Accessing compensation for victims of crime

April 15, 2010 |
Valor

I had a recent opportunity to join a web conference, hosted by the Family Justice Center Alliance,  related to California’s Victim Compensation Program (CalVCP). The web conference was facilitated by JoAnn Goodwin, the Assistant Deputy Executive Officer, and Christy Munson, Manager County Liaison and Support Section of CalVCP.
The Victim Compensation Program (CalVCP) provides financial assistance to victims of crime who have been injured, or threatend with injury, as well as the family members of a victim who has died as a result of a crime.  The CalVCP can pay up to $70,000 per claim for un-reimbursed expenses resulting from a crime such as, but not limited to, domestic violence, sexual assault, homicide, molestation, drunk driving, robbery, and child abuse.  The CalVCP can help victims with expenses such as:

  • Relocation expenses: Including first and last month’s rent and deposit,
  • Income and support loss: Time lost at a job as a result of the crime,
  • Home or vehicle modifications: In cases where a person is disabled as a result of a crime,
  • Burial expenses: Help families cover funeral costs for a family member who has died as a result of a crime,
  • Medical expenses: Including Mental Health services, ambulance services, chiropractor, glasses, hearing aides, physical therapy, dentist, etc.

To be eligible for the Victim Compensation program, you must be:

  • Resident of California (including a Member of the Military in CA),
  • Victim of a Crime in California (includes someone who is not from CA, but experienced a crime in CA),
  • Experienced physical injury, or threat of physical injury (some emotional injury cases, such as domestic violence, may also apply)

Also, as of January 1, 2009, a minor who witnesses a crime can qualify for up to $5,000 for counseling services.
To learn more about the program, you can access the resources below.  You can also contact CalVCP at 1-800-777-9229 or you can visit the California Victim Compensation Program website, or the National Association of Crime Victim Compensation Boards, for more information and materials.
Who is eligible for compensation?
What types of expenses are covered?
CalVCP Quick Reference Guide