Victim Information and Notification Everyday Program

The Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification (SAVIN) program ensures victims of crime receive accurate and timely information regarding the status of offenders and events related to their case. Through SAVIN, victims are able to participate in the judicial process and make sound decisions to protect themselves from further victimization while maintaining total anonymity. This information-sharing capability is also available to courts, corrections, and law enforcement officials.

The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) system currently provides information to victims and the general public on the custody of inmates. However, once the offender is released, information such as a modification, probation hearing, revised sentence, appeal, or absconding from supervision is not currently available through Florida VINE.

The FDC will use this grant to enhance and expand the VINE system by adding automated notifications to registered users regarding the change of status for offenders on probation and parole. As of July 1, 2007, the FDC had approximately 190,000 offenders under such community supervision. Victims or the general public who sign up for the automatic notifications will now be informed of any release, absconding, or change in the probation officer or supervisor.

The FDC will also provide informational/training sessions to community organizations statewide that have contact with victims and to attendees at conferences related to victim services, violent crimes, or justice professionals.

The FDC's 21 Circuit Administrators will also visit State Attorney Offices, county and law enforcement agencies, and various victim advocacy groups located within their judicial circuit. They will discuss the VINE services and inform these organizations of how they can participate. These community partnerships will be used to build long-term and grassroots support for the Florida VINE system.

CA/NCF