March/April 2018
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News & Updates Archive
Visit our News & Updates Archive page to see older news items, including the January/February 2018 News and Updates. |
CEJC News
CEJC Co-sponsors SB 1320 Elder Abuse Victim Confidentiality
CEJC will co-sponsor SB 1320 (Stern) a measure that will extend eligibility for California's confidential address program, known as Safe at Home, to victims of elder or dependent adult abuse. The program enables survivors of stalking, domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking to apply for a confidential, substitute address to manage their affairs and protect their privacy from potential abusers. This program is administered by the Office of the Secretary of State. The bill will provide the same protections to victims of elder or dependent abuse for the first time.
CEJC Co-sponsors SB 1320 Elder Abuse Victim Confidentiality
CEJC will co-sponsor SB 1320 (Stern) a measure that will extend eligibility for California's confidential address program, known as Safe at Home, to victims of elder or dependent adult abuse. The program enables survivors of stalking, domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking to apply for a confidential, substitute address to manage their affairs and protect their privacy from potential abusers. This program is administered by the Office of the Secretary of State. The bill will provide the same protections to victims of elder or dependent abuse for the first time.
CEJC Supports Restoring LTC Ombudsmen Funding
The California Long Term Care Ombudsman Association is asking the state for $7.3M in General Funds to support local Ombudsman programs across the state. The programs took a major hit during the recession, and full funding has not yet been restored. In 2016, Ombudsmen conducted almost 70,000 unannounced visits to skilled nursing and residential care facilities for the elderly. They investigated and resolved over 40,000 complaints, including complaints for elder abuse and neglect; provided over 52,000 consultations to residents and their family members; and witnessed over 2,300 Advanced Health Care Directives and property transfer declarations. The request was heard by both Senate and Assembly Budget Subcommittees in March. To find out how you can help, contact Leza Coleman at [email protected].
The California Long Term Care Ombudsman Association is asking the state for $7.3M in General Funds to support local Ombudsman programs across the state. The programs took a major hit during the recession, and full funding has not yet been restored. In 2016, Ombudsmen conducted almost 70,000 unannounced visits to skilled nursing and residential care facilities for the elderly. They investigated and resolved over 40,000 complaints, including complaints for elder abuse and neglect; provided over 52,000 consultations to residents and their family members; and witnessed over 2,300 Advanced Health Care Directives and property transfer declarations. The request was heard by both Senate and Assembly Budget Subcommittees in March. To find out how you can help, contact Leza Coleman at [email protected].
California Bills and Proposals We're Following
CEJC recently posted a comprehensive list of state laws relating to elder justice on its website at Bills and New Laws.
CEJC recently posted a comprehensive list of state laws relating to elder justice on its website at Bills and New Laws.
CEJC Meets with Victim Advocates
In a "made to order" two-day training for VOCA-funded projects that serve elder abuse victims, CEJC and partners CCoA and CDSS responded to grantees' requests for help responding to the needs of financial and sexual exploitation victims. Featured presenters included nationally known expert on financial exploitation Debbie Deem, victim specialist for the FBI, and Dr. Holly Ramsey Klawsnik, an expert in late life domestic violence, sexual assault, self-neglect, and poly-victimization. Attendees showcased cutting edge promising practices ranging from LA's romance scam support group to Tulare's victim services needs assessment. During breakout sessions, representatives from small counties banded together to talk about big challenges like sustaining programs when funding runs out (e.g. developing standardized procedures and protocols) and establishing lines of communication with lawmakers and advocates (e.g. joining local commissions on aging and finding local champions). McGeorge Law School Elder Law Clinic Director Melissa Brown described California's new APS-initiated restraining order, and Julie Orozco from Riverside and Cheryl Wiker from Placer County described the benefits and challenges of putting the policy into practice. Panelists Nilda Valmores, Suguet Lopez, and Rangina Totakhal described their programs, which provide culturally specific services to crime victims. CEJC is currently developing a new section of its website for Victim Advocates, where it will post handouts and presentations from the event and additional information for victim advocates.
