Wednesday, September 2, 2020

 

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.