County Accepts $584k Grant for Victim Support

RIVERSIDE - Nearly $600,000 in funding to support five Riverside County District Attorney's Office positions dedicated to serving crime victims was accepted today by the Board of Supervisors.

The California Victim Compensation & Government Claims Board awarded the D.A.'s office the three-year grant as part of a program to ensure victims of violent crime receive some compensation.

Under state law, individuals convicted of felonies and misdemeanors are assessed fines, portions of which are deposited into the State Restitution Fund. Victims of violent crime can apply for disbursals from the fund to cover losses they may have suffered.

To ensure that victims' claims are filed and processed, the D.A.'s office maintains a staff consisting of a paralegal, legal support assistant and three office assistants, according to the agency.

''As restitution specialists, these funded positions are an invaluable criminal restitution resource to the county,'' D.A.'s office documents stated.

The $594,999 state grant will cover the staffers' salaries through June 30, 2016.