Services

Requests for On-Scene Assistance

Victim Services of Algoma will respond on scene to referrals from police services 24 hours a day, seven days a week for on-scene assistance.  Referrals from other Victim Services programs will be assisted remotely, 24 hours a day, seven days a week unless police have ensured safety of attendance. Program staff and/or crisis responders will provide in-person, on-scene crisis assistance. A team of two crisis responders will attend each incident.

Contact will be made with the referral source within 30 minutes of request to attend on scene being made.

All Other Requests for Service

Services to agencies or self-referred victims will be provided either by telephone or by appointment to our offices. If necessary, appointments can take place at an alternate, safe location if the victim would not otherwise be able to access the services.

Consent

Victim Services of Algoma will contact victims only where there is a request for service from police, another victim service provider, community agency or the victim and consent has been given.

In situations where a child is or is suspected to be a risk, Victim Services of Algoma must notify the appropriate child protection service as per the Duty to Report a child in need of protection in accordance with the Child and Family Services Act.  No consent is required to report and it is mandatory.

Crisis Intervention

Crisis intervention will most often be provided in the immediate aftermath of a crime or tragic circumstance (up to 72 hours after an incident). Crisis intervention consists of the following components: deescalating the situation, establishing physical and emotional safety, and reinforcing the victim’s ability to make choices regarding possible courses of action. 

Addressing Immediate Safety Concerns

As part of the on-scene response, Victim Services of Algoma shall address immediate safety concerns.

This includes:

Needs Assessment

A needs assessment shall be offered to victims and crime and vulnerable victims of a tragic circumstance. The purpose of the needs assessment is to inventory the client’s needs as well as any supports and resources for which the client is eligible, and/or the client already has access to.

The needs assessment may include the following:

Victim Services of Algoma will also screen for vulnerability factors for the purpose of establishing whether a victim requires enhanced support.

Factors may include:

Referrals to Community and Government Support Services

The Victim Services of Algoma program is designed to assist individuals affected by crime or tragic circumstances to function independently by helping them identify strategies for addressing their concerns and needs, the referral process involves providing the client with the service contact information. If the client requires additional support, Victim Services of Algoma shall access the referral service by booking appointments on the client’s behalf and with the clients consent.

Personalized Referral Form or Service Plan

Based on the needs assessment, clients will be provided with referrals to relevant community and government support services through a personalized referral form. The form will contain the name and contact information for each referral.

Provision of Information

Victim Services of Algoma will provide clients with basic information relevant to their needs and circumstances. Each client’s needs (i.e. language barrier) will be taken into consideration when sharing the information (i.e. verbally or through printed material).

Subjects include, but are not limited to, the following:

Safety Planning

Victim Services is available to provide assistance in safety planning for victims of crime. Detailed safety plans for victims of domestic violence and criminal harassment can help them to protect themselves and their families. General safety tips and website referrals regarding transportation, home security and internet child safety are also available to the general public

All victims of crime are eligible for assistance with a safety plan.

The purpose of safety planning is to empower individuals affected by crime to become aware of, and to take measures to enhance, their level of safety.

Victim Services of Algoma will support the victim in the creation of a personal safety plan which will involve the client considering all aspects of his/her environment and daily activity. The plan will include strategies to reduce the risk of further harm.

Because all situations are unique, there is no one safety plan that can meet the needs of all clients. There are, however, some core characteristics that all good safety plans share.

A safety plan should include:

Safety plans are not static and need to change as circumstances change. The client is the owner of the plan, and once it is created, the onus is on the client to update it as their circumstances change. Victim Services of Algoma can assist with updating if needed. Victim Services of Algoma is not responsible for a client’s safety; public safety is the responsibility of the police.

Victim Quick Response Program+

The Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+) is a last resort program. VQRP+ provides victims of violent crime, in the Province of Ontario, who require immediate assistance that cannot be obtained through other sources.

Eligible Crimes:

Eligible Supports

Financial support is available to cover the costs of: