Dear Colleagues,
Last week, I shared that the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Compensation Proposed Rule (“Proposed Rule”) had been withdrawn from the rulemaking process. It was a difficult decision, and the ripples of disappointment felt throughout the field matched our own.
That’s why I’m pleased to share with you today that we have issued a Dear Colleague Letter that summarizes the issue areas and correlating recommendations to address barriers to compensation. These recommendations incorporate best practices that received the strongest support from stakeholders in the comments to the Proposed Rule and throughout our engagements with stakeholders over the last three years.
Working on this project during my tenure as OVC Director has been a great honor, and I’m hopeful that the ways in which we administer victim compensation will continue to evolve and expand. As stated in the letter, OVC is committed to working in collaboration with state compensation programs to break down the barriers that prevent so many victims from accessing the critical financial support they need.
Thank you for everything you’ve done and continue to do to help victims find their justice.
Sincerely,
Kristina Rose
Director