Substance Abuse Resource Assistance Coalition (SARAC)

OVC’s mission is to enhance the nation’s capacity to assist crime victims and provide leadership in changing policies and practices to promote justice and healing for all victims of crime. OVC achieves this mission, in part, by administering discretionary award programs supported by the federal Crime Victims Fund to develop innovative training and technical assistance, and to provide direct services to improve the overall quality of victim assistance. The purpose of this solicitation is to address an urgent gap in crime victim services related to the opioid epidemic and to expand upon existing or establish new programs to provide services to children and youth who are victimized as the result of the opioid crisis. Projects selected under this solicitation will support service providers in expanding their current scope and expertise to ensure that children and youth—the most vulnerable victims impacted by the opioid crisis—are supported as they heal from the impact of crime and substance abuse.

With this award, the Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care (AFMC) will use its Family Engagement Program (FEP) model to provide direct services and supports to children and youth who are crime victims as a result of the opioid crisis in two rural Arkansas Counties—Hempstead and Howard—both of which contain qualified opportunity zones. Services will be comprehensive and family-centered to address the complex needs of children and families impacted by the opioid crisis. AFMC will lead a multidisciplinary “Substance Abuse Resource Assistance Coalition” to quickly identify victims, coordinate efforts, and provide immediate and long-term supports and services for these young crime victims.(CA/NCF)