Victim Assistance Unit (VAU)

Victims’ Assistance Unit (VAU) was established for the purpose of implementing statutory rights accorded to victims of juvenile crime. These rights include receiving notice at the earliest possible point regarding safety concerns, compensation for loss, impact of the crime, juvenile justice proceedings, community resources, and support services. A VAU officer is required to notify each victim telephonically and/or in writing within 24 hours of referral of the offense by law enforcement. When a juvenile offender is brought by police to detention, VAU will contact the victim within 24 hours to assess safety or loss concerns the victim may have that are relevant to detention and judicial decision-making in the juvenile’s case. VAU officers attend detention and other hearings to express concerns of the victims on their behalf, and they also assist in the establishment and recovery of restitution, resource referral, advocacy activities, information dissemination, and provide assistance and support.