State Agency Crime Victim Compensation Program - North Carolina

Created in 1987, the program is operated by the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, with a five-person board that shares decision-making responsibility with the administrative director. Three board members are appointed as follows: one by the governor; one by the general assembly upon the recommendation of the senate pro tempore; and one by the general assembly upon the recommendation of the speaker of the house. Also on the board are the attorney general or his designee, and the secretary of the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety or his designee. The program also pays for forensic examinations in sex assault cases through a separate process. Director: Robert Reives Board: A.A. Adams (chair), Ellen Scouten, Richard H. Moore, John Gallaher, Gary Eichelberger, Nancy Gruelle FUNDING The program receives an annual appropriation, as well as a VOCA grant. It also gets 5% of profits from prison industries and 5% of "prison welfare fund," which consists of purchases made by inmates from prison canteens. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Reporting period: 72 hours Filing period: 2 years PROCEDURES Program employs a two-team, two-stage process, in which investigators look at eligibility issues before passing the application on to claims examiners for payment. The program director is authorized to make final decisions on applications for amounts not exceeding $5,000. Applications for amounts above $5,000 must be decided by the board. Appeals: Appeals are taken through the Office of Administrative Hearings. BENEFITS Maximum award: $30,000, plus an additional $3,500 in homicide cases Compensable Costs (with limits) Medical expenses Mental health counseling: 1 year of treatment for adults; 2 years for children 10 and under Lost wages/support: $300 per week for 26 weeks; in domestic violence cases, up to $50 per child lost support from offender may be paid until victim is employed Funerals: $3,500 Replacement services Crime-scene cleanup Travel: to obtain medical assistance Emergency: $5,000 North Carolina