NCJ Number
114979
Date Published
1989
Length
96 pages
Annotation
This study assesses the operations of the Virginia State government's Division of Crime Victims' Compensation (CVC) and focuses on program funding, the processing of victims' claims and appeals, staffing and management, and the location of the Division within the Department of Workers' Compensation.
Abstract
The CVC Division is authorized by Virginia law to make monetary awards to innocent victims of crime who lose earnings as a result of their injuries or who have funeral, burial, medical or other crime-related expenses. In Fiscal Year 1988, the CVC Division awarded benefits to 506 claimants, a considerable increase over its Fiscal Year 1986 awards to 192 claimants. The study focuses on improving the administration of the CVC program, noting that fees collected from criminal offenders are no longer sufficient to support the program. The Joint Audit and Review Commission makes several recommendations, which include revising appeal procedures and leaving the CVC Division in its current administrative location in the Department of Workers' Compensation.