In a "made to order" two-day training for VOCA-funded projects that serve elder abuse victims, CEJC and partners CCoA and CDSS responded to grantees' requests for help responding to the needs of financial and sexual exploitation victims. Featured presenters included nationally known expert on financial exploitation Debbie Deem, victim specialist for the FBI, and Dr. Holly Ramsey Klawsnik, an expert in late life domestic violence, sexual assault, self-neglect, and poly-victimization. Attendees showcased cutting edge promising practices ranging from LA's romance scam support group to Tulare's victim services needs assessment. During breakout sessions, representatives from small counties banded together to talk about big challenges like sustaining programs when funding runs out (e.g. developing standardized procedures and protocols) and establishing lines of communication with lawmakers and advocates (e.g. joining local commissions on aging and finding local champions). McGeorge Law School Elder Law Clinic Director Melissa Brown described California's new APS-initiated restraining order, and Julie Orozco from Riverside and Cheryl Wiker from Placer County described the benefits and challenges of putting the policy into practice. Panelists Nilda Valmores, Suguet Lopez, and Rangina Totakhal described their programs, which provide culturally specific services to crime victims. CEJC is currently developing a new section of its website for Victim Advocates, where it will post handouts and presentations from the event and additional information for victim advocates.
California News
California Selected for AARP Financial Exploitation Training Program
California is one of 12 states chosen by AARP to pilot BankSafe, a new financial exploitation training for frontline staff. Developed with the help of more than 200 bank, credit union, legal and law enforcement experts, the 60-minute, interactive training for employees includes more than 25 modules that includes games, videos, real-life scenarios and state-specific resources. San Mateo County Aging and Adult Services led the effort to secure California’s spot as a pilot state and has lined up banks and credit unions to participate. The pilot program will launch in mid-May. Please contact Nicole Fernandez with San Mateo County’s Aging and Adult Services at [email protected] for more. To learn more about how financial institutions are helping to prevent abuse see Guidance on Privacy Laws and Reporting Financial Abuse on the CEJC website in the National Innovations section.
California Selected for AARP Financial Exploitation Training Program
California is one of 12 states chosen by AARP to pilot BankSafe, a new financial exploitation training for frontline staff. Developed with the help of more than 200 bank, credit union, legal and law enforcement experts, the 60-minute, interactive training for employees includes more than 25 modules that includes games, videos, real-life scenarios and state-specific resources. San Mateo County Aging and Adult Services led the effort to secure California’s spot as a pilot state and has lined up banks and credit unions to participate. The pilot program will launch in mid-May. Please contact Nicole Fernandez with San Mateo County’s Aging and Adult Services at [email protected] for more. To learn more about how financial institutions are helping to prevent abuse see Guidance on Privacy Laws and Reporting Financial Abuse on the CEJC website in the National Innovations section.
Replicable Santa Clara Training Module Updated
The Elder Abuse Task Force of Santa Clara County has updated its Elder Abuse – Guidelines for Professional Assessment and Reporting training module for 2018. The module was developed by the Task Force, a coalition of agencies committed to the education, advocacy and prevention of elder abuse that was formed in 1981. It helps professionals identify, assess document, intervene in, and report abuse. The Task Force welcomes other California counties or cities to customize the training by adding local reporting agencies and community resources.
The Elder Abuse Task Force of Santa Clara County has updated its Elder Abuse – Guidelines for Professional Assessment and Reporting training module for 2018. The module was developed by the Task Force, a coalition of agencies committed to the education, advocacy and prevention of elder abuse that was formed in 1981. It helps professionals identify, assess document, intervene in, and report abuse. The Task Force welcomes other California counties or cities to customize the training by adding local reporting agencies and community resources.
Hospital Found Liable for Not Abiding by Advance Directive
San Francisco attorney John O'Grady describes the following case involving a hospital that was sued for elder abuse and medical battery for not abiding by an advanced directive. The case is among the first of its kind.
On February 1, 2012, St. Mary's Medical Center of San Bernardino County admitted Anthony Carter, 78, into its care. Confused, Carter communicated only with grunts and mumbles and had gaps in his heartbeat. Maxine Stewart, a licensed nurse and Carter's lawful health care agent, refused to consent when Carter's doctor wanted to insert a gastronomy tube. The hospital ethics committee approved the surgery which occurred without Stewart's knowledge or consent. Later that day, Carter went into cardiac arrest, causing brain damage. He required acute nursing care until passing on April 15, 2013. Stewart sued. The trial court dismissed her claims that the hospital committed elder abuse, medical battery, and fraudulent concealment. The Court of Appeal reinstated these claims. The Court's recitation of the facts froths with indignation and scorn for the Catholic hospital's defenses. It said that Carter exercised his fundamental and autonomous right to refuse surgery through Stewart, his lawfully designated surrogate. On these facts, it said, a jury certainly could find the hospital committed elder abuse and medical battery against Carter and cloaked its wrongful conduct in fraudulent concealment. Stewart v. Superior Court (Cal. Ct. App. - Oct. 12, 2017)
San Francisco attorney John O'Grady describes the following case involving a hospital that was sued for elder abuse and medical battery for not abiding by an advanced directive. The case is among the first of its kind.
