NCJ Number
185125
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 62 Issue: 4 Dated: July 2000 Pages: 136-138
Date Published
July 2000
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article traces the development of victim services in California's juvenile justice system.
Abstract
Twenty years ago, there was no Office of Prevention and Victims Services, let alone a separate but equal branch for victims in the California Youth Authority (CYA). Currently, there are more than 18,000 victims of juvenile crime tracked by staff at institutions and parole offices, as well as at the CYA's headquarters in Sacramento. It is not unusual for the courts to impose only cursory fines and restitution orders without serious consideration of the actual losses to crime victims. CYA has been conducting training for judges and probation officers on victims' rights and the importance of imposing restitution orders and fines that take into account what the crime has cost the victims. Three years ago, the CYA and State Board of Control (BOC) entered into a joint agreement known as the Victims' Reparation Project. Through this project, BOC funds three positions in CYA in an effort to increase restitution fine assessments and collections and to enhance the identification of Victims of Crime program claims. In the first 2 years of the project, the percentage of wards committed to CYA with restitution orders has increased from 49 percent in fiscal year 1996-97 to 77 percent in fiscal year 1998-99. Staff of the Victims Services Division review intake orders for restitution fines and orders, and when there is nothing or very little ordered, an inquiry letter is generated to remind the court about the restitution rights of victims. This article outlines the wide range of victim assistance provided by the Victims Services Division of the CYA.