View Research by Author - Barbara Smith

Citation URL: http://www.urban.org/BarbaraSmith

In 1984, VOCA established the Crime Victims’ Fund (CVF) to supplement states’ victim compensation and assistance programs, and has disbursed over $3.2 billion. As part of an ongoing project evaluating these programs, the Urban Institute and SANDAG surveyed state administrators regarding current policies, practices, contentious issues, and areas for program improvements. Findings indicate that state programs are generally functioning well but could improve operations in several areas: planning, training, outreach, and coordination. Further development of responses to fluctuations in expenditures from the CVF and development of policies for future uses of funds currently held for victim-related spending are also needed.

The purpose of the study was to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of victim compensation and VOCA assistance programs at helping to deliver a seamless web of support to assist victims in their struggle to recover from the financial, emotional, physical, and psychological effects of criminal victimization. We approached this task through telephone surveys, site visit interviews, and focus groups with state administrators; members of oversight bodies; victim advocacy groups; VOCA-funded local service providers; victims who claimed compensation; and victims who accessed VOCA-funded direct service programs.

This report evaluates the Superior Court Drug Intervention Program (SCDIP), a model drug court for drug felony offenders that seeks to identify drug-involved offenders soon after arrest and to encourage drug desistance using a combination of treatment, incentives, and sanctions. This evaluation discusses the process and its outcomes and provides a cost-benefit analysis. The report focuses on three programs: (1) a graduated sanctions program; (2) the SCDIP treatment program; and (3) the standard docket program. It also briefly reviews the role of judges and the effect of their commitment on the program.

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