NCJ Number
121576
Date Published
1988
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This report presents narrative information and tabular data on the work of the Victim Service Unit of the Massachusetts Parole Board.
Abstract
The Victims Service Unit is responsible for fulfilling the mandates placed on the Massachusetts Parole Board. The parole board is required to notify victims, witnesses, parents or guardians of minor victims, family members of homicide victims, and any other designated persons of the temporary, provisional, final release, or escape of the offender. The work of the Victims Service Unit includes client services, administrative procedures, and consultation and education services. Client services have included information about parole policy and procedures; crisis intervention and supportive counseling; facilitation of client input for parole board decisionmaking; and referrals to State, community, and social service agencies. Administrative procedures include the processing of client-related material, creating and maintaining client and confidential material files, researching offender information, the gathering of statistical information, and program management. Consultation and education services include the coordination of parole board staff training in victim-related issues, the training of victim/witness advocates, and presentations to community agencies. 5 tables.