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Gov. Nixon supports proposed advances in crime victims' rights
Says Recovery Act will send millions in assistance to victims

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo April 30, 2009- Governor Jay Nixon today said he looks forward to signing a bill that would extend the rights of crime victims in Missouri. Senate Bill 338 would allow victims of certain serious crimes to have a representative appear on their behalf at parole and probation revocation hearings and permit crime victims to receive a current photograph of the person incarcerated for the crimes against them prior to release.

Gov. Nixon was the keynote speaker at Missouri's National Crime Victim's Rights Week ceremony at the State Capitol. He told the gathering of crime victims, victims' families, crime victims' advocates and State government leaders, "Additional rights and increased funding for crime victims are more signs that this movement, which began 25 years ago, continues to gain strength -- and that is thanks to your work."

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the landmark Victims of Crime Act. The law, passed by Congress in 1984, created the Crime Victims Fund.

Gov. Nixon said Missouri is expected to receive several million dollars from the federal Recovery Act dedicated specifically to state and local crime victims' programs. "This funding will help provide direct services to crime victims, including money for shelter expenses and for more advocates; increased resources for crime victims' compensation; and money specifically to assist women who are victims of crime, with an emphasis on rural and underserved communities," Gov. Nixon said.

The Missouri Crime Victims Fund supports victim compensation programs, which reimburse victims for many out-of pocket expenses that victims face in the aftermath of the crime. It also helps fund victim assistance programs that support victims by providing physical and emotional care and guidance in navigating the criminal justice system. Since 1993, the fund has provided services to approximately 861,000 victims of crime in the State of Missouri and has paid more than $93 million in victim compensation to Missouri crime victims and their families.

Other speakers at the ceremony were Darrel Ashlock, Executive Director of Kids Harbor; Dwight Scroggins, Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney and the President of the Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys; and Melanie Oldani, a courageous woman who following her sister’s murder became a vocal advocate for all victims of crime.

Gov. Nixon, a leader in supporting and expanding the rights of crime victims during his more than two decades of public service, spoke at Missouri's National Crime Victims' Rights Week ceremony for the 17th year in a row. His previous 16 addresses were as Missouri Attorney General.

Announcements

MoVA BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE:

All meetings will be held at 10:00 AM unless otherwise noted.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

                        Victim Advocate Caseworker


Family Court of St. Louis County is seeking to hire a Full Time Victim
Advocate Caseworker for its Delinquency Services Department. Position is
funded from the State Services for Victims Fund Grant (SSVF) and Victims of
Crime Act (VOCA) and is subject to continued availability of these funds.
Monies have been approved from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010, and may
be renewable.  Work involves serving a client caseload by providing
emotional support, advocacy, information, and related assistance to help
victims and their families cope with the experienced crime.  This position
will provide direct and referral services for crime victims and their
families. 
Minimum qualifications: Graduation from an accredited college or
university with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related
social/behavioral science is required (an MSW is preferred), plus at least
one year of professional work experience performing advocacy for victims of
crime; or any equivalent combination of training and experience. NOTE: All
applicants tentatively selected for the position will be required to submit
to a background check and urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior
to initial hire. 
Salary:  $33,282.60 (due to this is a grant position this
is the salary being offered.). TO APPLY: Send a cover letter stating how
your education and experience make you a good fit for this position,
daytime number, salary history/requirement, and resume, (position is open
until filled): Victim Advocate Caseworker, Attn: Human Resources
Department, Family Court of St. Louis County, 501 S. Brentwood Blvd.,
Clayton, MO 63105. EOE. If you need any accommodations in the application
process, or if you would like this posting in an alternative format contact
HR Dept at 314-615-4561 (voice) or 314-615-5889 (TTY).