Fox 40 Interviews VCGCB Executive Officer Julie Nauman

CalVCP Executive Officer Julie Nauman stopped by Fox 40 Sacramento to discuss the effects of rising violent crime in many California cities such as Stockton and Oakland. Nauman spent a few minutes with Fox 40’s Alisa Becerra, discussing the services CalVCP can provide crime victims.

Before even leaving the studio that morning, Nauman was approached by a Fox 40 reporter about the subject. Having two family members become victims of homicide, he understands the deep pain that inevitably accompanies violent crimes. He shared his own experience and expressed gratitude for the program and the support and services it provides victims of crime.

Whether you have been a victim or not, have you told your friends and family about the Program?

5 Tips to Help Parents Prevent Bullying

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

Bullying does not harm only the child being bullied,
but has long term detrimental effects for everyone involved.
In one study, 60% percent of those identified as a bully in
grade school had at least one criminal conviction by age 24;
35 – 40% of those adults had three or more convictions.

Back-to-school season is in full swing. Between the back-to-school shopping, end of summer vacations, and the dreaded task of getting children back in the habit of waking up early, it can be a very hectic and stressful time for parents. Added to this are concerns over school safety and violence making parents even more stressed. Some children shudder at the thought of going back to school because before long they will be returning to an abusive situation of bullying.

As many as 77% of all children have encountered some type of bullying, whether it be verbal, mental, or physical abuse, according to BullyStatistics.org. Bullying does not harm only the child being bullied, but has long term detrimental effects for everyone involved. Children who are bullied have a greater risk of depression, low self-esteem, are more likely to run away, and have a higher risk of abusing alcohol or drugs in their lifetime. Many parents are unaware that bullying can be just as destructive for the bully. In one study, 60% percent of those identified as a bully in grade school had at least one criminal conviction by age 24; 35 – 40% of those adults had three or more convictions.

As many as 77% of all children have encountered some type of bullying, whether it be verbal, mental, or physical abuse, according to BullyStatistics.org.

Lawmakers are aware of this escalating problem and are working attentively to reduce these numbers. New laws recently passed will assist schools and faculty in clearly defining bullying and setting up a procedure to address the issue.

CalVCP is dedicated to helping victims of school violence and bullying. For cases that qualify, CalVCP provides financial assistance for children that are victims of such situations. In cases where a child experiences mental distress from witnessing a crime, CalVCP will assist eligible students with counseling expenses.

Prevention is also an important aspect in dealing with bullying. The following tips can help parents prevent the abuse that stems from bullying:

• Know the signs – Unexplained bruises or cuts, fear of returning to school, a drop in grades, or depression can all be signs of bullying. Behavioral issues like getting in trouble at school or obsession with popularity may be signs that your kid is a bully. 
• Open Communication – Often, kids will not want to share if they are having problems at school, but by simply asking your child how their day was or what they like most about their friends may give you some insight to their lives. If you do suspect a problem, explain to them that there’s no shame in being bullied and that it’s not their fault. Openly talking about it is the first step to fixing the problem. 
• Learn conflict management- The key word is management; not all conflict in life is resolvable, but most times it is manageable. Teaching your children to know the difference and how to handle different types of conflict is a skill they can use for life. 
• Adopt healthy hobbies - Encouraging your child to get involved in healthy hobbies in and out of school can be a great outlet for them to socialize, build new skill sets and healthy relationships. Having a hobby that assists your child in making friends and build confidence will be a positive influence that will assist them in dealing with any potential bullying. 
• Pay attention to friends – Paying close attention to the company your child keeps can be a great indicator of the type of influences your child has. If you believe certain friends are a bad influence, it’s important that you address this promptly and redirect their attention to spending time with a more positive influence. 

The task of raising a child to be a healthy, respectful, productive adult is a full-time job and can at times be overwhelming. By incorporating these tips, providing a loving home, and taking a genuine interest in your child’s life, you will undoubtedly get them headed in the right direction

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Julie Nauman is the Executive Officer for the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board (VCGCB). VCGCB provides compensation for victims of violent crime and helps to resolve claims against the State.

CalVCP Investigations Return Money Back to Victims

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

CalVCP has helped countless victims of violent crimes since 1965, with over 55,000 victims applying for assistance annually. While the vast majority of CalVCP claims received are from genuine victims and care-takers that need reimbursement, some individuals submit fraudulent claims to steal money that does not belong to them. It is during such instances that the critical work of CalVCP stands out.

No industry, company, or agency is immune from ongoing acts of stealing by aggressive financial thieves. To help safeguard against theft, CalVCP exercises appropriate controls and methods to prevent and uncover fraud, beginning with our Help Center.

Recently, two California residents were convicted of defrauding CalVCP when they submitted phony invoices for the care of a victim. The two women were sentenced to county jail and probation and ordered to repay CalVCP nearly $70,000--the full amount they fraudulently acquired. Due to the diligent work of the Audits and Investigation Unit and the CalVCP Help Center, the money will be returned to the Restitution Fund so actual victims and care-takers can receive the financial assistance they need.

