Wraparound Victim Legal Assistance Networks

The vision of the Victim Legal Assistance Networks is that there is “No Wrong Door” for a victim seeking legal services. If a victim calls an organization that is not able to meet a specific need, the victim will still be assisted and connected with an organization that can help. This Project ended in 2019. The Project generated extensive resources, including stage-by-stage guidance and replication tools for others seeking to create networks. NCVLI maintains the Project pages in their original form to help build capacity in the field.

Vision 21 – Transforming Victim Services

Beginning in 2014, NCVLI was chosen to be the training and technical assistance provider to all ten sites. Our role is to:

Connect the Networks to each other to share knowledge, ideas and resources; Provide legal and programmatic technical assistance to strengthen the Networks and their services; and Document successes to enhance provision of effective legal services today and into the future.

As the training and technical assistance provider to the Networks NCVLI has brought together organizations and individuals with expertise across the spectrum of Victim Law to aid with training and technical assistance.

As part of its training and technical assistance to the Networks, NCVLI offers regular online trainings to enhance practitioners’ ability to respond to victims’ myriad legal needs.

Additional resources can be found in our Victim Law Library.

Read more about our Technical Assistance.

“Vision 21: Transforming Victim Services” was an initiative of the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime (OVC).  Vision 21 outlined a philosophical and strategic framework for defining the role of the victim services field in the country’s response to crime and moving the field forward in the future.  NCVLI received a grant under the Initiative to take an in-depth look at the role of the crime victims’ field in the overall response to crime and delinquency in the United States.  For this project, NCVLI brought together many diverse perspectives in a Stakeholder Group to critically examine and create consensus on foundational questions and proposed answers related to:

  • Who is a crime victim
  • The field’s response to under- and un-served victims
  • Enhancing partnerships and better integrating the field into the broader criminal justice system
  • Advancing crime victims’ rights

The final Vision 21 report can be downloaded here.

The Georgia Network incorporated the story of a Network client to successfully advocate for the passage of Georgia Bill HB228, which prohibits marriage under the age of 17.  The Network navigator helped the client navigate social services such as Medicaid and child care while the Network attorney successfully obtained a divorce for the client.  (April 2019)

The Rocky Mountain Victim Law Center was recently featured in a two episode podcast for the Center for Victim Research to discuss the value of incorporating research and data gathering into victim legal services and how that research helps shape and inform the work being done in victim legal services. Listen to Tell Us About It, Episode 1; Listen to Tell Us About It, Episode 2(January 2019)

The New York Network has launched its new website. Read the media response here. (October 2018) 

The Chicago Network’s online portal won an award for the Top 5 Legal Innovations in Chicago by the Chicago Bar Association. (October 2017)

The Minnesota Network begins serving victims. Read more here. (July 2017)

LINC, the Denver Network, has transitioned from pilot phase to implementation. (May 2016)

The Texas Network’s toll free line is active: 1-844-88-LS4CV (1-844-885-7428). (May 2016)

Marking Crime Victims’ Rights Week, the Executive Director of the Montana Board of Crime Control authored a guest opinion article in the Billings Gazette that describes the work to establish a Victim Legal Assistance Network. (April 2016)

The Empire Justice Center blog features Project Leader Remla Parthasarathy talking about the work to build a Network in New York State.  (April 2016)

The Denver Network, LINC, added a new partner to ensure it can reach more survivors. (February 2016)

The Chicago Bar Foundation selected the Chicago Network, VLAN, as a 2015 program to highlight.(February 2016)

Members of the Texas Network presented at a Federal Trade Commission regional event focusing on fraud and services available to assist victims. 

The Montana Network held a focus group on the Fort Peck Reservation. (January 2016)

The Los Angeles Network presented at a training for faith leaders about domestic violence in the Korean community. Read the news coverage here. (January 2016)

The Texas Network joined a panel hosted by the Federal Trade Commission entitled, “Spotting and Avoiding Scams in Our Communities.” The event brought together law enforcement officials, community advocates and consumers to talk about the types of fraud that are on the rise and what people can do to protect themselves and their neighbors. (December 9, 2015)

The Chicago Network embarked on its soft launch, coordinating services in the six sites within Metropolitan Family Services. (November 2015)

The New York Network, a 2014 site, held its first in-person Advisory Committee meeting. In addition, the media took notice of the work. (November 2015)

Meet the Networks

Learn more about the ten Networks and other resources to support a crime victim in the aftermath of victimization.

