Advocate represents victims of juveniles

Victims' services specialist Tammy Adams works with people who are victims of juvenile crimes. Juvenile crimes against people have doubled in last 10 years.On the Net

www.victims-services.org

By Andrea L. Buchanan ~ Southeast Missourian

In a system that's designed to protect the rights of young defendants, advocates say, the victims of juvenile crimes have often been forgotten.

A new victims services program aims to correct that and give local victims a voice in the juvenile judicial process.

"We have a high number of violent crimes in the circuit involving kids," said Randy Rhodes, chief juvenile officer for the 32nd Judicial Circuit. "My officers are involved in the court process and work that has to do with the defendant."

Often that unintentionally left victims on the back burner and left an important voice out of juvenile proceedings.

Tammy Adams was hired in November to represent victims in the district, which covers Bollinger, Cape and Perry counties.

Hired through a federal grant, Adams works with people who have been physically or sexually assaulted or abused by a juvenile. She also works with victims of domestic violence or child abuse committed by a someone 16 years old or younger.

In the past, victims of juvenile crimes had minimal input in their cases due in part to confidentiality surrounding the defendants; with Adams, victims are represented by their own advocate to help guide them through the judicial process.

"This way the victim specialist makes contact as soon as the police report comes in," Rhodes said.

Adams works with victims of any age who have been targeted by a juvenile. Often those victims are also young.

In a scenario in which the victim and the defendant attend the same school, Adams makes sure they have no classes or lunch periods together and that school officials know about the problem.

In addition to helping people keep up with their cases, Adams helps find resources for counseling and medical bills. She also coordinates volunteers who help in the office and with victims.

On call 24 hours a day

When she first started in November, Adams began researching cases extending back two years and offering assistance to victims of past crimes.

Many didn't realize they were eligible for restitution, or that they had a right to attend some court proceedings.

Adams, who is on call 24 hours per day, said her interest in victim advocacy began when her best friend was killed as the result of a drunken driving accident. Adams became a guest speaker at meetings of organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

A native of Ware, Mo., she graduated in May with a degree in social work from Southeast Missouri State University.

"This is my calling," Adams said. "My job is to make sure the victim feels secure. They know I am on their side."

Rhodes said he wrote the grant application to establish an advocacy unit based on a prosecutor's earlier attempt. His goal was to provide a specialist whose only focus is the crime victim.

Juvenile crimes against people, as opposed to property damage, doubled in the years since 1990, Rhodes said.

abuchanan@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 160