§ 12-28-9 - Victims' services unit. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 12-28-9

   § 12-28-9  Victims' services unit. –(a) There is created within the state court system a victims' services unitwhich shall be responsible for assisting victims of crimes adjudicated in thesuperior, family, and district courts in the exercise of their rights as setforth in this chapter, and it shall be administered by the state courtadministrator through the administrative office of the state courts. The statecourt administrator may in his or her discretion contract for any services tobe provided to victims of crimes pursuant to this chapter or pursuant to §12-25-29. Services provided to victims of crimes shall include, but not belimited to, the following:

   (1) Identification of and outreach to victims to inform themof their rights and of the services available to them;

   (2) Counseling and support, including referral to specializedcounseling resources;

   (3) Assistance in seeking return of property, restitution,and in filing claims for compensation under the violent crimes indemnity fundor under the criminal royalties fund;

   (4) Assistance in preparing for and making court appearancesand in making victim impact statements;

   (5) Notification about the status of their cases incoordination with representatives of the attorney general or the relevant lawenforcement agency; and

   (6) Any other assistance that may further the rights ofvictims.

   (b) In determining the allocation of resources available toimplement this section, victims who have suffered personal injury and theimmediate families of homicide victims shall be given priority over victims whohave suffered only loss of property.

   (c) The state court administrator shall report annually onthe services provided through this unit.