Revised Consolidated Victim Service Program Standards
On February 4, 2025, the Victim Services Advisory Committee approved updates to the OVS Consolidated Standards. The updates affect the following standards:
Court Security:
The VSP in coordination with court personnel assist the victim with safe movement to, from, and within the court facility. The VSP shall work with court personnel to provide a safe waiting area for the victim.
Criminal or Juvenile Case Status:
The VSP must provide accurate and timely information to the victim about the status of the case. The VSP shall have a procedure to identify conflicts among the parties.
Therapy:
The VSP must have a procedure to regularly assess whether a therapy referral for the victim is appropriate. Documentation of training for clinicians providing alternative therapy/modalities is now required.
Emergency Financial Assistance: State issued identification cards and/or driver’s license replacement cards are now eligible under the Emergency Financial Assistance Standard. VOCA funds continue to be a payor of last resort. The Emergency Financial Assistance Standard outlines the tracking, documentation, and monitoring responsibilities with requests and disbursements.
Confidential Communications:
VSP staff will rigorously protect all victim information except where disclosure is required by law or where an informed and valid consent is given by the victim.
Use of Technology in the Provision of Services to Victims & Client Data Management Systems:
The standard is retitled to include client data management systems. VSPs are now required to have written policies and procedures regarding staff training, access, use, and management of databases and electronic systems used for client records and data.
Court Events:
The Court Events Standard incorporates newer legislation and the interface with court activities and victim participation.
Victim Witness Intimidation:
The VSP has responsibilities with intimidation incidents to include notification, safety planning (which may result in relocation), and feedback on actions taken by law enforcement, the District Attorney, and/or the court.
Release Transfer and Escape Notification:
This standard recognizes technological advances for storage of offender-victim information and in making victim notifications through PA SAVIN, the OVA Registration Portal, and other relevant databases/systems.
All Victim Services Programs who have OVS as their oversight entity will be required to have updated policies and procedures with the aforementioned standards as of April 1, 2025.
The “Changes” page within the OVS Consolidated Standards details these updates with additional information.
Inquiries regarding these updates may be directed to Heather Cureau, OVS Program Supervisor, by emailing hcureau@pa.gov or by calling 717.265.8712.
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