This is the second in a series of bulletins highlighting the Denver Victim Services 2000 (Denver VS2000) demonstration project. The first bulletin, Denver Victim Services 2000 Needs Assessment, documented the Denver needs assessment process, from which the project developed its VS2000 goals and initiatives. This bulletin, Using Technology To Enable Collaboration, discusses the technology initiatives identified through the community needs assessment as critical to achieving the VS2000 goal: a seamless, accessible system of services for all crime victims.

The Denver VS2000 technology initiative has three components: an online Resource Directory, an online Training Center, and an automated, online client Case Management System. An interactive Web site connects these and links to other victim service providers. This bulletin summarizes the collaborative effort and needs assessment that were critical to the conception and development of these components. Further, the bulletin describes the component elements and their implementation, suggesting how to develop and maintain the same or similar technology-based solutions to serve victims of crime.

Not only will victim service providers find this bulletin extremely informative, but agencies and their information systems staff will find it very helpful in determining what technology would best enhance interagency collaboration to support victims in the community. This bulletin directs readers to no-cost tools to meet local needs and the technical assistance to implement them. As you read this bulletin you should consider your own community's needs and determine if the information and technical assistance available from the Denver VS2000 project could be applied to improve and expand your community's efforts on behalf of victims.