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The Navajo County Board of Supervisors approved the proclamation declaring April 7-13 as National Victims’ Rights Week in Navajo County at the March 26 meeting.
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Lynda Young, office manager for the Navajo County Attorney’s Office, brought the request before the board, giving some of the background to the proclamation.
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“Since 1981, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is celebrated every year in April. This week is dedicated to learn about victimization, the effect victimization has on individuals, families, friends and the community, and to promote laws, policies and programs to help victims of crime,” shared Young.
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“Every year, thousands of communities across the nation honor the dedication of those before us that established victim rights and renew commitment to guarantee that all victims have the rights and services they need to recover from crime,” Young continued.
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This year’s theme, “Honoring Our Past. Creating Hope for the Future” is celebrated in the County’s 2019 Symposium which is dedicated to elderly victims of crime.
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The proclamation further declared that “National Crime Victims’ Rights Week provides an opportunity to recommit, ensuring that all victims of crime, especially those who are challenging to reach or serve, are offered culturally and linguistically accessible and appropriate service in the aftermath of crime.
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“Navajo County is hereby dedicated to strengthening victims and survivors in the aftermath of crime, building resilience in our communities and our victim responders as well as working for a better future for all victims and survivors.”
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Young also presented the Fiscal Year 2019 Diversion Fee schedule, which was requested by the Arizona Auditor General’s Office to ensure an equitable resolution to the crimes committed.
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“After reviewing various diversion programs around the state, we have put together a fee schedule that we believe to be fair, insures a justifiable outcome and is the best solution to Auditor General’s findings,” said Young.
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County Attorney Brad Carlyon noted that the new schedule is supposed to help cover the costs. “We have been imposing a fee schedule on a sliding scale so that we are not denying the rights of diversion for someone who may not have the same economic means as another and we are trying to keep the auditor happy.”
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The board unanimously approved the proclamation, as well as the new fee schedule.
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