Project Victim Services

The Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) is a state agency. It protects the legal rights of children in state care. The OCA ensures that children have the right placement, healthcare, and education. They also make sure children are treated with dignity and respect. Project Victim Services is a part of the OCA. The staff at Project Victim Services work to identify children who may be eligible for Victim Compensation under the Victims of Crime Act. 

The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) created the program in 1984 to help victims of violent crime. The program, operated by the Office of the General Treasurer, provides financial compensation to victims. Victims can receive up to $25,000 to cover expenses. 

Expenses that qualify for compensation include: 

• Medical, dental, and counseling expenses 
• Relocation expenses (up to $2,500) 
• Funeral and burial expenses (up to $8,000) 
• Crime scene cleaning (up to $2,000) 
• Loss of earnings 

The program will only provide financial assistance for expenses that are not already covered by: 

• Insurance 
• Worker's Compensation 
• Temporary Disability Insurance 
• Public Funds (Medicaid/Medicare) 
• Paid sick or vacation time 
• Restitution 

The program will not provide financial assistance for expenses such as: 

• Property loss or damage 
• Trial-related expenses (mileage, parking, lodging, etc.) 
• Pain and suffering 

If you were a victim of violent crime and got hurt physically or emotionally, or if you are a family member of someone who died because of a crime, you can get help from CVCP. If you were a child and experienced physical, sexual, or institutional abuse, you can get help from Victim Compensation. Beginning in September 2017, children who saw abuse can also get help from Victim Compensation 

The crime must have taken place in Rhode Island and the police must be told within 10 days. You also must cooperate with the police investigation. You must apply for CVCP within 3 years of the crime. If you are a minor, you have until you turn age 21 to apply. 

Project Victim Services, part of the Office of the Child Advocate, helps find children who might qualify for Victim Compensation. They contact families, social workers, or the child directly to explain their rights. The staff at Project Victim Services will help fill out the application and send it to the Office of the General Treasurer. 

The application asks for details about the victim and the person making the claim, like their name, social security number, and contact information. It also asks for information about the crime, like the police department involved and the police report number. If the victim or claimant wants compensation, they need to provide copies of their bills. 

Staff will notify children and their families if they are approved for compensation. They will also explain how to submit a claim for reimbursement. Claims will stay open until the maximum award is reached. After approval, staff will be available to answer any follow-up questions and concerns. 

If you want to appeal a denial, you can send a request within 15 days of receiving the denial notice. The treasurer or someone they choose will review the request within 30 days. They will send you a new decision by certified mail. 

After the treasurer makes their decision, you have 30 days to ask the superior court to review it.