On February 1, 2012, St. Mary's Medical Center of San Bernardino County admitted Anthony Carter, 78, into its care. Confused, Carter communicated only with grunts and mumbles and had gaps in his heartbeat. Maxine Stewart, a licensed nurse and Carter's lawful health care agent, refused to consent when Carter's doctor wanted to insert a gastronomy tube. The hospital ethics committee approved the surgery which occurred without Stewart's knowledge or consent. Later that day, Carter went into cardiac arrest, causing brain damage. He required acute nursing care until passing on April 15, 2013. Stewart sued. The trial court dismissed her claims that the hospital committed elder abuse, medical battery, and fraudulent concealment. The Court of Appeal reinstated these claims. The Court's recitation of the facts froths with indignation and scorn for the Catholic hospital's defenses. It said that Carter exercised his fundamental and autonomous right to refuse surgery through Stewart, his lawfully designated surrogate. On these facts, it said, a jury certainly could find the hospital committed elder abuse and medical battery against Carter and cloaked its wrongful conduct in fraudulent concealment. Stewart v. Superior Court (Cal. Ct. App. - Oct. 12, 2017)
Toppling Reverse Mortgage Abuse: SF Attorneys Speak Out
In this article posted on the website of the American Association for Justice, SF attorneys Ingrid Evans and Daniel Oren describe the perils of reverse mortgages and recommend remedies for at-risk homeowners. https://www.justice.org/what-we-do/enhance-practice-law/publications/trial-magazine/toppling-reverse-mortgage-abuse.
In this article posted on the website of the American Association for Justice, SF attorneys Ingrid Evans and Daniel Oren describe the perils of reverse mortgages and recommend remedies for at-risk homeowners. https://www.justice.org/what-we-do/enhance-practice-law/publications/trial-magazine/toppling-reverse-mortgage-abuse.
LA Elder Abuse Forensics Center Seeks Program Manager
The Los Angeles County Elder Abuse Forensic Center is a multidisciplinary team of social workers, detectives, attorneys, doctors, and other elder abuse professionals who protect vulnerable elders and dependent adults from abuse and neglect. The Program Manager is responsible for developing protocols and procedures, supervising team members, education and training initiatives, developing and maintaining partnerships with member agencies, running weekly meetings, grant writing and reporting, and various administrative duties. For more, contact the Center at [email protected].
The Los Angeles County Elder Abuse Forensic Center is a multidisciplinary team of social workers, detectives, attorneys, doctors, and other elder abuse professionals who protect vulnerable elders and dependent adults from abuse and neglect. The Program Manager is responsible for developing protocols and procedures, supervising team members, education and training initiatives, developing and maintaining partnerships with member agencies, running weekly meetings, grant writing and reporting, and various administrative duties. For more, contact the Center at [email protected].
National News
Omnibus Appropriation Bill Increases/Retains Elder Justice Funds
The 2018 Omnibus Appropriations Bill for the remainder of federal FY 2018, signed by the president on March 23, includes a $2 million increase for The Elder Justice Initiative, bringing it to $12 million, a $1 million increase for the Older Americans Act (OAA) Long Term Care Ombudsman program, and a $2 billion increase in funding made available from the VOCA/Crime Victims Fund (raising it to about $4.44 billion!). The Social Services Block Grant, the OAA Elder Rights Support Activities, and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Abuse in Later Life programs all remain at level funding.
Omnibus Appropriation Bill Increases/Retains Elder Justice Funds
The 2018 Omnibus Appropriations Bill for the remainder of federal FY 2018, signed by the president on March 23, includes a $2 million increase for The Elder Justice Initiative, bringing it to $12 million, a $1 million increase for the Older Americans Act (OAA) Long Term Care Ombudsman program, and a $2 billion increase in funding made available from the VOCA/Crime Victims Fund (raising it to about $4.44 billion!). The Social Services Block Grant, the OAA Elder Rights Support Activities, and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Abuse in Later Life programs all remain at level funding.
