SACS Reaffirmation
Spacer
Assessment : 2006 - 2007 : Service :
Criminal Justice, CVI (Crime Victim's Institute)
3 Goals 3 Objectives 9 Indicators 9 Criteria 9 Findings 7 Actions
GOAL: Emerging Victim Issues
| Objective | Inform Policymakers | |
| To develop recommendations that inform state and local policymakers that address the needs and concerns of crime victims in Texas. Associated Goals: Emerging Victim Issues, Excellence in Research, Service to Crime Victims |
| Indicator | Criminal Victimization Of Texas Residents  This publication identifies the types of victimization experienced by Texas residents, the impact of crime on their lives and the factors that contribute to victimization. |
| Criteria | Distribution of Publications Distribute publications to 100% of the Texas State Legislature and victims service agencies within the state. Reports will also be sent to the Texas Governor, Texas Attorney General, Director of Crime Victims Services at the Texas Attorney General''s Office, Texas State Comptroller, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Chief Justice of the Texas Supereme Court and the Texas Secretary of State. |
| Finding | Experiences and Needs of Crime Victims The findings of this report resulted in identifying profiles for the victims of violent or property crime in Texas. |
| Indicator | Restitution In Texas This backgroud report outlines the key issues concerning restitution to crime victims. This was done to assist the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee in addressing an interim charge. |
| Criteria | Submit Publication to Assist with Interim Charge Assist the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee in addressing the interim charge regarding restitution. This publication developed by the Crime Victims'' Institute was sent to the Criminal Jurisprudence Committee and also distributed to 100% of the Texas State Legislature and victims service agencies within the state. The report will also be sent to the Texas Governor, Texas Attorney General, Director of Crime Victims Services at the Texas Attorney General''s Office, Texas State Comptroller, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Chief Justice of the Texas Supereme Court and the Texas Secretary of State. |
| Finding | Issues Concerning Restitution This report outlines the key issues concerning restitution to crime victims and concludes with several policy recommendations |
| Indicator | Stalking In Texas This report reveals new information about stalking in Texas. The importance of victim input in investigating this crime was underscored, as were suggestions for thoroughly investigating reports of stalking and the provision of support services for victims. |
| Criteria | Distribution of Publications Distribute publications to 100% of the Texas State Legislature and victims service agencies within the state. Reports will also be sent to the Texas Governor, Texas Attorney General, Director of Crime Victims Services at the Texas Attorney General''s Office, Texas State Comptroller, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Chief Justice of the Texas Supereme Court and the Texas Secretary of State. |
| Finding | Stalking Policy Recommendations Based on the reseach data this publication provides rocommendations about the need for continuing educational efforts for the public and for those who work with victims of this crime. |
| Indicator | Victim Services In Texas This publication examines the provision of victim services in Texas. Particpantes relay information about their organization and funding for their programs, the range of services provided and coordination with other agencies in the community . |
| Criteria | Distribution of Publications Distribute publications to 100% of the Texas State Legislature and victims service agencies within the state. Reports will also be sent to the Texas Governor, Texas Attorney General, Director of Crime Victims Services at the Texas Attorney General''s Office, Texas State Comptroller, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Chief Justice of the Texas Supereme Court and the Texas Secretary of State. |
| Finding | Victim Services Recommendations Comparisons of staffing, funding, and coordination among agencies that provide services to victims lend insight into policy implications and recommendations included in this publication. |
Actions for Objective:
| Action | Awareness of Legislative Charges Research legislative charges in order to provide current information and recommendations on the issue(s) being considered. |
| Action | Emerging Issues Provide research and develop reports on emerging issues for crime victims in order to keep policymakers informed. |
GOAL: Emerging Victim Issues
| Objective | Publications | |
| To improve services to victims by providing updated information through research reports and publications Associated Goals: Emerging Victim Issues, Excellence in Research, Service to Crime Victims |
| Indicator | Criminal Victimization Of Texas Residents This publication identifies the types of victimization experienced by Texas residents, the impact of crime on their lives and the factors that contribute to victimization. |
| Criteria | Distribution of Publications Distribute publications to 100% of the Texas State Legislature and victims service agencies within the state. Reports will also be sent to the Texas Governor, Texas Attorney General, Director of Crime Victims Services at the Texas Attorney General''s Office, Texas State Comptroller, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Chief Justice of the Texas Supereme Court and the Texas Secretary of State. |
| Finding | Experiences and Needs of Crime Victims The findings of this report resulted in identifying profiles for the victims of violent or property crime in Texas. |
