NCJ Number
65088
Date Published
1979
Length
205 pages
Annotation
FINDINGS FROM A LEAA-FUNDED STUDY FOCUSING ON VICTIM COMPENSATION PROGRAMS FOR THE ELDERLY ARE PRESENTED, BASED ON EVIDENCE COLLECTED DURING NUMEROUS SITE VISITS.
Abstract
THE GROWING INTEREST IN THE SERVICE NEEDS OF CRIME VICTIMS HAS LED TO THE CREATION OF PUBLICALLY FINANCED PROGRAMS TO REIMBURSE VICTIMS INJURED IN THE COMMISSION OF VIOLENT CRIMES. A TOTAL OF 27 STATE PROGRAMS WERE IN OPERATION AS OF OCTOBER 1979. HOWEVER, THE AMBITIOUS GOALS OF THESE PROGRAMS HAVE NOT ALWAYS BEEN REALIZED; ONLY A SMALL PROPORTION OF DESERVING BENEFICIARIES RECEIVE COMPENSATION AWARDS. FAILURE IS PRIMARILY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE INHERENT LIMITATIONS IN THE LAWS AND TO PROGRAM CHARACTERISTICS, NOT TO LACK OF CONCERN AMONG ADMINISTRATORS. PRACTICES RESPONSIBLE FOR REDUCING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THESE PROGRAMS CAN BE CLASSIFIED UNDER THE HEADINGS OF PUBLIC AWARENESS, DENIAL OF AWARDS, DELAY OF AWARDS, AND VICTIM ASSISTANCE PROCEDURES. WHILE PUBLIC OUTREACH IS OFTEN INCLUDED AS A STATUTORY MANDATE AND MANY PROGRAMS ENGAGE IN OUTREACH ACTIVITIES, THEY ARE OFTEN UNSUCCESSFUL. GENERAL OUTREACH TECHNIQUES INCLUDING BROCHURES, PRESS RELEASES AND SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS RARELY INCREASE THE RATE OF APPLICATIONS. RESPONSIBILITY FOR INFORMING VICTIMS SHOULD BELONG TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES AND VICTIM ASSISTANCE STAFF WHO WORK CLOSELY WITH POLICE. IN ADDITION, MANY AWARDS ARE DENIED BECAUSE OF PROBLEMS WITH ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE 'SERIOUS FINANCIAL HARDSHIP' TEST. ARBITRARY DENIALS COULD BE ELIMINATED THROUGH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SPECIAL CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING HARDSHIP. DELAYS IN CLAIM PROCESSING USUALLY RESULT FROM COMPLEX BUREAUCRATIC PROCEDURES AND EXCESSIVE DEMANDS FOR DOCUMENTATION. POLICE DEPARTMENTS ADD TO DELAYS BY NOT SENDING COMPLETED REPORTS ON TIME. MOREOVER, MANY VICTIMS ARE INCAPABLE OF MEETING THEIR OBLIGATIONS FOR TIMELY SUBMISSION OF HOSPITAL FORMS. VICTIM ASSISTANCE SERVICES SHOULD INCLUDE REFERRAL NETWORKS WITH SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES, FOLLOWUP PROCEDURES FOR ABANDONED CASES, AND ASSISTANCE IN COLLECTION AND PREPARATION OF REQUIRED DOCUMENTS. APPENDIXES PRESENT A LIST OF STATE VICTIM COMPENSATION PROGRAMS; NAMES, ADDRESSES, AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF PROGRAM DIRECTORS; SAMPLE CLAIM FORMS; SAMPLE LEGISLATIVE BILLS, LETTERS, AND FACTSHEETS; AND OTHER RELATED INFORMATION. NOTES ARE INCLUDED. (LWM)