ElderServe, Inc. Comprehensive Crime Prevention & Victim Services for Seniors Project

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 ElderServe, Inc. Senior Crime Victims Assistance Program (SCVAP) will use the 2009 Congressionally Selected Award funds to distribute funds to provide direct services to elderly (age 60+) citizens in Louisville, Kentucky. The goal of the project is to prevent crimes against the population and also to reduce the health, psychological, and emotional effects on those members who have been victims of crime. SCVAP will accomplish the prevention goal by (1) training direct service personnel in other ElderServe programs and referral agencies to recognize conditions that put elderly clients at risk for criminal abuse, neglect, or exploitation and to report those conditions to SCVAP and (2) community outreach in suitable forums and at appropriate local events to inform elderly citizens of available crime prevention and victims' services. SCVAP will accomplish its victims assistance goal by (1) developing personal safety plans for individual victims, (2) directly assisting crime victims in obtaining legal representation, filing for victim's compensation, and obtaining or restoring documentation following identity theft, and (3) consulting with victims and their families to identify vulnerabilities and prevent further abuse or victimization. In support of these plans, SCVAP will use award funds for additional crime victims' advocates, improved advocate training, and for enhanced information technology capability.

NCA/NCF