NCJ Number
177627
Date Published
2001
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This video presented the knowledge of experienced professionals working with crime victims in the development and implementation of new victim services programs in Indian Country, to best meet the needs of victims within tribal communities.
Abstract
Professionals in the field of assisting crime victims in Indian Country were presented with several questions and offered many recommendations with regards to an individual or agency considering the development of a new victim assistance program in Indian Country (VAIC) at the tribal level. These professional included: the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Montana; the Navajo Nation Supreme Court; the VAIC Director Confederate Tribes of Warm Springs; the New Mexico Crime Victims Reparation Commission; the Victims Compensation Program--Apache County, Arizona; the National Organization for Victim Assistance; and the Victim Assistance--Blackfoot Nation. The result of the discussion were six key considerations in the development and implementation of a VAIC: (1) program goals and objectives--know them and educate others about them; (2) constantly build program credibility; (3) work effectively with victim’s compensation programs; (4) confidentiality--understand the concept and make it work for the clients (victims); (5) volunteer program--develop and tailor it to the community’s needs and don’t rely on Indian models because each Indian community is unique; and (6) work to make the program permanent and seek tribal council commitment for funding beyond the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime funding.