| Indicator | Restitution In Texas This backgroud report outlines the key issues concerning restitution to crime victims. This was done to assist the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee in addressing an interim charge. |
| Criteria | Submit Publication to Assist with Interim Charge Assist the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee in addressing the interim charge regarding restitution. This publication developed by the Crime Victims'' Institute was sent to the Criminal Jurisprudence Committee and also distributed to 100% of the Texas State Legislature and victims service agencies within the state. The report will also be sent to the Texas Governor, Texas Attorney General, Director of Crime Victims Services at the Texas Attorney General''s Office, Texas State Comptroller, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Chief Justice of the Texas Supereme Court and the Texas Secretary of State. |
| Finding | Issues Concerning Restitution This report outlines the key issues concerning restitution to crime victims and concludes with several policy recommendations |
| Indicator | Stalking In Texas This report reveals new information about stalking in Texas. The importance of victim input in investigating this crime was underscored, as were suggestions for thoroughly investigating reports of stalking and the provision of support services for victims. |
| Criteria | Distribution of Publications Distribute publications to 100% of the Texas State Legislature and victims service agencies within the state. Reports will also be sent to the Texas Governor, Texas Attorney General, Director of Crime Victims Services at the Texas Attorney General''s Office, Texas State Comptroller, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Chief Justice of the Texas Supereme Court and the Texas Secretary of State. |
| Finding | Stalking Policy Recommendations Based on the reseach data this publication provides rocommendations about the need for continuing educational efforts for the public and for those who work with victims of this crime. |
| Indicator | Victim Services In Texas This publication examines the provision of victim services in Texas. Particpantes relay information about their organization and funding for their programs, the range of services provided and coordination with other agencies in the community . |
| Criteria | Distribution of Publications Distribute publications to 100% of the Texas State Legislature and victims service agencies within the state. Reports will also be sent to the Texas Governor, Texas Attorney General, Director of Crime Victims Services at the Texas Attorney General''s Office, Texas State Comptroller, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Chief Justice of the Texas Supereme Court and the Texas Secretary of State. |
| Finding | Victim Services Recommendations Comparisons of staffing, funding, and coordination among agencies that provide services to victims lend insight into policy implications and recommendations included in this publication. |
Actions for Objective:
| Action | Adult Crime Victim Research Conclusions Analyze dataset and develop at least one report from the Adult Crime Victim Survey. |
| Action | Decrease Postal Charges Postcards announcing new publications will be sent to all victim service agencies indicating that reports are available online for review or download free of charge thus decreasing the amount of funds used for postage. |
| Action | Publications to website All publications will be posted to the Crime Victims'' Institute website so that they may be reviewed or downloaded free of charge by stakeholders. This will decrease the cost of mailing full size reports. |
GOAL: Emerging Victim Issues
| Objective | Research | |
| To examine and promote a better understanding of the impact of crime on victims in the state of Texas Associated Goals: Emerging Victim Issues, Excellence in Research, Service to Crime Victims |
| Indicator | Adult Crime Victim Survey A survey questioning the experiences of adult crime victims will be distributed in English and Spanish to all community agencies in Texas that provide services to victims. The agencies will be asked to distribute the survey to their clients. This will be an attempt to learn about the experiences of those victims of crime who do not typically respond to inquiries of this nature. |
| Criteria | Survey completion rate Obtain a minimum of 80 completed surveys from victims of crime |
| Finding | Characteristics of Adult Crime Victims Analysis identified the characteristics of adult crime victims and the ways they are affected by the victimization. The results will be compared to the phone survey data. |
| Indicator | Annual Crime Victimization Survey Victims of crime will be asked to participate in a phone interview to discuss their experiences, how they were affected, and the services they received. |
| Criteria | Survey completion rate From a stratified random sample of Texas residents obtain at least 700 completed phone interviews. |
| Finding | Impact of crime on Texas residents Data analysis identified the kinds of victimization experienced by Texas residents, the impact of the crime on their lives, and the factors that either increase or decrease the risk of victimization |
| Indicator | Stalking Survey Data will be collected using a telephone survey with a sample of randomly selected Texas residents. Based on the findings of the survey, recommendations will be made to improve educational information and services to victims of this type of crime. |
| Criteria | Survey completion rate From a stratified random sample of Texas residents obtain at least 700 completed phone interviews. |
| Finding | Characteristics of stalking victims Analysis identified characteristics of victims and the way they are affected by this behavior. |
