Ability to Identify and Reach Underserved Populations
The questions asked and itemized results related to ability to identify and reach underserved populations for victim service programs, prosecution services, and law enforcement units are presented in Appendix II. A summary of responses to these questions showed that:
- 100% of agencies that provided direct services to victims (61) were technically able to track the number of victims they served either through computer and/or paper records. 97% (59) were technically able to track the number of victims representing underserved populations. In addition:
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98% (60) were technically able to track the geographical location of victims representing underserved populations
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95% (58) were technically able to track victims representing racial/ethnic groups
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87 % (53) were technically able to track non-English speaking victims
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97% (59) were technically able to track victims by age
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82% (50) were technically able to track victims with other special needs
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The survey instrument did not include a definition of cultural competency because one of the objectives of the assessment was to determine how agencies interpreted the concept.
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In follow-up telephone conversations, many agency personnel reported that they did not always record demographic information on victims even though they were technically able to do so. Reasons cited for not recording such information included legal concerns, staff discomfort with inquiring, and lack of opportunity to record such information after initial intake.
- 98% of all 62 agencies (61) provided some type of community outreach to underserved populations. 90% (56) directly provided outreach to underserved populations, and 8% (5) indirectly provided outreach to underserved populations through referral.
- 32% of all agencies (20) were able to describe the underserved populations in their service area "very well."
- 24% of all agencies (15) had policies and procedures to periodically review the current developing demographic trends for the geographical areas they served.
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