During the period April 1, 1998 to March 31, 1999, there was a seven percent increase in the number of claims received by the Board. This increase is attributable to an increase in the number of victim assistance programs funded by the Board as well as increased outreach efforts by these programs across the State. The number of funded Victim/Witness Assistance Programs rose from 142 in 1997-1998 to 199 in 1998-1999. It is essential that the increasing number of victims have ready access to local program assistance. Since its establishment on August 1, 1966, the Board has provided substantial financial relief to victims of crime and their families. This includes paying unreimbursed crime-related expenses, such as medical and funeral expenses, loss of earnings or support, crime scene clean-up, the cost to repair or replace items of essential personal property, reasonable court transportation expenses, counseling expenses, and the cost of residing at or utilizing the services of a domestic violence shelter. In July 1979, the Board’s role was expanded to be an advocate for crime victims’ rights, needs, and interests in New York State. This advocacy role has resulted in the board’s formulation of legislation, subsequently enacted, which not only has protected and extended the rights of crime victims but also expanded the services and assistance available to them. Since 1981, the Board has been provided with additional funding from the State Legislature to award grants to local community-based programs across the State for the purpose of establishing victim/witness service delivery systems. Beginning in 1986, the Board received Federal Victims of Crime Act funds for the same purpose.