NCJ Number
198871
Date Published
2002
Length
62 pages
Annotation
Intended to help the residents of Massachusetts in accessing available resources in time of tragedy, this guide describes the various services available from the agencies, programs, and other resources dedicated to helping victims of tragedies and their families.
Abstract
Eight agencies and resources are listed and described under the topic of financial assistance. These include the American Red Cross Family Gift Program, Massachusetts Crime Victim Compensation, Massachusetts higher education tuition waivers, and the Victim Compensation Fund. Three agencies that provide housing assistance are profiled. The following five agencies that provide legal assistance are described: the Boston Bar Association September 11 Assistance Project, the Department of Justice Victim Assistance Program, the Massachusetts Bar Association Dial-A-Lawyer and Legal Clinic, the Massachusetts Probate Court Information, and Trial Lawyers Care. The agencies and services that provide mental health counseling include community crisis organizations, homicide bereavement counseling organizations, the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance, Project REACH counseling and advocacy for crime victims, dealing with the media, and survivor suggestions. Five types of services are described for tax assistance. For the various agencies included in this directory, an overview of the agency and its services is provided, followed by the listing of criteria for eligibility for the services, the available benefits and assistance provided, and information on how to apply for the benefits.