Section 1100.124  Senior Victim Programs

a)         Target Population

Programs or agencies shall provide services to seniors who are victims of violent crime.

b)         Mandatory Services

In addition to providing the services in Section 1100.70(a)(3), programs intending to apply for funding to serve senior victims of crime must:

1)         Provide individual assessments to evaluate victim needs and work with the victim to develop a care plan to address those needs.

2)         Provide crisis intervention services appropriate to the victim's needs and abilities.

3)         Provide information on the criminal justice system, as well as assistance with pursuing legal options.

4)         Provide supportive listening to victims and non-offending family members.

5)         Educate victims about community services that are available for seniors.

6)         Participate in multi-disciplinary teams and other community groups and organizations dealing with senior issues.

7)         Provide social service, medical and legal advocacy when requested.

c)         Recommended Services

The following list is intended to serve as recommendations for the development of a comprehensive senior victims program.  Not all programs will be able to provide all of the listed services, and some programs may be able to provide services in addition to those listed.  For a senior victims program to comprehensively address the needs of senior victims, these service elements should be provided in addition to the required services:

1)         Assistance in obtaining suitable transportation to necessary services and resources.

2)         In-service training programs for professionals, staff, volunteers and student interns who may work with or come in contact with senior victims in order to sensitize them to the specific needs and problems faced by seniors.

3)         Assistance in meeting immediate material or safety needs of victims.

4)         Public education to the senior population of the community by disseminating information on crime prevention, safety issues and victimization.

5)         Employer and school intervention services relating to loss of time from work or school due to victim recovery.

6)         Bilingual services; interpretive services for those who have a speech, sight or hearing disability; and promotion of culturally competent responses to victims and witnesses.

d)         Personnel

Direct services should be provided by trained staff, with qualifications being set appropriate to the services provided.