NCJ Number
238124
Date Published
February 2012
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This report on the Nebraska Crime Victim's Reparations Program (CVR) provides information and statistics on the program's administration and activities from July 1, 2010 though June 30, 2011.
Abstract
The purpose of the program is "to assist innocent victims of crime with medical expenses, mental health counseling, loss of wages, funeral bills in cases of homicide, residential crime scene clean-up, loss of earning power, and other expenses directly related to the criminal act." The program now covers Nebraska residents who are victims of terrorism in foreign countries. Loss of property, pain and suffering, and expenses not directly related to the crime are not covered. The Nebraska Crime Commission is responsible for the administration of the CVR program. Tasks involved in the processing of claims are described, and reasons for denying a claim are outlined. Procedures are also described for appeals, and information is provided on funding, CVR program activities, and legislative initiatives for 2011. A bill passed on May 26, 2011 deals with several Crime Commission responsibilities, with certain sections clarifying the relationship between the CVR Committee and the Nebraska Community Trust. Beginning July 1, 2011, the CVR Committee voted to add felony assault to the list of crimes that will be considered for payment. As of July 1, 2011, the CVR program will consider the following crimes for payment: homicides, sexual assaults, felony assaults, child abuse, robbery, domestic violence, arson, DUI, and kidnapping. Summary program data for fiscal year 2010/11 address claims pending as of July 1, 2010, new claims received supplemental claims and resubmitted claims, and appeals. Data for this period also cover claims considered, claims awarded, claims denied, claims withdrawn, claims pending, and appeal decisions. The amount of claim actions is also reported. The amount for claims is broken down by offense type and by district number/county.