State Agency Crime Victim Compensation Program - South Dakota

South Dakota's program was created in 1992. A five-member commission serves as an appellate and policy-making authority for the program. The governor appoints three commissioners, consisting of a law enforcement officer, a physician, and a victim service provider; the chief justice of the state supreme court appoints one member; and the attorney general appoints one member. Executive Director: Ann Holzhauser Board members: David Rowe (chair), Janice Horner, Dorothy Howe, David Rowe, Dr. Jerome Howe, Sharon Kallemeyn FUNDING The program may receive $2.50 on every criminal conviction, not including parking offenses, if the assessment is ordered by the judge. The program is eligible for VOCA funding. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Reporting period: 5 days Filing period: 1 year Exceptions: Good cause waiver applied for children, elderly, domestic violence and sexual assault victims PROCEDURES The program director is responsible for making decisions on all applications filed after July 1, 1998. Appeals: The applicant may appeal the program director's decision to the commission. Decisions of the commission are final. BENEFITS Maximum award: $10,000; $15,000 for crimes committed on or after July 1, 1999 Compensable costs (with limits) Medical expenses Mental health counseling: 24 sessions for primary victims; 18 sessions for family members in homicides; 6 sessions for parents of juvenile victims and spouses of rape victims Lost wages/support: includes up to 40 hours for parents caring for children Funerals: $5,000 Replacement services: housekeeping and child care Crime-scene cleanup/evidence:$ 1,000 for homicide-scene cleanup; up to $200 for clothing/-personal items used for evidence Travel: mileage reimbursement of up to $720 to attend treatment Rehabilitation Emergency: $1,000 South Dakota