NCJ Number
184930
Date Published
July 1999
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The Crime Victims Fund was established by the Federal Victims of Crime Act of 1984 (VOCA) and serves as a major funding source for victim services throughout the country.
Abstract
Each year, millions of dollars are deposited into this fund from criminal fines, forfeited bail bonds, penalty fees, and special assessments collected by U.S. Attorney's Offices, U.S. Courts, and the Bureau of Prisons. Deposits into the fund fluctuate from year to year; however, the first $10 million is earmarked for the investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases. The remaining fund deposits are distributed as follows: 48.5 percent to State victim compensation programs; 48.5 percent to State assistance programs; and 3 percent for discretionary funds to support demonstration projects, training, and other assistance to expand and improve the delivery of services to Federal crime victims. Crime victim compensation is a reimbursement to the victim for medical costs, mental health counseling, funeral and burial costs, and lost wages or loss of support. All 50 States, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands receive VOCA compensation grants. Victim assistance grants are provided for victim-related crisis intervention, counseling, emergency shelter, criminal justice advocacy, and emergency transportation. All States and most territories receive an annual VOCA victim assistance grant. This paper also discusses how States determine which organizations will receive VOCA victim assistance grants, describes the nature of discretionary funds, and outlines how discretionary funds are used.