NCJ Number
204203
Journal
The Crime Victims Report Volume: 7 Issue: 4 Dated: September/October 2003 Pages: 49-50,61,63
Date Published
September 2003
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article presents findings of an evaluation study of how funds from the Crime Victims’ Fund (CVF) are managed and used by victims.
Abstract
In 1994, the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) established the CVF, which distributes this money in formula grants to State victims’ compensation and assistance programs. All funds for the CVF come from fines, fees, and penalties imposed on those found guilty of Federal offenses. Data on the management and use of CVF funds were drawn from State administrators, key State-level decisionmakers, local service providers, and victims who have accessed compensation and assistance services. A phone survey was conducted with all State compensation and assistance administrators; site visits were conducted to 6 States; focus groups were conducted with assistance program clients; and phone surveys were completed with over 450 compensation claimants and almost 600 assistance clients. The current status, opportunities, and future challenges for VOCA-funded victim assistance programs are presented. In 2002, Congress imposed caps on CVF allocations to order to stabilize assistance allocations. Deposits into the CVF have decreased over the past 3 years and there is indication this trend will continue. In terms of victim use of the CVF funds, the funds are available for crisis intervention, emotional support, system advocacy, and emergency or long-term assistance with safety and shelter. In 2002, each State received an average of $6.8 million in CVF allocations. Approximately half of each State allocation goes to assisting victims of domestic violence. Child abuse victims are the second leading group of victims utilizing CVF funds. Over half of all crime victims received some form of assistance, such as telephone information and referrals, in-person information and referrals, and criminal justice system advocacy. Another 20 percent of victims receive crisis counseling, personal advocacy, and assistance in filing assistance claims. Finally, less than 15 percent of victims access assistance for group treatment and support, shelters and safe houses, emergency legal advocacy, therapy, and emergency financial assistance. Based on the evaluation findings several recommendations are offered for the improvement of victim assistance funding and programs. These recommendations include the use of funds for victim services; balance the need to provide funding with the need for funding stability; develop direct services were there are gaps; improve State fund management; improve State collaboration; and support service providers’ administrative activities. Figures