Through the use of VOCA compensation funds Indiana is able to meet the needs of victims with payments to restore a victim?s safety and security. In Indiana we are able to differentiate between funds allocated to victims of crime and to those needing services as a victim of sexual assault. Indiana has two separate funding allocations that address the needs of these victims. The funds received from the VOCA allocations are directed to aid victims of violent crimes such as assault, battery, homicide and other non sex related crimes. Through allocations from our state appropriations we are able to address the need for sex related crimes through our Sex Crimes Fund. The benefit related from separated funding areas increases our ability to address the needs of victims without compromising one area of funding for the other. Having access to additional funds allows for the compensation division to address the needs and restore victims to a more secure and balanced state of being. The Victim Compensation Division in 2007 conducted an in-depth review of its need for updated software, procedures, practices and technical needs to aid in providing more effective and efficient services to victims of violent crime. This process was a yearlong study that provided ICJI with the necessary information in order to implement a new plan of action and to address the need for changes in how the division operates. The outcomes identified the need for more staff, improved equipment and programs that would increase our services to victims. VOCA funds are fundamental to the functioning and continued support for victims of crime across our state. These funds support payments for medical expenses, funeral costs, and other expenses that those who have been victimized may not have access to, with these funds we can restore a person to a more productive and balanced life. This study has identified the need to improve ICJI response to victims needs and to address the processes in which ICJI serves victims. It is the continued hope that with additional state appropriations the Victim Compensation Division will improve its services and continue its commitment to provide quality services to victim of crime. 

With the completion of the study conducted by an independent firm of Crowe Chizek  & Co. in 2007 and 2008, it was identified that the victim compensation unit need to develop an improved system to better process and measure the effectiveness of claims processed. This evaluation identified the need for new software, equipment and staff to manage the increasing amount of claims received by the division.  The study also indentified the need for the division to address the backlog issues of claims and with their assistance the division was able to reduce a large backlog of claims and reach more victims with monetary support. In the fall of 2008 the division began working with a software vendor to develop a new system which will increase and aid in measuring the effectiveness of timely processed claims, and allow the division to have access to a system that will measure processing time, and generate averages and detailed outcomes. This database is anticipated to begin operation in 2009. The past system lacked accuracy of reporting as the data was limited to a large spreadsheet that needed manual calculations completed and was time intensive for accurate reporting. With a new system in place the division vision is to have improved and more accurate reporting measure. 

At ICJI, Administrative dollars have been used to pay a portion of Victim Services Compensation staff salaries, administrative support for staff, state and national training, and day to day operational expenses.  These funds are needed to help the Division assist victims.