In the face of federal and local budget problems the
Victim Concerns Committee is worried. IPCSA members are encouraged to remind
decision-makers that crime victims do not deserve further neglect and that
progress in responding to them cannot be reversed. The focus of EBP on
offender management should not be at the cost of those already harmed by
them. Services to victims beyond the point of sentencing must improve--and
services should be available from the moment of the offense.
Our committee will continue to promote awareness of
victims’ needs and concerns and continue to press for inclusion of victims
in decision-making progression. The recommendation to IPCSA’s Legislative
Committee regarding the addition of a station adjustment conferencing
alternative in the Juvenile Court Act is intended to support victim
inclusion in line with the BARJ principles in which juvenile statutes are
grounded.
Our next meeting will be in Bloomington on July 20th. If
interested in joining our discussions and efforts, contact Gary Balgemann,
(630) 407-8357 [gary.balgemann@dupageco.org]
