Victim/Witness Services Program

The Congressionally Selected Awards Program, authorized by the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects selected by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-8, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 09 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act.

The St. Croix County District Attorney's Office will use their FY 2009 Congressionally Selected Award to establish a Victim Witness Services Assistant position within the county of St. Croix. The specific goals of the Victim Witness Services Assistant would be to provide a variety of services to victims and witness of crime in St. Croix, specifically methamphetamine crimes such as burglaries, theft, identity theft, and domestic abuse. The Victim Witness Services Assistant will receive training in the areas of victimization and provide services that include: (1) short-term crisis intervention service, when needed (2) assuring a victim's right to receive restitution is protected including costs incurred in the clean-up of methamphetamine hazardous materials to make houses and other buildings safe for usage, and (3) serving as liaison with prosecutors to make certain victims and confidential informants and other witnesses appear for hearings as scheduled.

NCA/NCF