NCJ Number
221071
Date Published
2006
Length
50 pages
Annotation
This report presents an overview of the activities, accomplishments, and future undertakings of the State of Pennsylvania’s Office of Victims’ Services for fiscal year 2004-2005.
Abstract
In 2004-2005, State and Federal funding totaling over $30.2 million was awarded throughout Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. These funds were distributed to local programs to assist victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, families of homicide victims, and other types of crime. Specialized trainings were held throughout the State with attention focused on informing advocates of the benefits available to their clients. During this time period, the number of Crime Victims Compensation claims received by the Office of Victims’ Services rose to 6,396, a 21.9-percent increase compared to last fiscal year. Twenty-nine percent of those claims were submitted through the Office’s automated claims processing systems, up from 21 percent last fiscal year. The Office of Victims’ Services continues to partner with allied professionals to spread the word on victims’ rights and compensation through trainings, displays at community events (public information), and regular updates on changes in the compensation process. PA Act 45 of 2003 became effective in 2004. The Act directs the State Treasurer to deposit the unclaimed restitution payments in the Crime Victim’s Compensation Fund on or before the end of June each year.