Governor Brian Kemp announced on Dec. 7 that he has directed the Office of Planning and Budget to increase funding for the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council's Victim's Services grant.
The money comes from $13.2 million in remaining American Rescue Plan Act funds for FY 2024.
The Victim's Services grant supports nonprofit organizations who experienced economic hardship as a result of the pandemic.
This now brings the total amount of ARPA funding dedicated to this grant since its inception to $68,237,210.
This follows significant cuts by the federal government to the Crime Victims Fund, also known as Victims of Crime Act funds.
Federal cuts to the program amount to a $19.8 million reduction in funding for Georgia, compared to FY 2023.
“Once again, the federal government is failing to deliver on promises made to the people of Georgia," said Governor Brian Kemp. "While the Biden administration has made the unfortunate decision to shortchange victims of violent crime, I’m proud that the state is able to step in, fund this vital program, and provide the support these individuals need."
The additional funding will provide continued assistance to over 200 non-profit organizations and local governments that offer services to victims across the state.
Some of those organizations include:
- Domestic Violence Shelters
- Domestic Violence Community-Based Programs
- Sexual Assault Centers
- Human Trafficking Programs
- Child Advocacy Centers
- Court Appointed Special Advocates
- Culturally Specific Programs
- Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Programs
- Elder Abuse Programs
- Prosecution-Based Victim-Witness Assistance Programs