Spread the Word to Help Victims Recover Losses
Scam victims who sent payments through Western Union between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017 can file claims to get money back until May 31, 2018, extending a previous deadline. Scams for which recoveries can be requested include sweepstake scams, fraudulent loans and jobs, payments made to scammers posing as family members in need of cash, and posing as law enforcement officers demanding payment. The payments come as the result of a $586 million settlement from a joint investigation by the Federal Trade Commission, Department of Justice, and the US Postal Inspection Service that found Western Union liable for aiding and abetting wire fraud. For more information or to submit a claim, go to: https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/cases-proceedings/refunds/western-union-settlement-faqs or contact the claim administrator at: 1-844-319-2124.
Scam victims who sent payments through Western Union between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017 can file claims to get money back until May 31, 2018, extending a previous deadline. Scams for which recoveries can be requested include sweepstake scams, fraudulent loans and jobs, payments made to scammers posing as family members in need of cash, and posing as law enforcement officers demanding payment. The payments come as the result of a $586 million settlement from a joint investigation by the Federal Trade Commission, Department of Justice, and the US Postal Inspection Service that found Western Union liable for aiding and abetting wire fraud. For more information or to submit a claim, go to: https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/cases-proceedings/refunds/western-union-settlement-faqs or contact the claim administrator at: 1-844-319-2124.
Appeals Court Overturns Fiduciary Rule
On March 16, the US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, in a two-to-one ruling, overturned the Department of Labor's (DOL) "Fiduciary Rule." The rule, which took partial effect in June of 2017, would have compelled financial advisers to abide by a “fiduciary standard” requiring them to act in the best interests of their clients when providing guidance about retirement accounts, 401(k)s, and annuities. The rule was opposed by securities industry leaders. The court held that DOL’s action in establishing the rule was "arbitrary, capricious, not in accordance with the law, and in excess of its statutory authority and limitations." The DOL can decide to ask the full Fifth Circuit to rehear the dispute or seek a hearing before the US Supreme Court. For more, go to Under the Radar: Developments We're Watching.
On March 16, the US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, in a two-to-one ruling, overturned the Department of Labor's (DOL) "Fiduciary Rule." The rule, which took partial effect in June of 2017, would have compelled financial advisers to abide by a “fiduciary standard” requiring them to act in the best interests of their clients when providing guidance about retirement accounts, 401(k)s, and annuities. The rule was opposed by securities industry leaders. The court held that DOL’s action in establishing the rule was "arbitrary, capricious, not in accordance with the law, and in excess of its statutory authority and limitations." The DOL can decide to ask the full Fifth Circuit to rehear the dispute or seek a hearing before the US Supreme Court. For more, go to Under the Radar: Developments We're Watching.
Huge Sweep on Elder Fraud Cases
On February 22, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history. The cases involve more than 250 defendants from around the world who committed financial crimes against more than a million, mostly elderly, Americans. The crimes include lottery scams, romance scams, grandparent scams, IRS imposter schemes, and others. Over 50 US Attorney’s Offices and Departments filed elder fraud cases in the last year, which can be found on this interactive map.
On February 22, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history. The cases involve more than 250 defendants from around the world who committed financial crimes against more than a million, mostly elderly, Americans. The crimes include lottery scams, romance scams, grandparent scams, IRS imposter schemes, and others. Over 50 US Attorney’s Offices and Departments filed elder fraud cases in the last year, which can be found on this interactive map.
Reports
Assisted-Living Facilities Fail to Report Abuse
According to a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, states spend more than $10 billion a year in federal and state funds for ALFs for more than 330,000 Medicaid beneficiaries, an average of $30,000 a person. Although they are supposed to keep track of cases involving the abuse, neglect, exploitation, or unexplained deaths of beneficiaries, less than half could provide information on the number or nature of such cases, and just 22 states were able to provide data on ‘critical incidents’–cases of potential or actual harm. In one year, those states reported a total of more than 22,900 incidents, including the physical, emotional, or sexual abuse of residents.” See Improved Federal Oversight of Beneficiary Health and Welfare is Needed.
