The department begins contact with a victim through an initial interview usually held in the victim's home. During the interview, the probation department staff member assesses the impact of the crime on the victim and identifies victim needs. In about 50 percent of the cases, impacts have been limited and the victim's needs are few. In these cases, the staff member terminates the case after providing basic information about criminal justice system functions and operations. In other cases, the client may receive followup contact about services such as crisis intervention counseling, referrals to community agencies for assistance, court proceedings assistance, and information concerning the State indemnification program. Also available are services to homicide victims' families, services offered by the witness reception desk at the county courthouse, and special services (such as transportation, help in cleaning up after a crime, and child care). Staff impressions gathered during the operation of the program over 8 years indicate that victims want and need assistance. The report notes that victim assistance programs help to prevent crime by influencing citizen behavior and educating the public.