| Indicator | Statewide Victim Service Provider Survey Surveys will be distributed (as well as placed online) to three groups of victim service providers who work with crime victims in Texas. The purpose of these surveys is to ascertain how the three groups inter-relate, the services they provide, adequacy of staffing, and particular needs they have in order to more effectively serve victims. |
| Criteria | Survey completion rate Return rate of at least 25% of agencies targeted. |
| Finding | Coordination of services among service providers Results identified roles, perspectives, and coordination among service providers in Texas. Factors that influence adequate provision of victim services are identified as well. |
| Indicator | Victim Restitution Review A literature and statutory review will be conducted to see how the issue of restitution is addressed in other states. This report will assist the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee with one of their interim charges. |
| Criteria | Database review completion Complete review of national databases and laws that address victim restitution. |
| Finding | Review of Victim Restitution The review identifies the national percentage of cases where court-ordered restitution is paid in full. Innovative programs and suggestions on how to improve restitution to victims will also be reported. |
Actions for Objective:
| Action | Cost/Benefit Analysis The fee to use an outside agency to perform the telephone survey has increased substantially over the past 3 years. A cost/benefit analysis will be done to examine the cost effectiveness and investigate alternatives to the current method of surveying respondents. |
| Action | Review and Update Agency Information To ensure the best response rate possible for research surveys and mailings it is important to have accurate and up to date address information. Review and update agency demographics to assure complete and correct addresses and current changes to agency mailing information. This will decrease the number of mailings returned as undeliverable. |
GOAL: Excellence in Research
| Objective | Inform Policymakers | |
| To develop recommendations that inform state and local policymakers that address the needs and concerns of crime victims in Texas. Associated Goals: Emerging Victim Issues, Excellence in Research, Service to Crime Victims |
| Indicator | Criminal Victimization Of Texas Residents This publication identifies the types of victimization experienced by Texas residents, the impact of crime on their lives and the factors that contribute to victimization. |
| Criteria | Distribution of Publications Distribute publications to 100% of the Texas State Legislature and victims service agencies within the state. Reports will also be sent to the Texas Governor, Texas Attorney General, Director of Crime Victims Services at the Texas Attorney General''s Office, Texas State Comptroller, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Chief Justice of the Texas Supereme Court and the Texas Secretary of State. |
| Finding | Experiences and Needs of Crime Victims The findings of this report resulted in identifying profiles for the victims of violent or property crime in Texas. |
| Indicator | Restitution In Texas This backgroud report outlines the key issues concerning restitution to crime victims. This was done to assist the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee in addressing an interim charge. |
| Criteria | Submit Publication to Assist with Interim Charge Assist the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee in addressing the interim charge regarding restitution. This publication developed by the Crime Victims'' Institute was sent to the Criminal Jurisprudence Committee and also distributed to 100% of the Texas State Legislature and victims service agencies within the state. The report will also be sent to the Texas Governor, Texas Attorney General, Director of Crime Victims Services at the Texas Attorney General''s Office, Texas State Comptroller, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Chief Justice of the Texas Supereme Court and the Texas Secretary of State. |
| Finding | Issues Concerning Restitution This report outlines the key issues concerning restitution to crime victims and concludes with several policy recommendations |
| Indicator | Stalking In Texas This report reveals new information about stalking in Texas. The importance of victim input in investigating this crime was underscored, as were suggestions for thoroughly investigating reports of stalking and the provision of support services for victims. |
| Criteria | Distribution of Publications Distribute publications to 100% of the Texas State Legislature and victims service agencies within the state. Reports will also be sent to the Texas Governor, Texas Attorney General, Director of Crime Victims Services at the Texas Attorney General''s Office, Texas State Comptroller, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Chief Justice of the Texas Supereme Court and the Texas Secretary of State. |
| Finding | Stalking Policy Recommendations Based on the reseach data this publication provides rocommendations about the need for continuing educational efforts for the public and for those who work with victims of this crime. |
| Indicator | Victim Services In Texas This publication examines the provision of victim services in Texas. Particpantes relay information about their organization and funding for their programs, the range of services provided and coordination with other agencies in the community . |
| Criteria | Distribution of Publications Distribute publications to 100% of the Texas State Legislature and victims service agencies within the state. Reports will also be sent to the Texas Governor, Texas Attorney General, Director of Crime Victims Services at the Texas Attorney General''s Office, Texas State Comptroller, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Chief Justice of the Texas Supereme Court and the Texas Secretary of State. |