Assisted-Living Facilities Fail to Report Abuse
According to a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, states spend more than $10 billion a year in federal and state funds for ALFs for more than 330,000 Medicaid beneficiaries, an average of $30,000 a person. Although they are supposed to keep track of cases involving the abuse, neglect, exploitation, or unexplained deaths of beneficiaries, less than half could provide information on the number or nature of such cases, and just 22 states were able to provide data on ‘critical incidents’–cases of potential or actual harm. In one year, those states reported a total of more than 22,900 incidents, including the physical, emotional, or sexual abuse of residents.” See Improved Federal Oversight of Beneficiary Health and Welfare is Needed.
"They Want Docile" Report Reveals Antipsychotic Drug Abuse in Nursing Homes
In its newly released report, subtitled "How Nursing Homes in the United States Overmedicate People with Dementia," Human Rights Watch states, "In an average week, nursing facilities in the United States administer antipsychotic drugs to over 179,000 people who do not have diagnoses for which the drugs are approved. Studies show that the use of antipsychotic drugs nearly doubles the risk of death among older people with dementia. And too often, the drugs are used for their sedative effect rather than any medical benefit. For more: See They Want Docile. Other sources of information on the use of antipsychotics are:
In its newly released report, subtitled "How Nursing Homes in the United States Overmedicate People with Dementia," Human Rights Watch states, "In an average week, nursing facilities in the United States administer antipsychotic drugs to over 179,000 people who do not have diagnoses for which the drugs are approved. Studies show that the use of antipsychotic drugs nearly doubles the risk of death among older people with dementia. And too often, the drugs are used for their sedative effect rather than any medical benefit. For more: See They Want Docile. Other sources of information on the use of antipsychotics are:
- Use of Antipsychotics in Long Term Care Facilities, a resource produced by the Consumer Voice for Quality Long Term Care
- The Center for Medicare Advocacy website
- Issue Alert on Antipsychotic Drugs, produced by the Long Term Care Community Coalition
Protecting Group Home Residents
On February 7, 2018, a panel of experts from across the Department of Health and Human Services, including the HHS Office of Inspector General, Administration for Community Living, Office for Civil Rights, and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, discussed approaches states can take to protect the health and safety of residents living in group home settings. Watch the panel discussion.
On February 7, 2018, a panel of experts from across the Department of Health and Human Services, including the HHS Office of Inspector General, Administration for Community Living, Office for Civil Rights, and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, discussed approaches states can take to protect the health and safety of residents living in group home settings. Watch the panel discussion.
New Resources
State Guardianship Laws: New Materials
The National Center on Law & Elder Rights has released new materials on state guardianship laws, including the findings of the American Bar Association's 2017 survey of state legislative actions and information about the recently revised and approved Uniform Guardianship, Conservatorship, and Other Protective Arrangements Act.
State Guardianship Laws: New Materials
The National Center on Law & Elder Rights has released new materials on state guardianship laws, including the findings of the American Bar Association's 2017 survey of state legislative actions and information about the recently revised and approved Uniform Guardianship, Conservatorship, and Other Protective Arrangements Act.
NCLER Releases Training Curricula for 2018
The National Center on Law and Elder Rights (NCLER) provides free legal trainings in eight areas: health and long-term services and supports, economic security, advance planning, supported decision-making, guardianship, elder abuse, consumer protection, and housing. The trainings are classified as basic and advanced. Basic trainings are accompanied by a chapter summary, and issue brief supplements are available for advanced trainings. Upcoming trainings include financial abuse, civil litigation as a remedy for financial abuse, advance planning, and supported decision making. Download the 2018 training calendar here.
The National Center on Law and Elder Rights (NCLER) provides free legal trainings in eight areas: health and long-term services and supports, economic security, advance planning, supported decision-making, guardianship, elder abuse, consumer protection, and housing. The trainings are classified as basic and advanced. Basic trainings are accompanied by a chapter summary, and issue brief supplements are available for advanced trainings. Upcoming trainings include financial abuse, civil litigation as a remedy for financial abuse, advance planning, and supported decision making. Download the 2018 training calendar here.
Tribal Elder Protection Team Toolkit
Developed by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs (CTWS) in Oregon, the toolkit was created to familiarize those working with indigenous elderly with the Tribal Elder Protection Team (TEPT) concept and assist them develop teams. The kit includes an introduction to TEPT, developing a TEPT, developing Tribal Elder Protection Code(s), TEPT members, and information on practices commonly accepted in tribal communities. Go to Tribal Elder Protection Team Toolkit.
