Victim Legal Network of DC

The Vision 21 Victim Legal Assistance Networks program supports the development of networks that collaboratively provide free, comprehensive, holistic legal assistance to victims to address the range of legal needs that may arise in the wake of victimization. At a minimum, the sites will provide legal services that include civil legal assistance (including, but not limited to, family, custody and dependency, employment, and administrative issues related to the victimization); enforcement of victims' rights in criminal proceedings; assistance for victims of identity theft and financial fraud; and immigration assistance for human trafficking victims and battered immigrant women.

Funding for this first 18-month phase will support extensive planning that includes formation of a steering committee or governing body made up of network partners, conducting a comprehensive needs assessment, development of a detailed implementation plan that includes policies, procedures, and protocols for providing victims with necessary legal services and referrals within the network. Grantees will establish a partnership with a local, external researcher to work with the network to develop and conduct the needs assessment. Grantees also will work closely with the technical assistance provider awarded funding under this program.

With funding under this award, the District of Columbia Office of Victim Services will undertake planning for and development of a citywide comprehensive victim legal assistance network in the District of Columbia.

ca/ncf