State Agency Crime Victim Compensation Programs - Arkansas

Created in 1987, the program is administered by the Office of the attorney General. A five-member board determines appeals and sets policy. Board members are appointed to four-year staggered terms by the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate; one member must be an attorney and one member must be a victim or survivor. The program also pays for forensic examinations in sex-assault cases through a separate procedure.
Director: Ginger Bankston Bailey
Board Members: Andrea Tyner (chair), Lynn Williams, Paula Stobaugh, Alvin Clay, Jan Church

FUNDING
The program receives a percentage of a mandatory court-cost assessment. The program also receives an annual VOCA grant.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Reporting period: 72 hours
Filing period: 1 year
Exceptions: Requirements can be waived for good cause

PROCEDURES
Each claims specialist is assigned to process applications from a specific area of the state. The staff and director are authorized to make decisions on all applications. Appeals: Applicants requesting an appeal are entitled to a formal hearing before the board, which must be held within 90 days of the notice from the applicant stating the intent to appeal. Applicants are notified of the board decision within 10 days.

BENEFITS
Maximum award: $10,00O, with additional $15,000 in catastrophic-injury cases

Compensable Costs (with limits)


Medical expenses: up to 75% of charged medical expenses (providers accepting payment precluded from seeking balance from victim)
Mental health counseling: $3,500 inpatient or outpatient
Lost wages/support: no cap, paid at actual salary
Funerals: $5,000
Replacement services
Crime-scene cleanup
Travel: extraordinary transportation to medical providers
Rehabilitation
Attorney fees: $250, only for setting up guardianship for minor who has received award
Emergency: $500

http://www.ag.state.ar.us/criminal/victims/victims1.html