence processing times, and increase prosecutions of those who commit Internet crimes against children.

Take a look at the National Criminal Justice Reference Service’s Special Feature on Human Trafficking. “There is no single profile of a trafficking victim, but regardless of their background, a common denominator among all victims is some form of vulnerability. In the United States specifically, some of the most highly vulnerable populations include undocumented workers, runaway and homeless youth, individuals with substance abuse or addiction issues, and low-income individuals.” Read more here.

OVC invites tribal leaders, representatives, and stakeholders to participate in a government to government consultation to discuss tribal set-aside funding from the Crime Victims Fund and how it should be programmed. The Tribal Consultation on Tribal Set-Aside Funding from the Crime Victims Fund will be held on Wednesday, February 12, 2020, at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C., in conjunction with the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) 2020 Executive Council Winter Session. Interested parties unable to attend in-person will have an opportunity to join one of two phone consultations on Thursday, February 13, 2020.Consultation Highlights:

Onsite:

Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Pre-registration Check-in and Onsite Registration 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Tribal Consultation

Location: Capital Hilton, 1001 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036, Congressional Room

Register here. (You do not have to register for the NCAI 2020 Executive Council Winter Session to register for the consultation.)

By Phone:

Date: Thursday, February 13, 2020

Time: Consultation 1 – 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. eastern time Consultation 2 – 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. eastern time

Register: Consultation 1 or Consultation 2

Those without Internet access or the ability to pre-register may call into the phone meetings at 844–845–4169 or 412–717–9620 and ask to join the United States Department of Justice Office of Tribal Justice call.

View an informational Framing Paper that provides relevant background and questions for you to consider in advance of the consultations.

The Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs is sponsoring 10 outreach sessions in January and February to educate rural and tribal organizations and agencies about how to apply for OJP funding to address public safety and victims service needs in tribal and rural communities. OJP is sending representatives from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, and the Office for Victims of Crime to several states to provide assistance and answer any questions rural and tribal organizations and agencies may have. The key goals are to: Provide overview of BJA, COPS, OJJDP, OVC, and OVW grants and application process; Highlight application requirements of grants; Identify tools and resources for applicants that will help with the application process; Offer applicants the opportunity to ask questions; Participants may attend in person. Some sessions are available remotely via Web/Skype. Click here for full details.

A national webinar hosted by the U.S. Department of EducationThursday, January 30, 20203:00 – 4:15 p.m. Eastern Time

The year 2020 marks the 20th anniversary of the passage of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. In recognition of this significant milestone, the U.S. Department of Education is conducting this webinar, the first in a series to be conducted in 2020, to address the growing response of America’s schools to child trafficking. The event will include discussion of strategies being used to support students impacted by trafficking.
The event is designed to provide building-level administrators, teachers, and specialized instructional support personnel with information on how they can effectively identify, and support students impacted by trafficking activity.
The webinar will feature a variety of perspectives, including:• A representative of a lead federal agency will provide the national context of human trafficking;• A representative from the U.S. Department of Education will describe what the Department is doing to address this issue;• A national subject matter expert will explain what’s known & what’s working to address human trafficking;• A human trafficking specialist from a school district will describe what it has been doing to address human trafficking;• A survivor will share why this work matters; and• Speakers will answer your questions.

The Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division of Violence Prevention—invites you to join the virtual panel discussion “Connecting the Dots: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the Intersection with Human Trafficking.” 

Summary

Research has shown that ACEs have a tremendous impact on future violence victimization and perpetration. Studies show that children and youth who experience high levels of traumatic situations are at higher risk of injury, mental health problems, teen pregnancy, violence, and involvement in human trafficking incidents. This interactive training will discuss the latest research on ACEs and the intersection with human trafficking and vulnerable youth. The discussion will also focus on resources available and strategies on how service providers can utilize this information to enhance their approaches when working with children, youth, and families.

WHEN: Thursday, January 30, 2020

TIME:  2:00pm – 3:30pm Eastern Time

Registration (required)

All attendees must pre-register here.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Panelists

• Ruth Leemis, MPH,Behavioral Scientist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Eric Wright, PhD,  Professor of Sociology and Public Health, Georgia State University

REGISTER EARLY, SPACE IS LIMITED

Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) is offering professional development training to new and seasoned tribal professionals through interactive online courses. The Tribal Strategic Planning/ETEP and Partnerships & Community Outreach courses will be available February 13 – March 20, 2020. The two online courses listed here are fee-based and have instructors to ensure individual questions are answered in a timely manner during the course period.

