Quoted Text

Law benefits parents of child crime victims
BY STEVEN COOK Gazette Reporter

    Parents of children who are victims of crimes can now take time off work without fear of losing pay, state officials said Monday.
    A new state law, which went into effect Sept. 1, allows the state Crime Victim’s Board to reimburse parents for time lost at work while caring for their victim child, offi - cials said.
    The move, officials said, closes a gap in the crime victims compensation rules.
    “It applies when a child has surgery, when a child has inpatient treatment or in the emergency room,” said Tina Stanford, chairwoman of the state crime victims board. “It’s expansive and it’s good to finally have.”
    Previously, adult victims of crime could be compensated for lost wages, but parents of child victims could not.
    The total award for per family for lost wages is capped at $30,000.
    The board has historically relied on advocates in the field to report areas that need improving. This issue has been stirring for some time, she said.
    In Schenectady, victim services coordinator Ken Rulison noted the effort also helps parents whose children are testifying or being interviewed.
    “Now, a parent who is forced to take time off can get compensation for that lost time,” he said.
    Rulison, who works in the Schenectady County District Attorney’s office, said he works to help between 900 and 1,000 victims each year.
    Schenectady County District Attorney Robert Carney noted this effort will help those who don’t have the luxury of jobs where they can take significant time off.
    “These people have to choose between being with their child whose been victimized or going to work,” Carney said. “At least this gives them the ability to get compensation for their time.”
    The state fund handed out an estimated $28 million in compensation directly to victims statewide in 2006-2007. Another $26 million went to programs, Stanford said.
    During the past three state fi scal years, the Crime Victims Board has provided other forms of compensation — including reimbursement for medical costs or personal property — to an average of 1,500 child victims annually, officials said.
    The funds themselves come from a combination of the federal government, crime victim assistant fees assessed at sentencings and a smaller portion from state funds.