NCJ Number
251466
Date Published
May 2003
Length
148 pages
Annotation
Findings, methodology, and recommendations are presented from an independent evaluation of Maryland's crime victim compensation program.
Abstract
An overview of the compensation program's organization and operations addresses the costs of crime, implementation of federal regulations for public financial assistance for crime victims; Maryland's Criminal Injuries Compensation Board; Maryland's victim compensation program compared with other states' programs; and plans for the program's future development. A discussion of clients' experiences with the compensation program focuses on claims characteristics and clients' opinions of the program. Crime victims' awareness of the victim compensation program and barriers to their accessing it are also reviewed. The report's overall conclusion is that Maryland's Criminal Injuries Compensation Board provides "very good services to victims who file for compensation." The Board initially approves 9 out of 10 claims; and because of its responsiveness to claimants who request reconsideration of a denial, virtually all claimants receive benefits at the conclusion of case consideration. In addition, payment amounts are high relative to other state victim compensation programs. The number of claims filed has increased significantly in recent years, and state expenditures have increased significantly. The report recommends that plans for the future of the Board focus on continuing the growth trend by expanding its outreach to new victims not currently served, as well as providing expanded and more efficient services to claimants. A number of legislative, policy, and procedural changes can facilitate this effort. 5 tables, 7 figures, 9 references, and appended relevant legislation, Board materials, and evaluation tools