VOCA funded victim assistance programs in Arkansas are required to provide information and/or assistance to victim regarding the state victim compensation program.  Many victims, however are unable and/or unwilling to file for a variety of reasons including:  

?	Inability to incur the initial costs of medical expenses; 

?	Lack of stamina to complete the amount of paperwork required; 

?	Illiteracy - many crime victims are uneducated and/or undereducated, thus many it difficult for victim assistance programs to assist them with claims; 

?	Many victims do not qualify as a result of misdemeanor convictions such as DUI, and 

?	Inability to provide the required documentation (income tax returns, pay stubs, etc.).  

VOCA funded programs, providing services in the same and/or adjacent areas or those providing similar services, are required to develop and maintain formal working agreements that map out the function of each and formalizes the manner in which the organizations will coordinate their activities to benefit the victim's sense of safety and community support.   This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) results in:  



?	Increased day-to-day contact between professionals;  

?	Improved referrals for victims that involve personal introductions to colleagues rather than putting the responsibility on the victim to contact additional providers;  

?	The victim sensing a community of support, rather than an individual; 

?	Reduced financial needs as a result of shared resources, and 

?	Established procedures that are independent of personalities.

The U.S. Attorneys employ victim assistance coordinators who assist federal crime victims through the criminal justice system.  IGS/VJA has seen that subgrant organizations routinely coordinate services with these colleagues.  Because of the uniqueness of the federal court system, local organizations are appreciative to have  the invaluable insight of these service providers to ensure that victims are provided accurate and prompt attention.

The VOCA administration in Arkansas continues to promote partnerships with its subgrant organizations.  Project Monitors continue to be assigned according to geographical regions, enabling each monitor to oversee the activities of all subgrants within his/her assigned region, test for coordination of services and activities and provide encouragement and technical assistance to service providers.  

Subgrant organizations describe the impact of the VOCA program on crime victims in Arkansas:



?	Subgrant # 06121-4V:   There is no substitute for the one-on-one personalized contact provided by our Victim Advocates in support and advocacy during the various stages of the criminal justice process, including notification of court dates, case disposition, referrals to service providers, post-sentencing services and support, and helping to ensure that victims don?t fall through the cracks or weaken in their attempts to obtain criminal justice.?



?	Subgrant #06163-5V:  ?. . . because of the much need funding from the VOCA grant this past year, we were able to provide for the first time in ____ County, an emergency shelter for victims of domestic abuse.?



?	Subgrant #06117-4V:  ?  Time after time, our advocates are told by the clients we serve ? I could never have done this without you, = I wouldn?t have ever known how to go about finding the answers to my questions, - You are the only ones who return my calls, . . .



These statements show what an impact our services have on the victims we serve.  We empower them, we advocate for them, and we help them find information . . .  There is no doubt that our advocacy and support are the catalyst that helps a victim become a survivor.?

	

?	Subgrant #06153-5V:  ?VOCA funding allowed us to operate the shelter and hotline around the clock to provide food, clothing, shelter, medical care, support and encouragement.?



?	Subgrant #06158-5V:  ?It (VOCA funding) provided full time advocacy coverage throughout the weeken, ensuring that there were no gaps in service.  This allowed direct service to victims rather than just referrals.?

The following issues continue to be identified as negatively impacting the provision of victim services: 



?	Increased drug use and production, particularly methamphetamine; 

?	Lack of employment opportunities; 

?	Jail overcrowding and early prison release; 

?	Lack of transportation and/or telephone service in rural areas; 

?	Length of time to prosecute cases because court dockets are full, primarily with drug cases;

?	Increase in the non-English speaking population; 

?	Increase in the use of date rape drugs;  

?	Lack of  affordable housing, and 

?	Lack of prosecution of sexual assault perpetrators due to a lack of evidence and/or lack of credible witnesses.

Arkansas continues to be dependent upon VOCA funds to support the administrative costs of ensuring effective programmatic and financial accountability of VOCA subgrantees. Administrative costs include:   personnel costs; general maintenance and operational expenses (i.e. rent, telephone, travel related to subgrant monitoring, postage, office supplies).  



Arkansas employs the use of electronic mail to reduce the costs of telephone and postage.  State vehicles are driven to reduce the cost of mileage reimbursement.  The cost of printing and mailing applications has been eliminated by posting the application kit was posted on the department?s website. The office is currently in the process of making other subgrantee reports and forms (i.e. quarterly performance report) accessible via its website.