Study data were gathered during 1988 and 1989 through the use of a survey mailed to all victim compensation programs, of telephone calls, and of site visits. In addition, a panel of expert advisors identified crucial issues, selected States for site visits, and offered advice in many other parts of the research. The text describes different organizational structures and operating procedures and discusses efforts to simplify application and claim processing. It also examines how State programs are addressing crucial issues, such as redefining victim eligibility criteria and outreach to unserved victims. Finally, it discusses trends in program funding, noting that legislatures have gradually increased reliance on fines and penalty assessments to fund victim compensation programs. Tables and appended tables, list of contact persons for victim compensation programs, and methodological information regarding estimates of the number of persons eligible for victim compensation.