| Finding | Victim Services Recommendations Comparisons of staffing, funding, and coordination among agencies that provide services to victims lend insight into policy implications and recommendations included in this publication. |
Actions for Objective:
| Action | Awareness of Legislative Charges Research legislative charges in order to provide current information and recommendations on the issue(s) being considered. |
| Action | Emerging Issues Provide research and develop reports on emerging issues for crime victims in order to keep policymakers informed. |
GOAL: Excellence in Research
| Objective | Publications | |
| To improve services to victims by providing updated information through research reports and publications Associated Goals: Emerging Victim Issues, Excellence in Research, Service to Crime Victims |
| Indicator | Criminal Victimization Of Texas Residents This publication identifies the types of victimization experienced by Texas residents, the impact of crime on their lives and the factors that contribute to victimization. |
| Criteria | Distribution of Publications Distribute publications to 100% of the Texas State Legislature and victims service agencies within the state. Reports will also be sent to the Texas Governor, Texas Attorney General, Director of Crime Victims Services at the Texas Attorney General''s Office, Texas State Comptroller, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Chief Justice of the Texas Supereme Court and the Texas Secretary of State. |
| Finding | Experiences and Needs of Crime Victims The findings of this report resulted in identifying profiles for the victims of violent or property crime in Texas. |
| Indicator | Restitution In Texas This backgroud report outlines the key issues concerning restitution to crime victims. This was done to assist the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee in addressing an interim charge. |
| Criteria | Submit Publication to Assist with Interim Charge Assist the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee in addressing the interim charge regarding restitution. This publication developed by the Crime Victims'' Institute was sent to the Criminal Jurisprudence Committee and also distributed to 100% of the Texas State Legislature and victims service agencies within the state. The report will also be sent to the Texas Governor, Texas Attorney General, Director of Crime Victims Services at the Texas Attorney General''s Office, Texas State Comptroller, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Chief Justice of the Texas Supereme Court and the Texas Secretary of State. |
| Finding | Issues Concerning Restitution This report outlines the key issues concerning restitution to crime victims and concludes with several policy recommendations |
| Indicator | Stalking In Texas This report reveals new information about stalking in Texas. The importance of victim input in investigating this crime was underscored, as were suggestions for thoroughly investigating reports of stalking and the provision of support services for victims. |
| Criteria | Distribution of Publications Distribute publications to 100% of the Texas State Legislature and victims service agencies within the state. Reports will also be sent to the Texas Governor, Texas Attorney General, Director of Crime Victims Services at the Texas Attorney General''s Office, Texas State Comptroller, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Chief Justice of the Texas Supereme Court and the Texas Secretary of State. |
| Finding | Stalking Policy Recommendations Based on the reseach data this publication provides rocommendations about the need for continuing educational efforts for the public and for those who work with victims of this crime. |
| Indicator | Victim Services In Texas This publication examines the provision of victim services in Texas. Particpantes relay information about their organization and funding for their programs, the range of services provided and coordination with other agencies in the community . |
| Criteria | Distribution of Publications Distribute publications to 100% of the Texas State Legislature and victims service agencies within the state. Reports will also be sent to the Texas Governor, Texas Attorney General, Director of Crime Victims Services at the Texas Attorney General''s Office, Texas State Comptroller, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Chief Justice of the Texas Supereme Court and the Texas Secretary of State. |
| Finding | Victim Services Recommendations Comparisons of staffing, funding, and coordination among agencies that provide services to victims lend insight into policy implications and recommendations included in this publication. |
Actions for Objective:
| Action | Adult Crime Victim Research Conclusions Analyze dataset and develop at least one report from the Adult Crime Victim Survey. |
| Action | Decrease Postal Charges Postcards announcing new publications will be sent to all victim service agencies indicating that reports are available online for review or download free of charge thus decreasing the amount of funds used for postage. |
| Action | Publications to website All publications will be posted to the Crime Victims'' Institute website so that they may be reviewed or downloaded free of charge by stakeholders. This will decrease the cost of mailing full size reports. |
GOAL: Excellence in Research
| Objective | Research | |
| To examine and promote a better understanding of the impact of crime on victims in the state of Texas Associated Goals: Emerging Victim Issues, Excellence in Research, Service to Crime Victims |
