Each year in Lackawanna County, hundreds of victims suffer physical, psychological and financial injury due to criminal acts. As a result, victims find themselves thrown into the Criminal Justice System through no fault of their own, and they are asked to appear in court and testify against the defendants who harmed them. These are often very frightening experiences for victims, and the Victim Advocates Unit provides special services to help them cope.

The Victim Advocates Unit, under the supervision of District Attorney Mark Powell, consists of three full-time victim advocates who are available to assist victims throughout their experiences in the Criminal Justice System.

Services include:

Orientation to the Criminal Justice System.
Accompaniment to all court proceedings.
Accompaniment to police facilities.
Information and referral to appropriate social service agencies and organizations.
Information and assistance with the Crime Victim's Compensation Fund.
Information regarding case status.
Employer/creditor/school intervention.
Assistance securing restitution.
Notification of court hearings.

These services are free of charge and are available to all men, women and children who are victims of crime in Lackawanna County.

The PA Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification and VINELink systems are free confidential services of the state Department of Corrections that help victims, law enforcement and community members keep up to date on the status of an inmate housed in a county jail, state prison or under state parole supervision within Pennsylvania. PA SAVIN will provide specific information about a person's custody status, such as an inmate's release, transfer or escape.