Overview

On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) into law. Among other components, ARPA amended Title VI of the Social Security Act to authorize over $350 billion in Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. The State of Colorado received over $3 billion of these funds to support its efforts in responding to the ongoing public health and economic impacts of COVID-19.

The State has significant flexibility in channeling these monies to individuals, households, businesses, programs, and communities adversely affected by the pandemic. The passage of SB21-292, which appropriated $15 million in ARPA funds to victim’s services programs, was one such initiative. This legislation included a $3 million appropriation to the SCAO for distribution to local victims and witness assistance and law enforcement (VALE) programs. An additional $3 million was appropriated in 2022 through the passage of SB22-183.

In Colorado, each judicial district operates an independent local VALE programs with administrative responsibilities shared by the district attorney’s office and district court executives. Local programs are overseen by a five-member volunteer board that reviews grant applications and makes decisions regarding the use of the district’s VALE funds. Staff in the district attorney’s office serve as local VALE program administrators. Local VALE grants support a variety of services including early crisis intervention, referrals of victims to appropriate community resources, translators, counseling, and special advocates.

Questions?

valearpa@judicial.state.co.us