| Indicator | Adult Crime Victim Survey A survey questioning the experiences of adult crime victims will be distributed in English and Spanish to all community agencies in Texas that provide services to victims. The agencies will be asked to distribute the survey to their clients. This will be an attempt to learn about the experiences of those victims of crime who do not typically respond to inquiries of this nature. |
| Criteria | Survey completion rate Obtain a minimum of 80 completed surveys from victims of crime |
| Finding | Characteristics of Adult Crime Victims Analysis identified the characteristics of adult crime victims and the ways they are affected by the victimization. The results will be compared to the phone survey data. |
| Indicator | Annual Crime Victimization Survey Victims of crime will be asked to participate in a phone interview to discuss their experiences, how they were affected, and the services they received. |
| Criteria | Survey completion rate From a stratified random sample of Texas residents obtain at least 700 completed phone interviews. |
| Finding | Impact of crime on Texas residents Data analysis identified the kinds of victimization experienced by Texas residents, the impact of the crime on their lives, and the factors that either increase or decrease the risk of victimization |
| Indicator | Stalking Survey Data will be collected using a telephone survey with a sample of randomly selected Texas residents. Based on the findings of the survey, recommendations will be made to improve educational information and services to victims of this type of crime. |
| Criteria | Survey completion rate From a stratified random sample of Texas residents obtain at least 700 completed phone interviews. |
| Finding | Characteristics of stalking victims Analysis identified characteristics of victims and the way they are affected by this behavior. |
| Indicator | Statewide Victim Service Provider Survey Surveys will be distributed (as well as placed online) to three groups of victim service providers who work with crime victims in Texas. The purpose of these surveys is to ascertain how the three groups inter-relate, the services they provide, adequacy of staffing, and particular needs they have in order to more effectively serve victims. |
| Criteria | Survey completion rate Return rate of at least 25% of agencies targeted. |
| Finding | Coordination of services among service providers Results identified roles, perspectives, and coordination among service providers in Texas. Factors that influence adequate provision of victim services are identified as well. |
| Indicator | Victim Restitution Review A literature and statutory review will be conducted to see how the issue of restitution is addressed in other states. This report will assist the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee with one of their interim charges. |
| Criteria | Database review completion Complete review of national databases and laws that address victim restitution. |
| Finding | Review of Victim Restitution The review identifies the national percentage of cases where court-ordered restitution is paid in full. Innovative programs and suggestions on how to improve restitution to victims will also be reported. |
Actions for Objective:
| Action | Cost/Benefit Analysis The fee to use an outside agency to perform the telephone survey has increased substantially over the past 3 years. A cost/benefit analysis will be done to examine the cost effectiveness and investigate alternatives to the current method of surveying respondents. |
| Action | Review and Update Agency Information To ensure the best response rate possible for research surveys and mailings it is important to have accurate and up to date address information. Review and update agency demographics to assure complete and correct addresses and current changes to agency mailing information. This will decrease the number of mailings returned as undeliverable. |
GOAL: Service to Crime Victims
| Objective | Inform Policymakers | |
| To develop recommendations that inform state and local policymakers that address the needs and concerns of crime victims in Texas. Associated Goals: Emerging Victim Issues, Excellence in Research, Service to Crime Victims |
| Indicator | Criminal Victimization Of Texas Residents This publication identifies the types of victimization experienced by Texas residents, the impact of crime on their lives and the factors that contribute to victimization. |
| Criteria | Distribution of Publications Distribute publications to 100% of the Texas State Legislature and victims service agencies within the state. Reports will also be sent to the Texas Governor, Texas Attorney General, Director of Crime Victims Services at the Texas Attorney General''s Office, Texas State Comptroller, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Chief Justice of the Texas Supereme Court and the Texas Secretary of State. |
| Finding | Experiences and Needs of Crime Victims The findings of this report resulted in identifying profiles for the victims of violent or property crime in Texas. |
| Indicator | Restitution In Texas This backgroud report outlines the key issues concerning restitution to crime victims. This was done to assist the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee in addressing an interim charge. |
| Criteria | Submit Publication to Assist with Interim Charge Assist the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee in addressing the interim charge regarding restitution. This publication developed by the Crime Victims'' Institute was sent to the Criminal Jurisprudence Committee and also distributed to 100% of the Texas State Legislature and victims service agencies within the state. The report will also be sent to the Texas Governor, Texas Attorney General, Director of Crime Victims Services at the Texas Attorney General''s Office, Texas State Comptroller, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Chief Justice of the Texas Supereme Court and the Texas Secretary of State. |
