Crime victim compensation programs can be best described as nothing short of a nightmare for victims

Crime victim compensation programs can be best described as nothing short of a nightmare for victims and their families in California and across the nation.

"Victims reach out for help and provide endless amounts of information and are subsequently put through nothing short of a nightmare", says Alexis A. Moore, founder of Survivors In Action national victim advocacy organization based in El Dorado Hills, California.

Tragically the response provided to El Dorado County California's local paper The Mountain Democrat by California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board is nothing new.

Survivors In Action is all too familiar with the nation's crime victim compensation boards denying claims and making it close to impossible for victims to be approved for assistance. The majority of victims never make it beyond their first rejection letter feeling worn down and re-vitimized by the entire process.

Now is the time to reform the crime victim compensation bureaus and boards in every state so that they do not re-victimize innocent victims who are in dire need.

Just ask Maria DiBari a crime victim in New York State who has publicized her ongoing battle with NY Crime Victims Compensation in her blog www.4surivors.blogspot.com and others like Rose one of Survivors In Action's own who was told to relocate for her own safety through CA Crime Victims Compensation yet she was put through nothing short of a nightmare in order to get the job done even with prosecutors and law enforcement support and recommendation.

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No money for Dugard's mom

By Jim Ratajczak | Democrat staff writer | September 19, 2010 10:53
A government claim for compensation filed by kidnapping victim Jaycee Lee Dugard's mother was rejected last week by the state's claims board.

The California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board denied Terry Probyn's claim Thursday, nearly eight months after it was initially filed against the state's Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Probyn sought compensation for psychological and emotional injuries stemming from "various lapses by the Corrections Department contributing to daughter Jaycee Lee Dugard's continued captivity, ongoing sexual assault and mental and/or physical abuse," according to the government claims form.

The exact dollar amount sought by Probyn is not listed on the document, but she indicated her "non-limited civil case" claim was for more than $25,000.

"Corrections Department has a responsibility to follow its own procedures (regarding) supervision, classification, and investigation of California parolees and failed to do so," the form states.

Janice Mackey, the board's public information officer, said the claim's rejection was a formality.

"When a claim is rejected, it has nothing to do with the validity of the claim," she said.

Mackey said the rejection opened the door for Probyn to seek litigation against the state.

"Anyone who believes the state has caused them harm must first file a claim to the board," she said. "The board rejects claims that raise complex issues, allowing parties to proceed to court to seek judicial remedies."

Earlier this year, lawmakers approved a $20 million settlement with Dugard and her two daughters, both minors, for failing to properly supervise her suspected kidnapper and convicted sex offender Phillip Garrido.

Terms of the settlement prohibit Dugard and her children from filing further claims against the state or state agencies.

Garrido and his wife, Nancy, are charged with kidnapping the then 11-year-old Dugard in 1991 near her South Lake Tahoe home and holding her prisoner for 18 years.

During that time, Dugard gave birth to two girls reportedly fathered by Phillip.

The Garridos face 28 felony charges, including kidnapping, rape and false imprisonment. They have pleaded not guilty. If convicted, they could face life in prison.

The duo is due back in court Oct. 1 for a pre-preliminary hearing. In August, doubt was raised over Phillip's mental capacity, which could jeopardize his ability to stand trial.