NCJ Number
63485
Date Published
1978
Length
91 pages
Annotation
THE EVALUATION OF THE VICTIM/WITNESS AID PROJECT IN PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLA., RECOMMENDS EXPANSION OF THE SOURCES OF REFERRAL, IMPROVEMENT OF THE DATA SYSTEM, AND A MORE FORCEFUL AND AGGRESSIVE ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY.
Abstract
THE PROJECT BEGAN IN 1975 TO PROVIDE SERVICES TO VICTIMS AND WITNESSES OF FELONIES, MISDEMEANORS, AND JUVENILE CRIMES IN ORDER TO IMPROVE THEIR OPINION OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM AND TO INCREASE PUBLIC WILLINGNESS TO PARTICIPATE IN LEGAL PROCEDURES. REFERRALS COME FROM THE STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AND VICTIMS AND WITNESSES ARE SENT SURVEYS TO DETERMINE NEEDS. SOME OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED FOR THOSE RETURNING THE SURVEYS INCLUDE KEEPING VICTIMS INFORMED OF THE PROGRESS AND DISPOSITION OF THE CASE, TRANSPORTATION, ASSISTING IN THE RETURN OF PROPERTY HELD AS EVIDENCE, AND ASSISTING IN OBTAINING RESTITUTION. MAJOR PROBLEMS FOUND BY THE EVALUATION ARE: THE SINGLE SOURCE OF REFERRAL, THE DATA COLLECTION SYSTEM, AND INADEQUATE ADMINISTRATIVE, SUPERVISORY, AND POLICY DIRECTION. SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDE EXPANSION OF REFERRAL TO LAW ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENTS WITH ADEQUATE PUBLICITY; CHANGES IN THE DATA SYSTEM TO REFLECT PROFILE INFORMATION AND TYPES OF SERVICES PROVIDED USING MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE CATEGORIES OF DATA AND ENCOMPASSING A MEANS OF EVALUATION; AND THE PUBLICATIONS OF MANUALS DEALING WITH POLICY, SERVICES AND PROCEDURES. TWO APPENDIXES PROVIDE SAMPLE WORKSHEETS.