Contact: Kerri Webb, Public Information Officer
kerri.webb@probation.lacounty.gov, (562) 315-3388
Media Release
April 13, 2018
L.A. COUNTY PROBATION DEPARTMENT RECOGNIZES NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS WEEK
LOS ANGELES – In the spirit of its mission to enhance public safety, ensure victims’ rights and effect positive probationer behavioral change, the Los Angeles County Probation Department is recognizing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week from April 8-14 as an advocate of justice and restitution for the victims of crime.
Many people are unaware that in addition to providing services to over 50,000 individuals currently on probation, the L.A. County Probation Department also supervises one of the nation’s largest restitution processes for victims of crime. In fiscal year 2017, the Los Angeles County Probation Department supervised the provision of over $3.8 Million in financial restitution to crime victims paid by individuals on probation.
“Rehabilitation and restoration are the core purposes for probation work,” said Los Angeles County Chief Probation Officer Terri McDonald. “L.A. County Probation is active in supervising restitution for the victims of crimes and directing victims toward appropriate services to support the rebuilding of their lives.”
The L.A. County Probation Department is also a national leader in recognizing and serving victims of human trafficking and was among the first public agencies to treat these individuals as victims, not criminals. The Department continues to be an active partner in local law enforcement’s fight against the commercial sexual exploitation of youth and young adults.
Since January 2012, the L.A. County Probation Department’s Child Trafficking Unit (CTU), has focused on providing rehabilitative services to the young victims of sexually exploitative crimes. The CTU is a collaborative effort between Probation and the Courts to address the unique needs of this population and supports a myriad of countywide efforts as well as Board of Supervisors’ priorities to confront human trafficking.
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week was created by the Office for Victims of Crime, a component of the Office of Justice Programs within the U.S. Department of Justice. Its aim is to provide national awareness and support to victims of crimes and their families. This year’s theme “Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims,” calls for providing more input on how crime victims can have better access to services and support. In addition, the theme beckons for stronger advocacy partnerships in efforts to reach all victims.
Local victims of crime in need of support should contact the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Bureau of Victims Services at http://da.lacounty.gov/victims.