NCJ Number
254372
Date Published
October 2019
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This report focuses on the design, findings, and recommendations of a study conducted by the Idaho Statistical Analysis Center in partnership with the Idaho Council on Domestic Violence and Victim Assistance (State VOCA Administrator) regarding how to address the Crime Victims Compensation Program's (CVCP's) increase in forensic interview costs since 2015.
Abstract
Prior to September 2015, Medicaid paid for forensic interviews for children covered by Medicaid. In 2015, however, Medicaid issued a policy that eliminated funding for that forensic-specific service. Because CVCP is required to pay for sexual abuse forensic examination after any third party, it began to experience an increase in claims. The study of this issue involved determining which agencies currently request forensic interviews. who performs them, and the associated costs. The study involved obtaining compensation data, data from the Idaho Network of Children's Advocacy Centers (INCAC), and an electronic survey of agencies. Data from Idaho's Incident Based Reporting System were used to calculate the number of victims reported to law enforcement by crime type and county. Combining the STOP Program Annual Progress Report data and the VOCA performance measures enabled the identification of gaps in services and areas needing more funding. Based on the reported findings, four recommendations are offered. First, continue to track and compile detailed data on the frequency and cost of providing forensic interviews. Second, coordinate at the state level efforts between agencies that fund forensic interviews. Third, explore options for increasing rural access to forensic interviewers. Fourth, ensure that all Idaho counties have implemented a multidisciplinary team (MDT). The partnership created through this project has benefitted and will continue to benefit the services victims receive in Idaho. 1 table and appended report of the study