NCJ Number
184062
Date Published
2000
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This chapter discusses compensation programs to provide financial assistance for crime victims.
Abstract
All 50 States, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands have compensation programs that can pay crime victims’ medical and counseling expenses, lost wages and support, funeral bills, and a variety of other costs. Everyone who works in law enforcement and victim services has a professional responsibility to tell victims about compensation opportunities so they can gain access to a resource important to their recovery process. The chapter examines the importance of financial assistance to crime victims; basic eligibility requirements found in all States; primary compensation costs covered by all victim compensation programs; standard procedures for State compensation programs when evaluating applications and making decisions; the crucial role of every professional in victim services and law enforcement in assisting victims to learn about compensation opportunities as well as mandated responsibilities under the Victims of Crime Act to provide information and assistance in filing for compensation; funding and administration of compensation programs; and promising practices that are improving compensation programs. References