NCJ Number
183397
Date Published
October 2000
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This bulletin, the first in a series, describes the needs assessment process of the Denver Victim Services 2000 (VS2000) project to create a seamless service delivery system for crime victims.
Abstract
Funded by the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), the Denver VS2000 is a 5-year demonstration project to develop a comprehensive and coordinated service delivery system for crime victims. During the planning phase of the project it became apparent that a needs assessment was needed on the current state of victim services and victims’ needs in the area. The Needs Assessment Team met first in 1997 and developed a three-pronged approach to the needs assessment process: (1) determine client satisfaction with current services; (2) identify unmet needs and gaps in service as determined by service providers; and (3) identify unmet needs and gaps in service as determined by clients. The article describes the creation of the agency survey instrument, its implementation, and the results followed by a description of the design, implementation and results of the client satisfaction survey. Victim focus groups were used to obtained in-depth information from Denver’s underserved victim population; focus groups focused on the types of crime that most affect underserved victims. Results of the focus groups are presented and suggest the desire for more holistic and humanistic approaches to service delivery. Finally, elements of the model victim service network that were developed as a result of the needs assessment data are presented and include the provision of community advocates, case management, and online resources. Contact information and additional resources are provided.
Date Published: October 1, 2000