Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming notice of a grant of $299,145 to the American Samoa Criminal Justice Planning Agency (CJPA) from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs (OJP), and their Office for Victims of Crime.

“As ever, thank you especially to Director Mariana Timu-Faiai and her team at CJPA for all their work on ensuring American Samoa receives eligible grants, and the efforts to provide these important services,” said Aumua Amata. “These federal funds are for support and assistance to victims and to promote their steps to recovery.”

This is a Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Compensation Formula Grant that supplements compensation programs that provide direct 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.

Victim Assistance formula grants support thousands of victim assistance programs throughout the nation, funded through subgrants from states, that provide services such as crisis counseling, telephone and onsite information and referrals, criminal justice support and advocacy, shelter, therapy, and other forms of assistance. Funds may also be used to develop new programs that address emerging needs, gaps in services, and training of victim service advocates.