NCJ Number
195345
Date Published
2001
Length
36 pages
Annotation
This document is the Annual Report of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board covering the period from April 1, 1999 to March 31, 2000.
Abstract
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Board is a quasi-judicial administrative tribunal providing compensation to innocent victims of crimes of violence that have occurred in the Province of Ontario. The Board accepts between 2,500 and 3,000 applications per year. Awards can be from $0 (denial) up to a maximum of $25,000 -- with an average award in the 1998/1999 fiscal year of $5,566. The Board works closely with police to obtain information relating to the criminal incidents reported by victims. Compensation can be awarded for expenses incurred resulting from victim’s injury or death, emergency expenses resulting from personal injury or death, loss of wages, pecuniary loss to dependents of a deceased victim, pain and suffering, and maintenance of a child born as a result of sexual assault. The Board’s focus was to increase accessibility to the Board for victims of crimes of violence and to improve the quality and efficiency of the services provided to these victims. A number of initiatives were implemented to achieve these goals. The Board increased the number of hearing sites throughout the province from 12 to 17 providing easier access for applicants and witnesses. The Board has ensured that all public documents are available in both French and English in response to the needs of Franco-Ontarians. The hiring of four managers, the updating of procedure manuals, and in-depth training will result in faster, more efficient processing of claims and an increased level of quality service to those who make contact with the Board. The Board has developed new training opportunities for both Board members and staff. An outreach program has been initiated to ensure that all those who are eligible to apply to the Board for compensation are aware of the Board. 7 tables