Outreach to Underserved Teen Victims of Crime

• NCJ Number: 238800
• Date Published: 2012
• Length: 40 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2009-SZ-B9-K007
• Agencies: OVC-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Issue Overview

Annotation

This guidebook presents information on expanding victim services to underserved teen victims of crime.

Abstract

This guidebook was developed by the National Crime Prevention Council and the National Center for Victims of Crime, with financial support from the Office of Victims of Crime (OVC). Using findings from previous national projects, the two organizations developed the Underserved Teen Victims Initiative from 2009 through 2011. The Initiative is part of efforts by OVC to increase access to crime victim services for underserved groups of teens. The Initiative involved two primary goals: 1) identifying promising strategies developed by local communities to reach out to and support the underserved population of teen victims, and 2) to build the capacity of victim service professionals to reach out to and support these teen victims. This guidebook, along with supporting Web-based resources, examines the challenges faced by victim service providers who reach out to underserved teen victims of crime. The guidebook also includes highlights and discussion on various projects and resources that have been successfully implemented by local communities as part of the Underserved Teen Victims Initiative. The population of underserved teen victims of crime includes immigrant youth; members of the LGBT community; runaway, throwaway, and homeless youth; tribal youth; and youth with disabilities. 60 endnotes