Children and Teens Program

It often takes a great deal of courage for a victim to take that first step and ask for help.

At Hands of Hope, you can expect to talk to/meet with courteous, empathetic and trained advocates who can help you through those early stages of dealing with trauma. Help is available to you whether you are the person victimized, a parent or other relative of a victim, or a partner, friend or co-worker needing support and direction. This may be through our confidential, 24-hour toll-free crisis line, through assistance at the hospital during an exam, in assisting and supporting the victim during court proceedings, gaining an Order for Protection and/or interviews with law enforcement, or by individual or group support. It may also take the form of giving information, helping sort out available options, and making decisions based on the victim's needs and wishes. Emergency assistance may be needed, or help in finding alternative housing. Appropriate referrals to other services are given when they may be indicated. All services are free to victims and those who care about them.

Often victims may feel at first that they want to deal with it themselves, or they may have had nowhere to turn when they were victimized. Various life events can bring about renewed difficulties with the past abuse. Hands of Hope can offer listening and supportive counseling in these situations also, as well as appropriate referrals to other services. A contact with Hands of Hope can be a start to the healing process so necessary to live your life to the fullest possible.

FINANCIAL HELP FOR CRIME VICTIMS

The Minnesota Crime Victims Reparations Board helps victims and their families ease the financial burden they face as a result of a violent crime.

The Board provides financial assistance to reimburse victims for their out-of-pocket losses suffered as a direct result of the crime

What are the eligibility requirements?

The crime must have occurred in Minnesota, or in a foreign country without a compensation program.

The crime must have been reported to police within 30 days. (The 30-day requirement is waived in cases of sexual assault or child abuse, however, those crimes must still be reported to the police before the claim will be considered for payment.)

Victims must also cooperate fully with the police during the investigation, and with the county or city attorney if the case is prosecuted.

An application form must be submitted within three years of the crime. (An exception is made in child abuse cases. In those cases, claims must be filed within 3 years of the date the crime was reported to the police.)

The victim must not have committed a crime or contributed to the incident through their own misconduct.

All collateral sources must be used first, including health insurance, Medical Assistance, auto insurance, vacation/sick leave, short and long term disability, social security benefits, etc.

How does a victim apply for reparations?

Victims can request an application form by calling Hands of Hope Resource Center or the Reparations office. The application form is also available here. Hands of Hope Resource Center can also assist with completing the application form.

Completed application forms should be mailed or faxed to the Reparations office. Victims should apply as soon as possible. Medical treatment or court proceedings do not need to be completed prior to filing a reparations claim.

Who is eligible to apply?

• A person who suffers a physical or emotional injury or death as a result of a crime.
• A person injured or killed trying to prevent a crime, apprehend a suspect, or help a police officer.
• A person who paid for services for the victim.
• A family member, dependent, or estate of the victim.
• A guardian, guardian ad litem, conservator or authorized agent of any of these persons.

• Homicide
• Assault
• Domestic Abuse
• Sexual Assault
• Child Abuse (Physical and Sexual)
• Kidnapping
• Arson
• Robbery
• Harassment/Stalking
• Felony Hit and Run
• Driving under the Influence
• Criminal Vehicular Operation

Property crimes are not covered.

There are limits on most of the following benefits, and total benefits may not exceed $50,000 per victim.

• Medical expenses - hospital, doctor, ambulance, medication management, prescriptions, chiropractic care, prosthetic devices.
• Counseling expenses for victims and their family members.
• Funeral expenses - funeral services, cremation, burial, headstone, flowers, obituary, lodging and travel for family members to attend funeral.
• Lost wages due to a disabling physical or psychological injury.
• Loss of support to dependents (spouse/domestic partner and minor children) of a homicide victim.
• Child care and professional household services to replace services provided by the victim prior to the crime.
• Transportation costs, meals and lodging to return an abducted child.
• Crime scene clean-up.

Pain and suffering, and damaged or stolen money or property are not covered.