Most programs process claims through a staff centralized in one office in
the state capital, but a few states have branch or regional offices or make use
of locally based individuals in other agencies to perform preliminary work on
applications, such as gathering documents.
Typically, states request and analyze police reports to confirm that a crime
took place and to determine whether the victim was involved in any
illegal or contributory activity when victimized. Information from service
providers like hospitals, doctors, counselors, and funeral homes, as well as
employers if work loss is claimed, forms the basis for benefit determinations.
Decision-making authority varies from state to state, with about a third of
the states using part-time boards or commissions to determine eligibility and
awards, and the rest authorizing full-time administrative staff (usually program
directors) to make determinations. In three court-based programs, judges or
court officials decide claims.
Nye Frank on 22 Apr 09Requires each member of the designated agency of the State Bar responsible for evaluation of judicial candidates to complete a minimum of training in fairness and bias.