AK

Alaska Victim Legal Assistance Network

CA

California Victim Legal Assistance Network

CO

Denver Victim Legal Assistance Network

IL

Cook County Victim Legal Assistance Network

GA

Georgia Victim Legal Assistance Network

MN

Minnesota Victim Legal Assistance Network

MT

Montana Victim Legal Assistance Network

NY

New York Victim Legal Assistance Network

TX

Texas Victim Legal Assistance Network

DC

Washington Victim Legal Assistance Network

Creating a Victim Legal Assistance Network

Access resources for creating a Victim Legal Assistance Network in your area.

Stage I

A Network of People

Stage II

Moving from the People to the Vision

Stage III

Planning for Implementation

Stage IV

Implementing a Network

Replication Tools

NY Sample Notice of Appearance

Co-Counsel Representation Agreement

Menu of Marketing & Outreach Considerations

Redacting Records Online for Victim Privacy Flowchart

Protecting Victim’s Privacy Cover Letter

Victim-Centered Release Form Considerations

Considerations to Protect Victim Privacy

Pro Bono Attorney Training Modules

Victims’ Rights Resource Guide for Pro Bono Attorneys

Internet Take-Down Letter

Implementation Plans

Steering Committees During Needs Assessment

Project FAQs

General Victim Legal Assistance Network Information 

What locations have a Victim Legal Assistance Network that was funded by the federal Office for Victims of Crime (OVC)?

OVC funded 10 Victim Legal Assistance Networks.  Some of these Networks operate statewide while others focus their efforts in smaller geographic areas.  The following jurisdictions have a Network (alphabetical by state of location):

  • Alaska
  • Los Angeles, California
  • Denver, Colorado
  • Georgia
  • Cook County, Illinois
  • Minnesota
  • Montana
  • New York (outside of Manhattan)
  • Texas
  • Washington, DC.

Are there certain types of crime or victim populations that are the focus of the legal services provided by the Networks?

No.  A key part of the vision of the Victim Legal Assistance Project was creating systems so that all victims of crime have access to legal services so that “crime victims’ rights are enforced and that victims of crime receive the broad range of legal services needed.”  To achieve this aim, the OVC-funded Victim Legal Assistance Networks serve victims of all crimes from identity theft/fraud to homicide to sexual assault to domestic violence to human trafficking.  The legal needs responded to include legal services related to employment, family, housing, criminal and immigration law.  The systems that the Network lawyers may work within include campus, criminal, civil, tribal and/or administrative.

I have seen the project described with the terms “wraparound,” “holistic” and “comprehensive.” What do these terms means?

These terms are used to describe the effort of the Networks to ensure that crime victims have access to a single network of lawyers who together will work to help ensure that their rights are enforced, including in criminal cases, and that they receive the broad range of legal services needed to help rebuild their lives in the aftermath of their victimization. These legal services might include legal assistance with an ongoing criminal case, housing, employment, immigration, family law and other matters.

How and when were the Networks funded?

In FY 2012, in recognition of the preliminary findings of the Vision 21 initiative, OVC launched the Wraparound Victim Legal Assistance Network Demonstration Project that funded five demonstration legal networks using VOCA dollars.  In FY 2014, OVC awarded Vision 21 funding to four VOCA Assistance formula grant-administering agencies to expand its support of comprehensive legal assistance services.

What is the duration of the Victim Legal Assistance Networks Project?

OVC funded two rounds of Networks, the first in 2012 and a second round in 2014. Each Network was funded for 3-5 years.  All Networks followed the same development steps:

 

  1. Needs Assessment
    • Development of a Steering Committee/Research Team
    • Conduct Needs Assessment
    • Identify Gaps
    • Create Implementation Plan
  2. Implementation
    • Pilot Phase
    • Full Implementation
    • Expansion

Is this Project being formally evaluated?

Yes.  In 2012, OVC funded National Institute for Justice to conduct an evaluation on the originally funded Networks, which is forthcoming.

What has NCVLI’s role been on the Victim Legal Assistance Networks Project?

 In 2014, OVC funded NCVLI to be the Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) Provider to the Networks.  In this role we have had four goals: (1) enhance network effectiveness through knowledge sharing systems; (2) facilitate intra- and inter-network collaboration; (3) ensure effective legal advocacy through legal technical assistance and training, and (4) document promising practices to enhance provision of effective legal services today and into the future.

