The Victim Services Division serves victims of crime and survivors throughout the Eighth Circuit. The Division is comprised of a director and eight advocates who provide over 15,000 direct services to crime victims annually. Those services include notification of case status, crisis counseling, follow-up contact, information and referral, criminal justice support, personal advocacy, assistance with crime victim compensation, court accompaniment and other services victims. Advocates are located throughout the six counties within the circuit. In addition, Project Payback, a Juvenile Restitution Program, is also an integral part of the Division. Project Payback is comprised of two full-time and two half-time staff as well as six volunteer interns. Project Payback has been responsible for returning over $400,000 in restitution to victims of juvenile crime.

Witness Management …….

The Division works closely with advocates from law enforcement agencies, domestic violence shelters, the Guardian ad Litem Program, sexual assault and treatment centers, hospitals, county social agencies and other community based service providers. The Division receives $193, 000 in Federal funding through a Victims of Crimes Act grant to enhance and increase the quality and quantity of Victim services in the Eighth Judicial Circuit.