A Family Domestic Violence Court

Office of the Child Advocate

Who and what are we?

With the newly awarded 2001-2002 VOCA funding, the Office of the Child Advocate, through Project Victim Services strives to achieve the following objectives:

Objective I 

To increase the child victim's awareness regarding compensation laws and court procedures.

Objective II 

To pursue legal action on behalf of selected crime victims.

Objective III

 To assure that child victims have access to necessary support services.

Objective IV 

To promote the best interest of child victims in the criminal justice system.

In addition, our plan is to continue to provide education and training regarding the "Victim's Bill of Rights" and the Violent Crime Indemnity Fund application process to both crime victims and those who attend the needs of this population.

With the renewed funding of this project by the Public Safety Grant Administration Office, Project Victim Services will continue to identify DCYF children eligible for victim's compensation. The process has intensified on the case management level due to the legislative changes in the Victims' Compensation statute. As the administrative process begins to define itself, the project will adapt to the rules and regulations promulgated by the General Treasurer's Office. The Child Advocate's Offic is in a unique position to identify, coordinate, and initiate action based on its statutory powers and access to confidential records.

ACTION PLAN

The Project will work closely with eligible crime victims assisting them to complete their applications and guiding them through the claims process. Where the General Treasurer offers a less than equitable settlement, an appeal will be filed and the office will proceed to the Superior Court for a trial de novo. The action plan detailed in the grant application will not be altered. The project will continue to accept referrals, screen applicants for eligibility, collect the requisite documentation, interview the clients and assist them in submitting their claims, and refer them to appropriate adjunct services. The funds available in the amended budget will be concentrated on financing the case management position, which is the major access point for victims, social workers and police to interface with the project and the Violent Crimes Indemnity Fund. The lack of funding will not decrease the number of victims served but rather will preclude the client population from expanding. The of fine of the Child Advocate expects to continue servicing approximately 375 child victims per year through the services outlined in the VOCA Program.

Jametta O. Alston,Esq.,Child Advocate

Office of the Child Advocate