NEW VICTIMS SERVICES PROGRAM ESTABLISHED IN LLOYDMINSTER REGION

Released on February 11, 1998

Justice Minister John Nilson today announced that a Victims Services

Program will be established in the Lloydminster region to serve people

in the RCMP detachment areas of Lloydminster, Maidstone, Turtleford,

Onion Lake and the Onion Lake and Thunderchild reserves.



"We look forward to the implementation of this program which enhances

a range of services, including information, support and referral,

available for crime victims in the Lloydminster region," Nilson said.

"Special emphasis will be placed on meeting the needs of vulnerable

groups such as children, women and Aboriginal people."



The programs use trained volunteers who work under the guidance of a

civilian program Co-ordinator. The Lloydminster program also has a

volunteer board of directors that is responsible for the development

and administration of the program.



"These programs have proven to be a highly effective way to help

victims in the immediate aftermath of a crime and during their ongoing

involvement in the criminal justice process," Nilson said. "Victims

Services programs work very closely with the police to ensure that

victims receive appropriate and timely assistance."



The 15th program of its kind, the Lloydminster Regional Victim

Services program is part of a growing network of programs that

are responding to the needs of crime victims in Saskatchewan.

Since 1992, the Victims Services Program of Saskatchewan Justice

has worked with communities and police services across the

province to establish community-based police-affiliated victims

services programs that are based in: Estevan, La Loche, La Ronge,

Meadow Lake, Moose Jaw, North Battleford, Prince Albert, Prince

Albert region, Regina, Regina region, Saskatoon, Swift Current,

Tisdale and Yorkton. Existing programs serve over 250

communities across Saskatchewan.



In the coming months, a Co-ordinator will be hired to recruit and

train volunteers in preparation for delivery of services during

the summer. The Saskatchewan Justice Victims Services Program is

providing $35,000 a year for the operation of the Lloydminster

Regional Victims Services Program. Alberta Justice is also

providing funding for this program.



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For more information, contact:



Katrine McKenzie

Victims Services

Justice

Regina

Phone: (306) 536-3916 (cell)

(306) 787-0418 (office)



Shannon Baas

Communications Consultant

Victims Services

Regina

Phone: (306)787-0391