Why is the term “victim” being used rather than “survivor”?

While the term “survivor” is certainly one of empowerment for many persons, the term “victim” is used in this project because it is a legal term of art (i.e., a term which is defined by law). Since the Project has a legal focus, “victim” is the term most fitting for use in the name of the Project.  All service providers within the Project will certainly honor the term of preference when working with any individual.

Joining or Launching a Victim Legal Assistance Network

I provide services to crime victims, how can I become part of a Victim Legal Assistance Network?

While each Network is uniquely structured in terms of formal membership and partnership, every Network is excited to work with service providers in its area to ensure comprehensive services for victims.  To find the Victim Legal Assistance Network in your area refer to the “Meet The Networks” section above, where you’ll find Network descriptions and contact information.  If you are working in a jurisdiction that does not have a Network you can join NCVLI’s member alliance – the National Alliance of Victims’ Rights Attorneys & Advocates (NAVRA) and get connected nationally.  You can also sign up to receive NCVLI’s monthly e-newsletter to stay informed of the latest updates on Victim Law by following the prompts on this page.

I am an attorney who works with crime victims, how can I be placed on the referral list for NCVLI and the Networks?

Each Network is uniquely structured in terms of referrals to attorneys.  To find the Victim Legal Assistance Network in your area and ask about its referral list, go to the “Meet Our Networks” section above, where you will find Network descriptions and contact information.  In addition, regardless of where you work, you can join NCVLI’s member alliance – the National Alliance of Victims’ Rights Attorneys & Advocates (NAVRA) at www.navra.org; members are notified when a victim is in need of legal representation in their jurisdiction.

My jurisdiction does not have a Victim Legal Assistance Network. How can we start one?

NCVLI is available to consult with you as you work to develop a network.  We have documented the efforts of the nine OVC-funded Networks, and we are happy to share information gleaned from this effort–including promising practices, lessons learned and successes–and to tailor our assistance to your jurisdiction’s particular needs and resources. Please contact us to request further information.  Click here to submit a technical assistance request.

I am a VOCA Administrator interested in helping launch a legal assistance network in my state using VOCA dollars. What assistance can you offer me?

A key effort of NCVLI on this project is documentation of the progress of the OVC-funded Networks for replication by future jurisdictions.  We are committed to helping others learn from the efforts of the existing Networks and avoid re-inventing the wheel. We would be happy to share promising practices, lessons learned and successes in addition to discussing your jurisdiction’s particular needs and resources. To learn more please contact using our technical assistance form.

Legal Assistance, and Training and Technical Assistance

I am working with a crime victim who needs legal assistance. How can I connect him/her/them with an attorney?

There are several ways to connect crime victims with attorneys.

  • If the victim is located in the same area as one of the Networks you can directly contact the Network.  To find the Victim Legal Assistance Network in your area visit the “Meet Our Networks” section, where you will find descriptions and contact information.
  • NCVLI’s online Victim Resources Database has links to resources across the country, including links on how to find an attorney in your area.  You can locate the Victim Resources Database here.

I am a crime victim in need of legal assistance. How can I access an attorney?

There are several ways to connect with attorneys.

  • If you are located in the same area as one of the Networks you can directly contact the Network.  To find the Victim Legal Assistance Network in your area go to the “Meet Our Networks” section above, where you’ll find descriptions and contact information.
  • NCVLI’s online Victim Resources Database has links to resources across the country, including links on how to find an attorney in your area.  You can locate the Victim Resources Database here.
  • The Victim Connect Resource Center is a place for crime victims to learn about their rights and options confidentially and compassionately. A program of the National Center for Victims of Crime, it combines a helpline, an online chat, and web-based information and service referrals.  This resource may be accessed online at https://victimconnect.org/ or by telephone at 855-484-2846.

I am an attorney working with a victim on a legal issue and need information on victims’ rights, how can you help?

NCVLI can provide research, writing and strategic advice (also known as “technical assistance”) on cases to help protect victims’ rights.  Click here to fill out a technical assistance request.

What if I just want information about victims’ rights but not representation?

Each Network, as well as NCVLI, can provide information about victims’ rights to requesters. Information about and contact information for each Network can be found in the “Meet Our Networks” section above.  To request information about victims’ rights from NCVLI, you can click here to submit a technical assistance request.

This project was supported by Grant No. 2014-XV-BX-K013, awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this document are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.