Closed-Circuit Televising of Child Victims of Abuse
Applicants can use grant funds to: purchase videotape and closed-circuit television equipment to remain in courthouses and/or portable equipment to be used by courthouses in other jurisdictions; provide training in videotape and closed-circuit interviewing to law enforcement, prosecutors, and related staff; prepare booklets outlining the legal requirements and procedures involved in the use and operation of videotape and closed-circuit televising; and provide training to appropriate staff in the setup and operation of the equipment.
The Department of Justice enforces the law and defends the interest of the United States, ensuring public safety against threats foreign and domestic; providing Federal leadership in preventing and controlling crime; seeking just punishment for those guilty of unlawful pursuits; and ensuring fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans.
Program Accomplishments
The American Bar Association (ABA) received an award of $363,731 to evaluate the CCTV projects to determine the effectiveness and impact of the funded projects in reducing the trauma to child abuse victims during criminal hearings or trials. The ABA organized a two-day evaluation conference to assist grantees in developing individual evaluation plans; provide technical assistance to grantees in developing individual evaluation plans and obtaining the data needed to assess the projects; and, on the preparation of a final report documenting the assessment, best practices, lessons learned, and recommendations to improve the CCTV Program.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Up to 75 percent of total project grant costs may be funded through Federal assistance.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Limited competition--a state or local unit of government that has in effect a law allowing the closed-circuit televising or video taping of testimony of children in criminal proceedings relating to the abuse of children.
Beneficiary Eligibility
State and local criminal justice agencies; Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and personnel; public non-profit organizations, and youth benefit from this program.
Credentials/Documentation
Eligible states and units of local government.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
This program is eligible for coverage under E.O.
12372 "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her respective State for more information on the process the state requires to be followed in applying for assistance.
The standard application forms (SF-424) as furnished by the Federal agency in accordance with 28 CFR Part 66 (Common Rule), must be used for this program.
Application Procedures
Applicants must follow the instructions contained in the solicitation for the Closed-Circuit Televising of Testimony of Children Who Are Victims of Abuse Grant Program and submit a fully executed application to the Bureau of Justice Assistance, 810 Seventh Street, NW. Fourth Floor, Washington, DC 20531, Attention: Closed-Circuit TV Program Manager. Applicants should submit an original and two copies of the application, along with an electronic copy of the application on disk in WordPerfect or Word for Windows, to BJA for review. BJA must receive the application at least 90 days prior to the anticipated start date of a new or continuation award.
Award Procedures
BJA reviews applications for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with all program requirements. Upon approval by the Assistant Attorney General, OJP, award letters and award documents are sent to the grantee. One copy of the grant award must be signed by a duly authorized representative and returned to BJA.
Deadlines
The deadline dates vary. Contact BJA for application deadlines.
Authorization
Victims of Child Abuse Act, Public Law 90-351, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 3796aa, et seq.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Applications must be approved no later than 60 days after first received unless the Director of BJA informs the applicant of specific reasons for disapproval.
Appeals
None.
Renewals
A project must submit a written request justifying the need for the extension and how the extension would be consistent with the objectives of the grant 60 days prior to the expiration of the current grant.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Projects are awarded 75 percent of the total project costs. A match of 25 percent is required.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Grantees selected for awards will be funded for a period of 12 months.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Reporting requirements for grants and projects awarded under this program are articulated in the OJP Financial Guide, as well as in the program solicitation.
Audits
Payments and transactions are subject to audits by the General Accounting Office, the Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General, State or local government auditors, and auditors from independent public accounting firms. Jurisdictions must follow their local policies and procedures, including maintenance of reliable and accurate accounting systems, record keeping, and systems of internal control. Performance Measures: To assist in fulfilling the Departments responsibilities under the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA), P.L. 103-62, applicants who receive funding under this solicitation must provide data that measures the results of their work.
Records
Recipients of Federal funds are expected to retain documentation supporting all program transactions for at least 3 years after the closure of audit reports related to such funding. If any litigation, claim, negotiation, audit, or other action involving records has been started before the expiration of the 3-year period, the records must be retained until completion of the action and resolution of all related issues, or until the end of the regular 3-year period, whichever is later.
Financial Information
Account Identification
15-0404-0-1-754.
Obigations
FY 07 $976,000; FY 08 $940,000; and FY 09 est not available.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Approximately 10 to 15 grants ranging from a minimum of $50,000 to a maximum of $100,000 per grant.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Financial Guide, Office of the Comptroller, Office of Justice Programs; BJA's Program Guide and Application Kit for the Closed-Circuit Televising of Testimony of Children Who Are Victims of Abuse Grant Program.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance, Department of Justice, 810 Seventh Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20531. Contact: K. Norris, Senior Policy Advisor at telephone: (202) 616-6500 or (1-866) 859-2687. Or by E-mail: AskBJA@usdoj.gov.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Criteria for selecting proposals are contained in the Program Solicitation.
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