Compensation program helps Kansas crime victims

It’s all a part of helping victims of crime in their time of need.

The Kansas Crime Victims Compensation program, was established in 1978 to help victims of violent crime pay for their unexpected expenses.

The Board awarded financial assistance to 282 victims of violent crime at its May meeting on Friday. Awards were made in 158 new cases.

The most recent awards totaled almost $211,342.

The state’s three-member Crime Victims Compensation Board determines claims that are eligible for payment and how much money will be awarded to each claimant. Awards are limited to a maximum total amount of $25,000 with limitations of $5,000 for funeral expense, $5,000 for outpatient mental health counseling, $10,000 for inpatient mental health treatment and $1,500 for grief counseling for family survivors of homicide victims.

A portion of assessed court costs and fines, inmate wages, parole fees and restitution paid by convicted offenders provides funding to the program.

The most recent meeting was conducted by conference call in accordance with open meeting requirements. For more information about the Crime Victims Compensation program call (785) 296-2359 or visit the attorney general’s website at www.ag.ks.gov.