Criminal Fine Account (CFA) Funding

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Helping Victims and Survivors Navigate the Criminal Justice System

In 2011, the Oregon Legislature modified the Criminal Fines Assessment Account (CFAA). The new Criminal Fine Account (CFA) is larger and will fund more services. CFA grants are awarded to prosecutor-based victim assistance programs (PDF) » to fund services that help victims and survivors navigate the criminal justice system and provide support through court proceedings.

Victim assistance program services include:

  • informing victims and survivors of their rights
  • involving victims and survivors in the decision making process
  • ensuring that victims and survivors are informed of the status of their case
  • helping victims and survivors apply for compensation benefits
  • familiarizing victims and survivors with court procedures
  • assisting victims and survivors with the logistics of appearing in court and accompanying them to court hearings
  • encouraging victims and survivors to testify
  • helping victims and survivors request the return of property held as evidence

Eligibility to Receive CFA Funding

To qualify for approval by CVSSD, a victims’ assistance program must:

  • Be administered by the District Attorney’s Office or the City Attorney
  • Provide services to victims and survivors of all crimes, giving service priority to victims and survivors of person crimes
  • Collaborate with community-based and government agencies to ensure victims and survivors are supported to the fullest extent possible
  • Provide the following core services to victims and survivors:
    • Provide notice of the rights granted to victims under Oregon law
    • Advocate on their behalf as the criminal case moves through the justice system
    • Involve victims and survivors in the decision-making process regarding their case
    • Ensure they are kept updated on the status of the criminal case
    • Assist with preparing and submitting Crime Victims’ Compensation applications to the Department of Justice under ORS 147.005 to 147.367 »
    • Gather and prepare restitution documentation for purposes of obtaining a restitution order
    • Prepare victims and survivors for court hearings by informing them of courtroom procedures and logistics
    • Explain the process for requesting the return of property held as evidence in the criminal case.

Additional CFA Resources