| Finding | Issues Concerning Restitution This report outlines the key issues concerning restitution to crime victims and concludes with several policy recommendations |
| Indicator | Stalking In Texas This report reveals new information about stalking in Texas. The importance of victim input in investigating this crime was underscored, as were suggestions for thoroughly investigating reports of stalking and the provision of support services for victims. |
| Criteria | Distribution of Publications Distribute publications to 100% of the Texas State Legislature and victims service agencies within the state. Reports will also be sent to the Texas Governor, Texas Attorney General, Director of Crime Victims Services at the Texas Attorney General''s Office, Texas State Comptroller, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Chief Justice of the Texas Supereme Court and the Texas Secretary of State. |
| Finding | Stalking Policy Recommendations Based on the reseach data this publication provides rocommendations about the need for continuing educational efforts for the public and for those who work with victims of this crime. |
| Indicator | Victim Services In Texas This publication examines the provision of victim services in Texas. Particpantes relay information about their organization and funding for their programs, the range of services provided and coordination with other agencies in the community . |
| Criteria | Distribution of Publications Distribute publications to 100% of the Texas State Legislature and victims service agencies within the state. Reports will also be sent to the Texas Governor, Texas Attorney General, Director of Crime Victims Services at the Texas Attorney General''s Office, Texas State Comptroller, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Chief Justice of the Texas Supereme Court and the Texas Secretary of State. |
| Finding | Victim Services Recommendations Comparisons of staffing, funding, and coordination among agencies that provide services to victims lend insight into policy implications and recommendations included in this publication. |
Actions for Objective:
| Action | Awareness of Legislative Charges Research legislative charges in order to provide current information and recommendations on the issue(s) being considered. |
| Action | Emerging Issues Provide research and develop reports on emerging issues for crime victims in order to keep policymakers informed. |
GOAL: Service to Crime Victims
| Objective | Publications | |
| To improve services to victims by providing updated information through research reports and publications Associated Goals: Emerging Victim Issues, Excellence in Research, Service to Crime Victims |
| Indicator | Criminal Victimization Of Texas Residents This publication identifies the types of victimization experienced by Texas residents, the impact of crime on their lives and the factors that contribute to victimization. |
| Criteria | Distribution of Publications Distribute publications to 100% of the Texas State Legislature and victims service agencies within the state. Reports will also be sent to the Texas Governor, Texas Attorney General, Director of Crime Victims Services at the Texas Attorney General''s Office, Texas State Comptroller, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Chief Justice of the Texas Supereme Court and the Texas Secretary of State. |
| Finding | Experiences and Needs of Crime Victims The findings of this report resulted in identifying profiles for the victims of violent or property crime in Texas. |
| Indicator | Restitution In Texas This backgroud report outlines the key issues concerning restitution to crime victims. This was done to assist the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee in addressing an interim charge. |
| Criteria | Submit Publication to Assist with Interim Charge Assist the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee in addressing the interim charge regarding restitution. This publication developed by the Crime Victims'' Institute was sent to the Criminal Jurisprudence Committee and also distributed to 100% of the Texas State Legislature and victims service agencies within the state. The report will also be sent to the Texas Governor, Texas Attorney General, Director of Crime Victims Services at the Texas Attorney General''s Office, Texas State Comptroller, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Chief Justice of the Texas Supereme Court and the Texas Secretary of State. |
| Finding | Issues Concerning Restitution This report outlines the key issues concerning restitution to crime victims and concludes with several policy recommendations |
| Indicator | Stalking In Texas This report reveals new information about stalking in Texas. The importance of victim input in investigating this crime was underscored, as were suggestions for thoroughly investigating reports of stalking and the provision of support services for victims. |
| Criteria | Distribution of Publications Distribute publications to 100% of the Texas State Legislature and victims service agencies within the state. Reports will also be sent to the Texas Governor, Texas Attorney General, Director of Crime Victims Services at the Texas Attorney General''s Office, Texas State Comptroller, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Chief Justice of the Texas Supereme Court and the Texas Secretary of State. |
| Finding | Stalking Policy Recommendations Based on the reseach data this publication provides rocommendations about the need for continuing educational efforts for the public and for those who work with victims of this crime. |