Instructors:

• Sharon Hausam, Ph.D., AICP, Pueblo of Laguna, Planning Program Manager

• Ondrea Barber, former Director for the Gila River Indian Community’s Department of Environmental Quality and Manager for the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community’s Environmental Protection & Natural Resources Division These online courses contain assignments, quizzes, videos, examples, and other resources. You will continue to have access to course materials after the course end date.

February 3 – 7, 2020 is Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week. Take a look at OVC TTAC’s online resources to promote Tax Identity Theft Awareness and so that we can protect ourselves against this growing issue.

“BJA will conduct a pre-application webinar for the FY 2019 STOP School Violence Grant Program solicitation to review the requirements of the program and answer questions. This grant program seeks to address specific areas of concern related to preventing school violence and aims to increase school safety by—

• implementing training and school threat assessments and/or intervention teams to identify school violence risks among students;

• technological solutions to enable students, teachers, faculty, and community members to anonymously identify threats of school violence; or

• other school safety strategies that assist in preventing violence.

The pre-application webinar will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2020, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. eastern time. Register here.

“January is National Stalking Awareness Month. In his proclamation, President Trump states that “National Stalking Awareness Month provides us with an opportunity to firmly rebuke the violating crime of stalking and to raise awareness about its warning signs.”View the following resources to find tools to help you build awareness and serve victims of crime—OVC’s Stalking Topic Page, contains publications, answers to frequently asked questions, and additional resources. Stalking Awareness Special Feature, a compilation of research and resources from the National Criminal Justice Reference Service. Stalking Awareness Month Page, from the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center. This web page provides ready-to-use resources to help your organization promote awareness through social media, newsletter, and other campaigns.” A full list of resources can be found here.

“Family Justice Centers provide a “one-stop shop” for victims of family violence (intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse). These co-located, multidisciplinary service centers reduce the number of places a victim must go to receive services following the crime. Services include, but are not limited to, assistance with protective orders, legal services, medical, counseling, safety planning, and more. This session will allow the audience to inquire about innovative practices within the Family Justice Center model.”
Read more about this session or register here.

OJJDP has released the latest issue of The AMBER Advocate newsletter. This issue features articles on: 

.• The 2019 AMBER Alert in Indian Country Symposium and remarks by Pamela Foster, the mother of Ashlynne Mike, a Navajo girl who was abducted and murdered.

• The Good Samaritan and Minnesota AMBER Alert that lead to the safe return of two abducted girls.

• Tanea Parmenter, Idaho’s AMBER Alert co-coordinator.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2020 Planning and Developing Infrastructure to Promote the Mental Health of Children, Youth and Families in American Indian/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) Communities (Short Title: Circles of Care) grants. The purpose of this program is to provide tribal and urban Indian communities with tools and resources to plan and design a holistic, evidence and community-based, coordinated system of care to support mental health for children, youth, and families. These grants are intended to increase the capacity and effectiveness of mental health systems serving AI/AN communities. Circles of Care grant recipients will focus on the need to reduce the gap between the need for mental health services and the availability of such services for the target population. The program has a strong emphasis on cross-system collaboration, inclusion of family, youth and community resources, and cultural approaches.

National Indian Child Welfare Association is hosting it’s 38th Annual Protecting Our Children Conference in Denver, Colorado, from March 29–April 1, 2020. The deadline to receive the Early Bird rate is February 28, 2020. Read more about the conference or register here.

The FY 2019 Student, Teachers, and Officers Preventing (STOP) School Violence Grant Program is designed to improve school security by providing students and teachers with the tools they need to recognize, respond quickly to, and help prevent acts of violence. The program’s objective is to increase school safety by implementing training and school threat assessments and/or intervention teams to identify school violence risks among students; technological solutions such as anonymous reporting technology that can be implemented as a mobile phone-based app, a hotline, or a website in the applicant’s geographic area to enable students, teachers, faculty, and community members to anonymously identify threats of school violence; or other school safety strategies that assist in preventing violence. Learn more here.