DOC enhances victim services offerings
In effort to better assist victims and survivors of crime, the Delaware Department of Correction has recently hired a full-time victim services coordinator. This position in the Office of the Commissioner will provide victims and survivors with a direct-contact resource within the DOC to help them become informed and involved, to the level of their comfort, with the corrections system.
“Our purpose in having a victim services coordinator is to promote a better avenue of communication between victims and survivors of crime, and the Department of Correction,” said DOC Commissioner Robert Coupe. “It is only right to have someone available to address the corrections-specific questions that are of great significance and importance to the individuals who have been directly affected by those in our custody or under our supervision for having committed a criminal act.”
In addition to providing information and answering questions surrounding the processes of incarceration and probation, the victim services coordinator will also be able to assist with referral services. Those interested can be directed to appropriate resources to set up status updates to monitor individuals as they move through the corrections system, check eligibility for victim’s compensation, learn about relevant available counseling opportunities, establish Protection From Abuse orders and connect with domestic violence advocacy programs, among other services.
“We are pleased to be able to provide this victim- and survivor-focused resource as we continue to move the Department of Correction forward,” said Coupe. “In conjunction with our recently established family-based services programs, we feel we are more adequately addressing the needs of everyone who is impacted when an individual is incarcerated or placed on supervision.”
CONTACT INFORMATION
Victim Services Coordinator: Renee Buskirk
Victim Services phone: 302-857-5440
Victim Services email: VictimServices@state.de.us
Family Services Coordinator: Chelsea Hicks
Family Services phone: 302-857-5470
Family Services email: DOC_ASKDOC_Mail@state.de.us
