Press Release  Probation’s Victim Services Unit receives $1.1 million grant to help expand outreach to victims and survivors

Boston — The Massachusetts Probation Service’s Victim Services Unit (VSU) was awarded a $1.1 million Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant--which along with an MPS budget line item -- will allow the unit to expand from five to eight Victim Services Coordinators. The coordinators will now be able to assist nearly double the number of victims and survivors of violence across the Commonwealth as the unit helped the previous quarter, according to Corinn Nelson, VSU Statewide Manager. Last quarter, VSU coordinators assisted 1,400 victims and survivors. Thanks to the grant and line item, the coordinators will be able to assist up to 2,300 individuals, Nelson said. 

This two-year VOCA grant ($1.152 million), fiscal years 2021-2022, will increase the capacity of the unit allowing for a greater number of victims, survivors, and their families to receive services vital for their safety and well-being, as well as increased training and assistance to the field. The VOCA grant, effective July 1, supports a staff of five and the MPS budget line item, will fund the three positions. The coordinators meet the needs of victims and survivors of crime through specialized advocacy, safety planning, notification, and case management.

Each coordinator manages from 300 to 400 victims and survivors in an area that includes two regions per quarter. The hiring of additional staff will allow each coordinator to cover just one region a piece and reduce their caseload. 

“I’m so proud and thankful for the Victim Services Unit. The continuation of the VOCA grant and the expansion of the Unit speaks volumes to MPS’s commitment to victims and survivors of crime. It shows the field is dedicated to providing seamless trauma informed services throughout the state. I am thankful to Commissioner Edward Dolan and First Deputy Commissioner Diane Fasano for their support and encouragement. I also want to thank every Chief Probation Officer, Probation Officer, Associate Probation Officer, ELMO staff, and probation employee for their support and work on behalf of victims and survivors,” Nelson said.

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