Change for victim services

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Southern Alberta Regional Victim Serving Society (SARVSS) has taken over operations for Strathmore Regional Victim Services as part of the Government of Alberta’s Victim Services Regional Model.

Jerry Cook, chief executive officer of the SARVSS, explained the goal of this, as well as similar changes being made to service across the province, is to improve stability, consistency, and the sustainability of victim services.

“The general consensus was when you had 60-plus victim service units throughout Alberta, there was just inconsistencies. They came up with a report suggesting a redesign, and based off that redesign is … what the Government of Alberta did, going from the 60+, to four regional victim serving societies,” he said. “Of course, we are the SARVSS, and we are aligned with the RCMP Southern Alberta District. We specialize in court and support navigators.”

The change in services was placed into effect across the province as of Oct. 1.

SARVSS currently boasts approximately 35 Court Support Navigators, who are tasked with reaching out to victims of crimes or tragic circumstances in order to aid them through the court system.

Also provided to victims is information regarding what support agencies are available to them based on their circumstances.

“I do not know if the Strathmore region (will) see any differences whatsoever. The people who worked at Strathmore Regional Victim Services came on with SARVSS, so it is going to be the exact same people,” said Cook. “In some regions, we are seeing absolutely no difference (in services) whatsoever, and of course some, we do see some minor differences.”

One notable change to services is SARVSS has been dictated to no longer provide transportation for victims due to safety and liability reasons.

Additionally, SARVSS will not be providing dog support, though will be partnering with organizations which will.

“I hope the citizens of Strathmore really have not seen a difference because not only do we have the same people, but we have ultimately, the same service delivery model between what Strathmore Regional Victim Services was providing,” said Cook. “(Our navigators) are working in the RCMP detachment, just like they did before … typically when you call the detachment you can get a hold of victim services right away. As far as a local (resident) needing someone, that is what I would recommend.”

More information regarding the SARVSS and the service changeover is available online.

“Victim services are still going on. We have a phenomenal team in place doing fantastic work in partnership with the RCMP, which is exactly how it was done in the past,” said Cook.