State Agency Crime Victim Compensation Program - Kansas

Created in 1978, the program operates within the Office of the Attorney General. A three-person board is appointed by the attorney general, with the chair required to be an attorney. The attorney general's office also administers VOCA assistance grants. Executive Director: Frank S. Henderson, Jr. Board: Glenda Cafer (chair), Louis Johnson, Paula Salazar FUNDING The program receives 22% of all fines, penalties, and forfeitures from the district courts. Additionally, it garners 5% of prison inmate wages earned from the private sector, a $1 monthly administrative fee from inmates, and a $2 - $5 monthly supervision fee from inmates. A VOCA grant is received annually. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Reporting period: 72 hours Filing period: 1 year for crimes occurring prior to July 1, 1998; 2 years for crimes occurring after. For child sexual assault, period begins on date crime reported to police. Exceptions: Good cause exception for reporting period only Minimum loss: $100 except in sex assaults Financial hardship: may consider hardship PROCEDURES Investigative staff completes report and makes recommendation to the board. The executive director reviews all claims, categorizes them into uncontested and discussion claims, and sends materials to board members prior to monthly meeting where final decisions are made. Decisions by the executive director on supplemental claims are ratified by board at monthly meeting. Appeals: A written request for hearing must be filed within 15 days of service of summary order. A hearing date is set and the claimant may appear before the board. A written request for reconsideration must be filed within 30 days of service of final order; applicant does not have the right to appear. Applicant may appeal decision of the board to district court. BENEFITS Maximum award: $25,000 Compensable Costs (with limits) Medical expenses Mental health counseling: $3,500; $1,000 for family members in homicide cases; limit of $60 per hour; $10,000 maximum for inpatient care. Counseling also paid for victims/claimants required to testify in sexually violent predator civil commitment proceeding. Lost wages/support: $200 per week for crimes occurring prior to July 1, 1998, and $400 per week for crimes occurring on July 1, 1998 or thereafter. Wage loss generally limited to l year; may include lost wages to attend funeral Funerals: $2,000 for homicides occurring prior to July 1, 1998; $5,000 for crimes occurring on July 1, 1998 or thereafter Moving expenses: compensable only at recommendation of law enforcement Replacement services Replacement of clothing or bedding seized as evidence Travel: to obtain medical assistance Rehabilitation Attorney fees: $45 per hour, for claim preparation only Kansas