Developed by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs (CTWS) in Oregon, the toolkit was created to familiarize those working with indigenous elderly with the Tribal Elder Protection Team (TEPT) concept and assist them develop teams. The kit includes an introduction to TEPT, developing a TEPT, developing Tribal Elder Protection Code(s), TEPT members, and information on practices commonly accepted in tribal communities. Go to Tribal Elder Protection Team Toolkit.
TTAC Offers Training on Program Evaluation
As part of its Effective Management Series, the National Victims Assistance Academy of the Office of Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance is conducting a 5-week online training beginning on March 26. It promises to help participants measure their effectiveness and performance that can help with fundraising and demonstrating the need for services. There is no cost to attend. For more information go to Effective Management Series.
As part of its Effective Management Series, the National Victims Assistance Academy of the Office of Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance is conducting a 5-week online training beginning on March 26. It promises to help participants measure their effectiveness and performance that can help with fundraising and demonstrating the need for services. There is no cost to attend. For more information go to Effective Management Series.
Weigh In/ Get Involved
BJS's Survey of Sexual Victimization
The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) is soliciting comments for its 2017-19 Survey of Sexual Victimization (SSV). Specifically, they're interested in hearing whether the proposed data collection is needed and if the information they collect will have practical use. They are also asking for feedback on the survey methodology and recommendations on how to enhance the quality of the data and reduce the burden on responders. Comments will be accepted through April 27, 2018. To respond, go to BJS’s Survey of Sexual Victimization.
BJS's Survey of Sexual Victimization
The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) is soliciting comments for its 2017-19 Survey of Sexual Victimization (SSV). Specifically, they're interested in hearing whether the proposed data collection is needed and if the information they collect will have practical use. They are also asking for feedback on the survey methodology and recommendations on how to enhance the quality of the data and reduce the burden on responders. Comments will be accepted through April 27, 2018. To respond, go to BJS’s Survey of Sexual Victimization.
Calling All Death Review Teams
The American Bar Association's Commission on Law and Aging (ABA) is looking to survey elder fatality review teams (multidisciplinary teams that review unexplained deaths). This includes teams that are in development, currently operating, or no longer operating. The information will be used in a project to help teams build capacity and evaluate their impact in identifying system gaps and improving victim services. The project is funded by the US Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) and builds on an earlier project that provided seed funding to teams and produced a replication manual. To participate, go to: https://tinyurl.com/yb9or3b2.
The American Bar Association's Commission on Law and Aging (ABA) is looking to survey elder fatality review teams (multidisciplinary teams that review unexplained deaths). This includes teams that are in development, currently operating, or no longer operating. The information will be used in a project to help teams build capacity and evaluate their impact in identifying system gaps and improving victim services. The project is funded by the US Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) and builds on an earlier project that provided seed funding to teams and produced a replication manual. To participate, go to: https://tinyurl.com/yb9or3b2.
National Crime Victim Law Center (NCVLI) Seeks Input
NCVLI fights for victims through legal advocacy, training, education, and public policy. They provide technical assistance with legal research, host trainings, produce victims rights white papers and legal bulletins, and support members of the National Alliance of Victim Rights’ Attorneys & Advocates. They are currently seeking input to see if their resources are having a positive impact through their annual Resources & Services Survey. To participate, complete the short questionnaire here.
NCVLI fights for victims through legal advocacy, training, education, and public policy. They provide technical assistance with legal research, host trainings, produce victims rights white papers and legal bulletins, and support members of the National Alliance of Victim Rights’ Attorneys & Advocates. They are currently seeking input to see if their resources are having a positive impact through their annual Resources & Services Survey. To participate, complete the short questionnaire here.
Calling All Researchers to Enhance Practice
Several new initiatives are underway to encourage researchers and service providers to work together to shed light on promising practices.
Several new initiatives are underway to encourage researchers and service providers to work together to shed light on promising practices.
- The National Institute on Justice (NIJ) is accepting applications for funding for Research and Development in Forensic Science for Criminal Justice Purposes. These include the grant Programs and Services for Victims of Crime: Phased Evaluation Research.
- The National Center for Victim Research (NCVR), which is devoted to promoting research on victims, will be launching a website soon that will feature a directory of victim researchers who are interested in working with service providers. They are currently seeking researchers interested in a wide range of crime victim projects. Interested researchers are asked to complete this brief questionnaire.