Policy Analysis 32

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1 Policy Analysis Elanor Sala Aurora University SWK 6533: Advanced Social Policy Professor August 20, 2023

2 Policy Analysis Based on Kishan, R. (2022, April 23). What is policy analysis in Social Work? They explained policy analysis as a technique used by civil servants, human activists, and some influential individuals to ensure that the laws are working or implemented correctly throughout the states. Recognizing how social Policy keeps underrepresented populations safe, In order to discover why some populations in this state are not kept safe and are more vulnerable and experience more challenges. The people that need protection and the social policies placed are for Crime Victims. I will write about Crime Victim's Rights, specifically the Victims of Crime Act, aka- VOCA. According to the text in the ICASA FY24 General Revenue Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, The federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan on October 12, 1984, establishing the Crime Victims' Fund to compensate and assist victims of crime and providing funds for training and technical assistance. The program is supported by a fund where the federal government collects criminal fines, penalties, forfeited bail bonds, and special assessments. Crime Victims Fund dollars do not come from taxpayers. They come from people or corporations convicted of federal crimes. The VOCA program sets aside a certain amount yearly based on the cap set by the federal appropriation bill. The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) is the state agency administrating the Illinois Victims of Crime Act Victim Assistance Formula Grant Program. In the federal fiscal year 2022, Illinois received a VOCA award of $53.6 million. According to ICJIA, VOCA grants must support direct services to victims of crime. States must allocate a minimum of 10 percent of funds received for services to each of the following: victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, and underserved victims of violent crime. We live in a society where many think we know what victims or underprivileged

3 individuals need. When it comes to victims of crime, our criminal justice system is quick to take action against the person who harmed them as if it is going to give complete closure. First, victims of crime's initial needs are not locking up the offender who harmed them. Their needs are medical assistance, financial assistance in terms of funeral arrangements, utility bills, and, most importantly, grief therapy, trauma therapy, and mental health assistance for them or their family. Nevertheless, VOCA funds have been essential in helping victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse programs. According to the text from Voca & Victim Services. Equal Justice USA. (2020, March 24). "many people who have been victimized do not access services through these traditional victim service providers. This is especially true in communities of color, where people are at greater risk of victimization but may be less likely to have access to victim services or to identify themselves as crime victims." Even though we know there are laws to protect victims of crime, many government agencies do not understand how to identify or address the seriousness of their community impacted by crime and violence. Social Problem Definition This Policy will address the Crime Victim's Rights/ Crime Victims Fund, ((740 ILCS 45/ Crime Victims Compensation Act. Victim Rights, Compensation, And Assistance). This Policy was put in place to provide funds to states for victim assistance and compensation programs that offer support and services to those affected by violent crimes. Who is eligible? A person killed or injured in Illinois as a result of a violent crime, the spouse, parent, or child of a person killed or injured in Illinois as a result of a violent crime, or dependents of homicide victims. A person who personally witnessed a violent crime in Illinois or a person whose testimony establishes a necessary

4 nexus between the offender and the violent crime, an Illinois resident who becomes a victim in another country that does not have a crime victims compensation program, and a minor (under the age of 18) who is the brother, sister, half-brother, half-sister of a person killed or injured in. What crimes are covered? Crimes like arson, homicide, assault, battery, human Trafficking, Involuntary Manslaughter, Criminal Sexual Abuse, Sexual Assault, Domestic Battery, Hate Crimes, Hit and Run of a Pedestrian/Person. What are the basic qualification requirements? Notify law enforcement within 72 hours of the crime's occurrence. In cases of sexual assault, sexual abuse, or human trafficking, notify law enforcement within seven days. Apply within five years of the crime date (some limited exceptions may apply). Obtaining a Plenary Order of Protection, Civil No Contact Order, or Stalking No Contact Order. Although this Policy gives much funding to victims, I can see many problems. First, the program states that it offers support and services to those affected by violent crimes. What if someone can not speak the language, or what if someone is afraid to talk to law enforcement because of previous involvement with law enforcement, and they fear that their story will not matter? My view on this matter is that we must also address discrimination and racial disparity in both the criminal justice system and victim services. I have seen it far too many times in various law enforcement departments that receive VOCA funding. For instance, they will hire social workers through the VOCA Act. Sometimes, the social workers will assist with domestic violence cases, such as advocating for victims at court, which could take much of their day or provide death notifications. Funds should not only be utilized for these types of services. These departments need to add individual therapy for victims of crime; they need to add

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