OVS Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update:
OVS is pleased to share COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for OVS-funded Victim Assistance Programs. This FAQ document provides answers to common questions regarding OVS operations, compensation claims processing, VOCA allowable expenses and OVS funded grant requirements during COVID-19. During this time, OVS also encourages all recipients to continue to follow the most recent COVID-19 updates from Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Department of Health.

***

The Victim and Witness Assistance Unit (Grants Unit) is responsible for the administration of the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim and Witness Assistance funds to not-for-profit and municipal agencies across the State serving crime victims. Currently the Grants Unit administers and processes over 200 contracts to a variety of Victim Assistance Programs (VAPs) across New York State in the amount of nearly $50 million annually. The duties associated with this task include ensuring compliance with Federal Register/Final Rule; timely submission of all financial, sub-grant award and other required reports; and resolution of any federal audit findings.

Our staff assists the funded agencies with processing their contracts, completing fiscal cost reports and submitting performance reports detailing services provided and number of individuals served. In addition, annual site visits are conducted to ensure the contractual obligations are met and that programs are fulfilling federal and state guidelines requirements. Technical assistance is provided on a regular basis to all funded programs on a multitude of issues.

Additionally, this Unit coordinates with other criminal justice agencies in the State on victim and witness service initiatives and priorities. The Grants Unit staff is a liaison for the agency with various crime victim coalitions, federal authorities, the public and other interested parties.

The York State Office of Victim Services distributes and makes available RFP Guidelines and Application Procedures for awards under VOCA Crime Victim Assistance Grant Program. VOCA funds for both new and continuation programs will be awarded for three consecutive 12-month grant periods. Each grant period will commence October 1st and will terminate on September 30th of the following year. All funded programs will be required to submit an updated annual budget and program goals and objectives before the start of each grant period.

Funding for the duration of any sub-grant agreement with the Office of Victim Services is contingent upon New York State’s Federal VOCA Victim Assistance award and appropriation by the New York State Legislature.

Victim Assistance Programs funded by OVS can be identifed or located through OVS Resource Connect, a concern-based online search engine. 

An online community forum for OVS-funded Victim Assistance Programs (VAPs), VAP Connect provides a space for VAPs to come together, network, and share valuable information and best practices with one another.

Guidance and informaiton related to the OVS Match Waiver Policy for OVS-funded VOCA sub-recipeients.  

Guidance and information for OVS-funded organizations related to Limits on Administrative Expenses and Executive Compensation.

Periodic electronic communication is via the OVS Broadcast Email Listserv, where subscribers receive announcement for training opportunities, OVS events and general information pertaining to crime victims. Please note, some email clients may filter emails from OVS into a spam or junk folder. To prevent this, please make a periodic check of junk folders a part of your routine, add all OVS email addresses to your email client ‘whitelist’ and visit this webpage frequently for updates published below.