State Agency Crime Victim Compensation Program - Georgia

Created in 1990, the program is administered by the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. A five-person board is appointed by the governor to hear appeals. The council also is responsible for VOCA assistance grants in the state. Program Director: Shawanda Reynolds-Cobb Board Members: David Moskowitz (chair), Helen Smith, Deborah Espy, Sheriff Gene Hodge, Michael Shapiro FUNDING The program receives an annual appropriation, as well as $25 from all DUI convictions or 10% of the total fine assessed, whichever is less. It also gets a $10 parole supervision fee charged each parolee and a $3 probation fee. The program receives an annual VOCA grant. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Reporting period: 72 hours Filing period: 1 year Exceptions: Good cause exception; requirements liberally applied to child victims Financial Hardship: Program currently does not enforce statutory financial hardship provision. PROCEDURES Program investigator prepares the claim for review by the program director, who makes a decision. The board meets on a regular basis to hear appeals. Appeals: Applicant has 30 days to request a hearing. The board hears appeals and either affirms or remands program director's decisions. A further appeal can be filed in the state judicial system. BENEFITS Maximum award: $10,000 Compensable Costs (with limits) Medical expenses: $5,000 Mental health counseling: $2,500 Lost wages/support: $5,000 Funerals: $3,000 Rehabilitation