The Illinois program, unlike most other state's programs, is funded by a general fund appropriation.  Increased medical costs and expanded outreach have consistently increased the number of victims paid compensation over the last few years.  The Illinois General Assemblyhas never denied the program's request for funding, despite the annual increases.  The fact that the State will receive a federal reimbursement of 60% of the total program spending has been one of the most important factors in our successful effort to fund the program.  Without VOCA grant funds, it is doubtful that Illinois crime victims would be compensated as fully and timely as the program is now.

The Illinois Crime Victim Compenstaion program must annually submit a Service Efforts and Accomplishments Report to the Comptroller of the State of Illinois.  The report is a statewide effort to document the goals and objectives of this program and all other State programs to the public.  As part of the report the Crime Victim Compensation Program reports the percentage of open crime victim claims closed during the State fiscal year as it outcome indicator.  The goal established for the program currently is to close at least 55% of cases open for the fiscal year.

The use of VOCA administrative funds is instrumental in the Crime Victims Compensation program operations.  The funds have enables us to expand our personnel and other administrative operations to run the program efficently and economically.  The funds have also allowed the program staff to participate in the annual Crime Victim Compensation Program presented by the National Association of Crime Victim Compensation Boards.  Attendance at these programs each year is extremely beneficial and invariably provides us with new ideas to better operate our program.  The administrative funds allowed for the the purchase of much needed office equipment for use by the Attorney Generals Crime Victims Division and the Clerk of the Courts Office to assist those offices in the investigation, processing and payment of the victims compensation claims.  The equipment has enhanced the volume of work, to ultimatley dleiver compensation to victims in a timelier manner.  The funds have also assisted in an ongoing computer system upgrade, which is designed to process awards in a more efficient manner and provide updated access to information for use by staff in processing and adjudication.