This year, more than ever, the Montana Crime Victim Compensation Program has relied heavily on the federal VOCA funds.  Our ability to provide comprehensive support to Montana?s victims would be severely compromised without the federal dollars.  The state general funds have remained stagnant for a number of years which has increased our reliance on the VOCA funds.  The 60% match in federal funds continues to be a tremendous help in meeting rising medical costs and cuts in other social programs 


  


With the support of VOCA funds, Montana crime victims receive financial support for medical care, mental health counseling, loss of wages and in cases involving homicide, funeral expenses, loss of support and counseling for the surviving family members.

Claim processing is measured from the date the claim is received to the date a decision is made and payments are worked up.  In most cases, the Montana CVC program processes a claim from beginning to end in approximately two to three months.  Exceptions to this time frame are generally related to delays in receiving a law enforcement report.  Some cases involve very sensitive material the prosecution can?t release until after the completion of the prosecution.





A new computer software system has been in place for a year and a half.  The new system has allowed us to process claims in a more fluid and timelier manner.  Efficiency and accuracy of data is measured weekly, monthly and quarterly by using time specific computer generated reports.  Reports are generated showing the average length of processing time each claim investigator and the program as a whole.  Easy and readily available access to this information lessens the chances of claims getting lost in the shuffle. 





To facilitate a better understanding of the benefits and services offered by the program, the program supervisor has increased training and outreach efforts in the state.  The CVC program supervisor provides on-site training to law enforcement, prosecutors, victim assistance and victim/witness programs, the Law Enforcement Academy and Indian Country Victim Assistance programs around the state.  Victim advocates receive individual training on the compensation program resulting in improved and more efficient services to victims.  One of the Program Specialist provides training on the FREPP program (Free Rape Examination Payment Program) to hospitals throughout the state.  The FREPP program is supported with state general fund dollars through the Office of Victim Services.

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Montana's use of VOCA administrative funds continues to allow for printing costs for victim compensation materials and has allowed staff to attend training conferences.  Federal administrative funds pay a small percentage of the Executive Director?s salary to improve and expand our working relationships with the Department of Corrections and the state Victim Advisory Board.  The Office of Victim Services includes the Crime Victim Compensation Program, Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team, the FREP Program (Free Rape Examination Payment Program), Identity Theft Program, Bridge Program and Consumer Protection.