Elder abuse is the fastest growing crime in the United States, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigations. Rates of victimization were expected to double by 2030 even before the pandemic increased pressures on families and further isolated vulnerable seniors. As a public safety and criminal justice issue, the rising tide of elder abuse has major implications for Texas, which has the nation’s third-largest senior population.  Launched in fall of 2018, H-GAC’s Elder Justice Program provides limited services directly to seniors who have fallen victim to crime.  H-GAC concentrates on filling the #1 unmet victim need — legal advocacy and access to basic legal tools such as protective orders and power of attorney — through the work of staff attorneys as well as the recruitment and training of a new corps of pro bono attorneys and law students. The cash value of the in-kind services donated by these volunteer lawyers and law students will constitute H-GAC’s local match as required under the federal Victims of Crime Act.

The Public Safety Program seeks authorization to apply for the continuation of its existing Victims of Crime Act grant. Victims of Crime Act funds underwrite H-GAC staff time in helping seniors who are victims of crime in seeking protection, restitution, recovery and justice.  In early 2021, H-GAC entered Phase II of the Elder Justice Program which saw expansion of legal advocacy and legal representation services for victims from four counties (Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Montgomery) to eight counties with the addition of Chambers, Liberty, Matagorda, and Wharton counties. This Resolution seeks the Board of Directors’ approval to apply for and to accept a Victims of Crime Act grant for operating funds to cover the expanded program services. If awarded, this Victims of Crime Act grant will run from October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022.

Criminal Justice Division, Office of the Governor

Yes                          

Request authorization to submit an application for Fiscal Year 2022 Victims of Crime Act funding; total amount not to exceed $407,286. (Staff Contact: Ronnie Barnes)