9-1-638. Division of victim services; duties and responsibilities.

(a) The division of victim services shall:

(i) Administer a comprehensive statewide plan that provides victim services including, but not limited to, a state program of shelter services for victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault;

(ii) Provide services for victims of crime consistent with current federal funding levels and surcharge funds;

(iii) Review and evaluate all programs receiving appropriated funds;

(iv) Coordinate and provide training, grant application assistance and other support for community based programs and services for victims;

(v) Establish minimum program standards and uniform reporting procedures for community based services and programs for victims supported by state funds and state administered federal funds, including a requirement that each provider of community based services and programs submit an annual unduplicated count of the number of victims it served in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by the division;

(vi) Enter into contracts for victim services with public or private agencies. The division shall not contract with any entity that is not in substantial compliance with the standards and guidelines promulgated by the division. On all contracts that have not been entered into by competitive bidding, the director shall record on the contract why competitive bidding was not considered;

(vii) Subject to the approval of the attorney general, promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement the duties and responsibilities assigned to the division.