| Indicator | Victim Services In Texas This publication examines the provision of victim services in Texas. Particpantes relay information about their organization and funding for their programs, the range of services provided and coordination with other agencies in the community . |
| Criteria | Distribution of Publications Distribute publications to 100% of the Texas State Legislature and victims service agencies within the state. Reports will also be sent to the Texas Governor, Texas Attorney General, Director of Crime Victims Services at the Texas Attorney General''s Office, Texas State Comptroller, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Chief Justice of the Texas Supereme Court and the Texas Secretary of State. |
| Finding | Victim Services Recommendations Comparisons of staffing, funding, and coordination among agencies that provide services to victims lend insight into policy implications and recommendations included in this publication. |
Actions for Objective:
| Action | Adult Crime Victim Research Conclusions Analyze dataset and develop at least one report from the Adult Crime Victim Survey. |
| Action | Decrease Postal Charges Postcards announcing new publications will be sent to all victim service agencies indicating that reports are available online for review or download free of charge thus decreasing the amount of funds used for postage. |
| Action | Publications to website All publications will be posted to the Crime Victims'' Institute website so that they may be reviewed or downloaded free of charge by stakeholders. This will decrease the cost of mailing full size reports. |
GOAL: Service to Crime Victims
| Objective | Research | |
| To examine and promote a better understanding of the impact of crime on victims in the state of Texas Associated Goals: Emerging Victim Issues, Excellence in Research, Service to Crime Victims |
| Indicator | Adult Crime Victim Survey A survey questioning the experiences of adult crime victims will be distributed in English and Spanish to all community agencies in Texas that provide services to victims. The agencies will be asked to distribute the survey to their clients. This will be an attempt to learn about the experiences of those victims of crime who do not typically respond to inquiries of this nature. |
| Criteria | Survey completion rate Obtain a minimum of 80 completed surveys from victims of crime |
| Finding | Characteristics of Adult Crime Victims Analysis identified the characteristics of adult crime victims and the ways they are affected by the victimization. The results will be compared to the phone survey data. |
| Indicator | Annual Crime Victimization Survey Victims of crime will be asked to participate in a phone interview to discuss their experiences, how they were affected, and the services they received. |
| Criteria | Survey completion rate From a stratified random sample of Texas residents obtain at least 700 completed phone interviews. |
| Finding | Impact of crime on Texas residents Data analysis identified the kinds of victimization experienced by Texas residents, the impact of the crime on their lives, and the factors that either increase or decrease the risk of victimization |
| Indicator | Stalking Survey Data will be collected using a telephone survey with a sample of randomly selected Texas residents. Based on the findings of the survey, recommendations will be made to improve educational information and services to victims of this type of crime. |
| Criteria | Survey completion rate From a stratified random sample of Texas residents obtain at least 700 completed phone interviews. |
| Finding | Characteristics of stalking victims Analysis identified characteristics of victims and the way they are affected by this behavior. |
| Indicator | Statewide Victim Service Provider Survey Surveys will be distributed (as well as placed online) to three groups of victim service providers who work with crime victims in Texas. The purpose of these surveys is to ascertain how the three groups inter-relate, the services they provide, adequacy of staffing, and particular needs they have in order to more effectively serve victims. |
| Criteria | Survey completion rate Return rate of at least 25% of agencies targeted. |
| Finding | Coordination of services among service providers Results identified roles, perspectives, and coordination among service providers in Texas. Factors that influence adequate provision of victim services are identified as well. |
| Indicator | Victim Restitution Review A literature and statutory review will be conducted to see how the issue of restitution is addressed in other states. This report will assist the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee with one of their interim charges. |
| Criteria | Database review completion Complete review of national databases and laws that address victim restitution. |
| Finding | Review of Victim Restitution The review identifies the national percentage of cases where court-ordered restitution is paid in full. Innovative programs and suggestions on how to improve restitution to victims will also be reported. |
Actions for Objective:
| Action | Cost/Benefit Analysis The fee to use an outside agency to perform the telephone survey has increased substantially over the past 3 years. A cost/benefit analysis will be done to examine the cost effectiveness and investigate alternatives to the current method of surveying respondents. |
| Action | Review and Update Agency Information To ensure the best response rate possible for research surveys and mailings it is important to have accurate and up to date address information. Review and update agency demographics to assure complete and correct addresses and current changes to agency mailing information. This will decrease the number of mailings returned as undeliverable. |