Victim advocates who have a question about the Victims of Crime Program or need assistance with handling a crime victim’s claim should contact the VOCP Compensation Officer assigned to a victims claim. The victim advocate may also contact the VOCP Coordinator with questions about the program.
The Advocate’s Role in the Application Process
An important service a victim advocate can provide is assistance completing applications for compensation from the Victims of Crime Program. If a program receives federal funding for victim of crime assistance they are required by law to assist victims complete the VOCP application and obtain VOCP benefits. United States Code, Title 42, Chapter 112, § 10603, Crime Victim Assistance. An advocate can provide valuable guidance and assistance to victims by helping to insure that a victim obtains all the benefits they may be eligible to receive.
The Advocate’s Role in the Appeal Process
The VOCP encourages the Advocate to assist the applicant in the appeals process. If a claim is denied an advocate may be a significant help to the victim by assisting the victim with the appeal. The majority of claim denials are because the victim failed to respond to a request for additional information from the VOCP concerning the application.
If the advocate chooses to assist the victim, the advocate will receive copies of all correspondence from the VOCP related to the claim. If the advocate wishes to assist the applicant in the appeal process the applicant must sign the consent on the application available on the VOCP website.
Victim Advocate Policy Guidelines
The VOCP has developed comprehensive polices that serve as guidelines to assist victim advocates in advising victims seeking VOCP compensation. These policies can be found by selecting the following link.