NCJ Number
200403
Date Published
2003
Length
33 pages
Annotation
This report presents information and data on the administration and case processing of Nebraska's Crime Victim's Reparations (CVR) program from July 1, 2001, to June 30, 2002 (fiscal year 2002).
Abstract
As authorized under Nebraska Revised Statutes 81-1801 through 81-1842 and Rules and Regulations, Title 80, Chapter 1-7, the purpose of the CVR program is to assist innocent victims of crime with medical expenses, mental health counseling, loss of wages, funeral bills in cases of homicide, residential crime scene clean-up, loss of earning power, and other expenses directly related to the criminal act. The program now covers Nebraska residents who are victims of terrorism in foreign countries. The Nebraska Crime Commission is responsible for the administration of the CVR program. This report outlines steps in the processing of claims, followed by a listing of reasons why a claim may be denied. Also described are the appeals process and funding for the program. Public awareness of the CVR program is promoted through the distribution of brochures by police and prosecutors' agencies, through public-speaking engagements and public-service announcements, as well as through the efforts of victim/witness units and domestic violence/sexual assault task forces. During the 2002 State legislative session, several bills that relate to crime victim's issues were introduced. Provisions of the legislation are summarized in this report. Statistics on the program's operation indicate that there were 32 claims pending as of July 1, 2001, and 164 new claims were received during fiscal year 2002; there were 32 supplemental claims, resubmitted claims, and withdrawn claims; and 82 appeals were initiated. Other data pertain to the budget, claim action, the amounts of awards for various types of victim services, claims by victim age and employment status, and claims by type of crime. Statutes and rules and regulations bearing upon the CVR program mandates and operations are presented.