Victims’ Services Count On the Census for Federal Funding
Every 10 years, people across the country and in
California fill out the Census in order to have an accurate count of all people
in the United States. This year, we have until 11:59 pm on September 30 to
answer the nine questions that ultimately help determine how much funding will
go to programs, including victims’ services. Everyone has the right and responsibility to
participate in the Census.
In 2010, based on the response rate and estimates, the
U.S. Census determined California’s population at 37,253,956. The higher the
population, the more federal money gets allocated to key areas, including
education, health care and public safety.
In addition, grants, including the Victims of Crime Act
(VOCA) Victim Assistance Formula Grants, are distributed to states based on
population. Each state gets a base amount of $500,000 from the Crime Victims
Fund, and American territories get a base amount of $200,000. The remaining
funds are then distributed to states based on their population in relation to
other states.
Using California’s 2019 estimated population of 39.5
million people, our state received just under $196 million in VOCA funds for
Fiscal Year 2019-20. Those VOCA grant funds were then distributed to counties
throughout the state to “provide subgrants to local community-based
organizations and public agencies that provide services directly to victims.
Direct assistance to crime victims includes crisis counseling, telephone and
onsite information and referrals, criminal justice support and advocacy, shelter,
therapy, and additional assistance. Funds may also be used to develop new
programs that address emerging needs, gaps in services, and training of victim
service advocates” according to the Office for Victims of Crime.
Separately, California
also receives VOCA Victim Compensation Allowances. These grants provide funding to supplement state compensation
programs, including CalVCB, that provide financial assistance and reimbursement
to victims for crime-related out-of-pocket expenses, including medical and
dental care, counseling, funeral and burial expenses, and lost wages and
income.
Victims can apply for
compensation at online.victims.ca.gov.
In addition to the
decennial Census, the Census Bureau also conducts a biannual National Crime Victimization Survey
to collect data measuring the crime numbers and types of crime involving those
ages 12 and older. The information from this survey includes information about
victims and crimes, including crime in schools, the cost of crimes, law
enforcement response and any trends in violent crimes.
According to Census records, 10 years ago in the 2010 Census, our
state’s response rate was 73 percent, compared to the national average of 74
percent. A decade before, in the 2000 Census, 76 percent of Californians
responded compared to the national average of 72 percent. Our state faces an
added challenge in that 25 of our 58 counties are considered hard-to-reach due to a number of factors, including highly mobile people, racial
and ethnic minorities, non-English speakers, low-income people and more.
The Census counts everyone living in the United
States, regardless of background or immigration status. The Census will not
include a question about citizenship status. By law, all your answers are kept
safe and confidential. The Census Bureau cannot share the information you
provide with your landlord; therefore, it is important to count everyone who is
living in your house, even if they are not family or are not listed on your
lease or rental agreement. The Census lists specifics about how families should report
college students and members of the military.
All Californians can now
complete the 2020 Census online, by phone
or by mail. It is available online and on the phone in 13 languages. Video and printed guides are available
in 59 non-English languages.