Media is shedding increasing light on many types of fraudulent activities nationwide. No industry, company, or agency is immune from ongoing acts of stealing by aggressive financial thieves. To help safeguard against theft, CalVCP exercises appropriate controls and methods to prevent and uncover fraud, beginning with our Help Center. The unit answers approximately 7,000 calls each month and is careful to stay alert of suspicious activities and patterns. Questionable claims undergo an initial investigation and are referred to the Audits and Investigations Unit for further examination.

A painstaking review is conducted to verify the accuracy of the claim and documents submitted, and to investigate inconsistencies or suspicious activity. The scrupulous review can take anywhere between four to five months in which the appropriate cases are then referred to local authorities or the California Office of the Attorney General for prosecution. It is through the court that defendants are ordered to repay CalVCP, making funds available to victims.

In addition to the current internal controls and prevention methods in place, a portion of investigated claims begins from an anonymous tip. The public can play an important role in reducing misuse of the Restitution Fund by contacting CalVCP. If you are suspicious or aware of fraudulent activity, please contact our Victim Helpline at 1-800-777-9229. All anonymous tipsters’ identities will remain strictly confidential.

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Julie Nauman is the Executive Officer for the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board (VCGCB), appointed in 2008. VCGCB provides compensation for victims of violent crime and helps to resolve claims against the State.

National Night Out 2012

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

This year, “America’s Night Out Against Crime” will be held on Tuesday, August 7th from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., in communities throughout the nation. It is an evening for neighbors to lock their doors, turn on their porch lights and get reacquainted. This observance helps to build police-community partnerships, raise crime prevention awareness and encourage neighborhood camaraderie. Events such as block parties, cookouts, ice cream socials, parades, visits from police and community leaders, neighborhood and flashlight walks, youth activities, and goal-setting are planned to help promote safety and crime prevention in local neighborhoods.

2012 will mark the 29th National Night Out (NNO). The first NNO was held in 1984 with 2.5 million people in attendance nationwide. Sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), NNO was formed to unite neighbors from communities large and small to find ways to help fight and reduce crime. NNO is the perfect conduit because it strengthens police-community partnerships; generates support for local anticrime programs and heightens crime and drug prevention awareness.

The success of the first NNO was a clear indication that people wanted to protect their neighborhoods against drugs and crime. Now that some police forces have been cut, it is especially pertinent. NNO has grown considerably since then, with over 37 million people participating in the event last year, including all 50 states, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide.

NNO has consistently proven to be an effective, inexpensive and enjoyable event to promote neighborhood spirit and safety in each community. Let’s all get acquainted with our neighbors on August 7th and help “Give Drugs and Crime a Going Away Party!”

If your community has not been a part of this dynamic program, it’s not too late. Information is available on the National Association of Town Watch website to help you get started on your own local chapter.

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Julie Nauman is the Executive Officer for the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board (VCGCB), appointed in 2008. VCGCB provides compensation for victims of violent crime and helps to resolve claims against the State.

Collecting from Offenders, Caring for Victims

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

Our mission at CalVCP is to serve victims and help them recover from the traumatic impact of crime. A critical part in providing this service is the Restitution Fund, which we use to pay victims’ crime-related expenses. It is fueled by fines and orders levied by judges against criminal offenders. This process not only helps victims become whole, it also helps to rehabilitate offenders as they are forced to face the impact of their crimes, and at the same time contribute to their victims’ healing.

The Court Ordered Debt Program
has collected over $7 million
during the last year, money that
can help pay expenses for victims
of violent crime.

In July 2011, staff from the CalVCP Fiscal Services Division Court Ordered Debt Program began processing over 400,000 fine cases that had gone unpaid by criminal offenders. Their job is to track down offenders who still owe money to the fund after they are discharged from prison. Working in conjunction with the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Franchise Tax Board, they ensure the collection of the debts owed to these victims of crime.

The Court Ordered Debt Program has collected over $7 million during this fiscal year alone! That’s $7 million that CalVCP can put toward medical bills, lost wages, counseling and other expenses for victims of violent crime.

Our Fiscal Services staff has worked diligently for these dollars. They have handled over 59,000 calls since July 2011, tracking hundreds of thousands of cases in a massive database that is constantly updated with new information.

I couldn’t be more proud of the staff in the Court Ordered Debt Program. Their accomplishments will help many victims in need. They exemplify CalVCP’s commitment to make restitution a cornerstone of our program. Join me in congratulating them and thanking them for their dedication to victims. Keep up the good work.

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Julie Nauman is the Executive Officer for the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board (VCGCB), appointed in 2008. VCGCB provides compensation for victims of violent crime and helps to resolve claims against the State.

Celebrate Responsibly | Tips from MADD

By Brenda Frachiseur, MADD California Executive Director

Summertime is here and the Fourth of July is traditionally a time to celebrate vacations and family togetherness; however, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) warns that it can also be a dangerous time for those traveling on California roads. In 2010, 155 people were killed nationwide in drunk driving crashes over the holiday weekend, and 80 percent of those crashes took place at night, between 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. These were people whose lives have been forever impacted and whose summer vacations and celebrations will no longer be fond memories. Tragically, their deaths and injuries were 100% preventable.

