Victim Service Programs in Probation Agencies (From American Correctional Association - Proceedings, P 159-166, 1981, Barbara Hadley Olsson and Ann Durgis, ed. - See NCJ-76771)

• NCJ Number: 76787
• Author(s): A J Hopkins
• Date Published: 1981
• Length: 8 pages
• Sale Source: American Correctional Association
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This paper discusses probation agency provision of services to crime victims, including victim needs, agency roles, arguments for and against probation sponsorship, and programs currently operating in Maryland.

Abstract

Victims of violent stranger-to-stranger crimes are most in need of assistance, followed by victims of persistent crimes (such as domestic violence crimes), and economic crime victims. Victims need medical treatment, protection, economic restoration, counseling, and information. Victims most dependent on social services before being victimized are most dependent on these services afterward. Responsibilities of the police, hospitals, prosecutor's office, courts, and connections concerning victims' services are delineated. Corrections agencies are responsible for carrying out restitution rulings. Those supporting probation department delivery of victim services point out that these departments have access to criminal justice information, understand criminal justice language and procedures, have broad jurisdictions, know about local services, are oriented to case work, are experienced with volunteer programs, can offer advocacy services for victims, and are official -- as opposed to private -- agencies. In this era of limited financial resources, however, probation agencies canot afford to take on peripheral services such as victim assistance. Moreover, these agencies have developed -- and must maintain -- an offender orientation. They would experience jurisdictional problems in providing victim services. In Maryland, victim services programs include a criminal injuries compensation board; programs for rape victims, battered spouses, and abused children; a State attorney witness program; and a restitution program operated by the State probation and parole department. The Maryland probation and parole department plans to include victim impact studies in presentencing investigation reports, prioritize restitution collection procedures, keep victims informed about collection problems, and encourage locally sponsored victim aid programs and police involvement in victim services.