The Kansas Crime Victims Compensation Board awarded financial assistance to 263 victims of violent crime at its August meeting. Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt says awards were made in 121 new cases. Additional expenses were paid in 142 previously submitted cases. The awards totaled $259,706.47. The Division of Crime Victims Compensation in Schmidt’s office administers the Crime Victims Compensation program, which was established in 1978 to help victims of violent crime pay for their unexpected expenses such as medical treatment, mental health counseling, lost wages, dependent support and funeral expenses.

Awards are limited to a maximum total amount of $25,000. A portion of assessed court costs and fines, inmate wages, parole fees and restitution paid by convicted offenders provides funding to the program.