In 2010, 155 people were killed nationwide in drunk driving crashes over the holiday weekend, and 80 percent of those crashes took place at night, between 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m.

Too many of us at MADD know the pain of losing a loved one in a drunk driving crash, so it’s our hope that by drawing attention to the increased dangers associated with a holiday like the Fourth of July, we can save other families the heartache and devastation caused by drunk driving. The next couple of months are sure to be filled with BBQ’s, informal get-togethers, and special family traditions. MADD encourages people to plan ahead for a safe way home if their plans include alcohol.

MADD would like to encourage you to consider a few ideas and take the simple steps necessary to keep your traditions and your loved ones alive. These simple tips will ensure your celebrations do not turn into tragedies.

As a party giver, perhaps one of your most important responsibilities is to plan for your guests’ safety after the party.  Don’t overlook some of these simple but crucial details:

• Avoid making alcohol the main focus of the party.  Entertain guests with outdoor games, food, and lively conversation.
• Be sure to offer plenty of non-alcoholic choices such as “mocktails”, sparkling water and soft drinks.
• Stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the end of the event.  Instead, serve coffee and desserts.
• Never serve alcohol to anyone under 21.
• Recruit designated drivers before the party begins.
• Offer your place to spend the night.
• Have everyone drop their keys in a basket when they arrive and only return the keys to sober drivers.
• BE PREPARED TO TAKE THE KEYS!

As a party goer, planning is the key:

• Decide to be the Designated Driver.
• Consider going with a group of friends and designate a sober driver before the celebration begins.
• Take a cab, public transportation, or rent a limo.
• Have the number of a taxi service in your pocket before heading out (some companies even provide free taxi services during holidays).

 With just a few precautions, your parties can be fun, safe and memorable for all the right reasons.

A final thought - as part of the nationwide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” crackdown on drunk driving around the Fourth of July, California law enforcement will be intensifying their efforts to deter and detect drunk driving, in order to prevent these needless deaths and injuries.

Be safe and enjoy our Nation’s birthday!

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Brenda Frachiseur is the Executive Director of MADD California. As one of the largest victim services organizations in the U.S., MADD supports drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge, serving one person every eight minutes through local MADD victim advocates. For more information about MADD California, visit www.maddcalifornia.org.

Elder Abuse in 2012

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

The Seventh Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day will be observed on June 15, 2012. This is a day that recognizes the horrendous problem of abuse of the elderly, including financial, assault, false imprisonment, neglect, exploitation, even rape or homicide. These crimes can happen to anyone. Actor Mickey Rooney and his family were in the news recently because of their experience with elder abuse. Californians aged 65 or older are projected to be the fastest-growing age group between 2000 and 2020, according to the Center for Budget Policy. By 2020, California will be home to the largest population of older adults in the United States, making it critical that we find increased and better ways to assist the elderly.

Seniors can be physically or sexually abused, but they are more likely to have their money or possessions stolen, which can be devastating on many levels. According to the California Attorney General, the financial abuse of seniors is so rampant it is being called “the crime of the 21st century.” For these seniors who have been so victimized, it can make them feel violated, angry, stupid or depressed. Seniors are hesitant to report these crimes because they don’t want their friends and family to think less of them or their decision-making abilities. Many financial abuse victims had led a long and happy life, but died feeling miserable because of the financial abuse they suffered.

Los Angeles County leads the way with approximately 160,000 cases of elder and nursing home abuse every year with most of these cases going unreported. Physical elder abuse is commonly committed by individual employees against patients in elder care facilities. These crimes include homicide, rape, false imprisonment, assault and battery. LA County alone represents 25% of all cases in California, followed by Orange County at approximately 53,000 cases, or 8.4% of the state’s cases of elder abuse. Just five of our 58 counties account for over half of all elder abuse cases: Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Riverside and Santa Clara. Health care professionals, social workers, nursing home workers, employees of banks and credits unions and members of the clergy are required to make reports to Adult Protective Services or law enforcement if they suspect elder abuse.

On Elder Abuse Awareness Day, individuals and organizations are urged to raise awareness of the various types of abuse to which older individuals are subjected. This year, take a stand in the fight against elder abuse and take a stand for dignity and respect of our elders.

NOTE: Each county has an Adult Protective Services (APS) agency to help elder adults (65 years and older) and dependent adults (18-64 who are disabled) when they are unable to meet their own needs, or are victims of abuse, neglect or exploitation. Contact your local county APS.

The following website has information on where to report instances of elder abuse: http://www.dca.ca.gov/consumer/seniors/elder_abuse.shtml

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Julie Nauman is the Executive Officer for the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board (VCGCB), appointed in 2008. VCGCB provides compensation for victims of violent crime and helps to resolve claims against the State.