VICTIM-WITNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM DISTRICT ATTORNEY VICTIM-WITNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ”Helping Victims Become Survivors” (REV 09/21/2011 ar) VICTIM-WITNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM sometimes referred to as one of the best kept secrets in L. A. County. I think you’re going to learn a lot today about how we can help you with your cases and with victims L.A. District Attorney’s Victim-Witness Assistance Program has evolved over past 26 years This District Attorney gone out of his way to interact with victims groups, support victims’ needs Shari Farmer, Field Deputy Jackie Lacey District Attorney

HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA VICTIM COMPENSATION PROGRAM Provides compensation for victims of a violent crime Funding comes from restitution paid by criminal offenders through fines, orders, penalty assessments and federal matching funds Started in California in 1977

VICTIM-WITNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM TWO DIVISIONS TO ASSIST VICTIMS Direct Services Advocates provide assistance to crime victims in courthouses and law enforcement stations throughout Los Angeles County Claims Verification Unit Victim Compensation Assistance Two Primary ways we Assist Victims staff of 30 in El Monte - Process Applications for victim compensation - Advocates in Victim Centers throughout the county interact directly with prosecutors to help victims

“How can we assist a crime victim and their family?”

What is Covered? Medical expenses Mental health counseling Relocation (up to $2,000) Home Security (up to $1,000) Loss of income Loss of support Funeral/burial costs (up to $5,000) Crime scene clean-up Home/vehicle retrofitting Job retraining or similar employment services

Emergency Assistance Assist victim with immediate material needs such as: Temporary Shelter Food Transportation Clothing Medical Care Prescription Medicine Eyeglasses Dentures

Court Escort/Support Provide information and/or support to the victim or witness during court appearances Accompany the victim or witness to the courtroom and remain during their court appearance

OPTIONAL VICTIM SERVICES Penal Code § 13835.5 Creditor/Employer Intervention Restitution Information & Referral Notification Court Calendar Changes Funeral Arrangement Assistance Temporary Restraining Order Information Witness Protection Assistance/Relocation Optional services in Penal Code – some are unfortunately more prevalent in LA other counties Assistance with funerals and burials - paid 2003-4 ___________ Emergency relocation for victims DV and SA Primarily.

Victims Eligible for Compensation Direct Victim Derivative Victims – family and household members, certain percipient witness to crime, primary caretaker of a victim. Immigration status is not a factor The Restitution Fund is regulated by the California Government Code No handout today on the lengthy Government Code Sections on compensation, recently simplified Basically family and members of the household Victim advocates versed in these details and can help you.

When to Apply for Compensation Victim must apply within three years from the date of the incident. A minor that witnesses domestic violence or is a victim of child abuse or sexual assault, has until their 28th birthday. APPLY AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE!!!

Eligibility Criteria Victim must cooperate with law enforcement and prosecutors Victim cannot be on felony probation or parole Victim cannot have contributed to their own crime Only non-culpable victims expenses are paid. Must cooperate in investigation & prosecution of crime Cannot be on probation or parole – although their family members can receive limited compensation.

Compensation Criteria Crime caused physical injury or threat of injury Property loss not covered Victim Compensation Fund is payer of last resort (e.g. Victim must first use own medical insurance) The Fund covers victims who were injured or threatened with injury and certain family members.

Presentations? District Attorney Victim-Witness Assistance Program Administrative Office 3204 Rosemead Blvd., Ste. 200 El Monte, California 91731 Toll Free (800) 380-3811 Shari Farmer Field Deputy – Community Outreach Coordinator Office: (626) 927-2538 Cell: (213) 700-2276 Email: sfarmer@da.lacounty.gov This is where you can contact me. Our primary office is in the Criminal Justice Center across the street. When you are assigned to an office that has an advocate from our program, it is best to work with the advocate.