Howard County Quorum Court Approves Emergency Funding for VOCA Advocate Salaries

The Howard County Quorum Court took action Monday to address a critical funding shortfall affecting the Victims of Crime Advocates (VOCA) program.

Attorney Jana Bradford spoke to Justices of the Peace during their regular monthly meeting, explaining that there is a dire need for funding to pay the salaries of local VOCA advocates, who provide essential support to victims of crime. Bradford specifically recognized David Shelton and Erin Shackelford, two advocates serving in the area.

Bradford noted that while VOCA funding has been presented to state legislators in recent sessions, it has yet to be approved.

Bradford stated that she was informed 13 out of 19 prosecutors across the state will not receive VOCA funding this cycle, leaving many victim advocates without the necessary financial support to continue their services.

Following discussion, the quorum court unanimously approved a motion to allocate over $28,000 from the county’s contingency fund as a last-resort funding measure for VOCA advocate salaries. The total amount will be split among four counties, with Howard County’s portion set at $7,600 and the remaining balance to be reimbursed by the other participating counties.