Victim/Witness Programs: Self-Evaluation of Strengths, Problems, and Needed Changes (From Helping Crime Victims: Research, Policy, and Practice, P 106-119, 1990, Albert R Roberts - NCJ-125461)

• NCJ Number: 125465
• Author(s): A R Roberts
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 14 pages
• Sale Source: Sage Publications, Inc
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter reviews the self-evaluations of programs responding to the 1985 National Survey of Victim/Witness Assistance Programs.

Abstract

The survey's self-evaluation questions focused on respondents' perceptions of their problems, strengths, and needed changes. The problems from which the respondents selected were funding, staff turnover, lack of space, liaison with police, relationship with the court, attrition of volunteers, and "other." Funding was the most significant problem, followed by lack of space, attrition of volunteers, relationship with the court, liaison with the police, and staff turnover. Of the program strengths identified by the respondents, the highest number of respondents identified comprehensive services/specialized services as their greatest strength. The remaining categories of strengths received an approximately equal number of responses. These categories were court support, advocacy, and court escort; referrals and interagency linkages; case information and status; and use of trained and dedicated staff and volunteers. When asked what changes they would make in their programs if they had the money, the respondents favored changes in three general categories: staffing, services, and facilities and equipment. 3 tables.