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Summary

Michigan Family Independence Agency (2002). Crime Victim Service Provider Survey: Assessing the Availability, Accessibility and Adequacy of Service for Victims of Juvenile Crime in Michigan Michigan Family Independence Agency, Bureau of Juvenile Justice. Downloaded 12 January 2005.

Currently, there is a lack of awareness within the juvenile justice system regarding available victim services, how to access them and how best to address the needs of victims of juvenile offenders. Resource directories exist for specific types of victim services such as domestic violence, sexual assault or drunk driving. More than one group or organization has compiled a directory of victim service providers however they are not comprehensive and are not well publicized. In addition, the majority of established, well known victim service providers deal primarily with victims of adult offenders. An accessible, well- publicized and regularly updated database of victim resources (including those available for victims of juvenile offenders) is needed for victims of crime as well as service providers and justice system professionals. The information gained through this preliminary research will be used to update, consolidate and expand existing victim resource directories into one comprehensive Michigan victim services and resources database. The goal is create a database that can be updated at frequent intervals and that is user friendly. In the future, the information will also be used as part of a strategic planning process aimed at developing and implementing practices within the Bureau of Juvenile Justice that address the rights and needs of victims of juvenile crime. (excerpt)

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