ARD Program: The ARD Program (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition) is a pre-trial diversionary program administered by the District Attorney's Office. After the preliminary hearing is held or waived a defendant may file an application in the District Attorney's Office. Private Complaints: With the exception of private bad check complaints, the District Attorney's office must approve all Private Complaints involving either a misdemeanor or felony. A private complaint is one brought by a citizen either without police involvement or where the police declined to get involved. Private Summary citations (minor offenses such as harassment) that are not accepted by a Magisterial District Justice also require approval by the District Attorney. Victim/Witness Assistance: It is the responsibility of the Victim/Witness Unit to ensure that victims are provided the rights as defined under the Prosecutor's Responsibilities of the Crime Victims Bill of Rights (Act 111 of 1998).

Provides a 24-hour confidential, domestic violence support hotline. Makes referrals for temporary or emergency safe shelter. Offers legal advocacy, including assistance with filing a Protection From Abuse Order. Coordinates with other social service agencies that provide assistance with health, finances, housing, drug/alcohol treatment, support groups, children's services, employment/training, food, furniture, clothing, and more. Provides referral and support services, child therapy, and the W.E.A.V.E. (Women's Empowerment Against Violent Environments) adult support group, which includes free childcare during group sessions. Delivers community education for all groups, including educational speakers and age-appropriate outreach materials. Provides accompaniment and/or transportation to appointments/hearings, including civil and criminal hearings. Also offers options for counseling and crisis response, with free childcare provided when necessary. Offers volunteer opportunities.

Empowers and assists crime victims, witnesses, and significant others in reconstructing their lives through advocacy, support, information, and referrals. Includes services such as accompanying the victim to court and assisting with the crime victim compensation filing process.

Provides victims with an alternate mailing address to keep their actual home address out of public records where their perpetrator may find their location. The confidential address may be used as a legal address for court and government records, including driver’s licenses, non-photo ID cards, vehicle registration, school records, voter registration, marriage licenses, and court petitions. The ACP forwards all first-class, registered and certified mail to the participant, free of charge.

Services include: Educating victims and witnesses of crimes about their rights and the proper procedures to follow Assistance with completing applications to Crime Victims Compensation Fund. Expenses that may be paid include: Medical, Counseling, Loss of Earnings or Support, Stolen Cash Benefits and Funeral Expenses. Provides information and referral to victims and witnesses for services such as emergency housing, transportation and child care Gives pre-trial tours of the Courthouse Provides emotional support to victims and witnesses Promotes public awareness of the need for victim services and the need for recognition of the rights of victims of crime

Assists law enforcement, support agencies, individuals and the community during the first few hours of a crime, traumatic incident or community disaster.

Informs victims and witnesses about the criminal justice process, provides information on victim legal rights and protections, and reports any victim-witness intimidation and/or retaliation. Also provides emergency relocation services, emergency funds, support groups, and victim awareness education.

Provides medical advocacy for victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crimes in area hospital emergency rooms.

Offers a variety of strengths-based confidential counseling services for survivors of domestic violence.

Administers the program to notify victims of the transfer or release of an offender. CV assists victims with registering for notification services for state and federal facilities.

Assist victims with emotional needs as a result of victimization

Provides advocacy and facilitates the process of submitting comments for potential parole release and clemency hearings.

Variety of programs that help victims of crimes and their families recover from the trauma of their experience.

Provides services to victims and witnesses of crimes, including case notification, case management, crisis and supportive counseling, impact statement development and assistance, restitution assistance, victim compensation assistance, legal advocacy, liasion with district attorney and law enforcement for criminal proceedings, and registration for notification of offenders release, escape, or transfer from prison.

Provides 24-hour hotline support, legal advocacy, medical advocacy, accompaniment, trauma-informed empowerment/options counseling, support groups, Information and Referral, community prevention, and awareness education.

Assists victims and witnesses of crime. Services include supportive counseling, case status information, accompaniment to court proceedings, referrals to social service agencies, and assistance with filing for crime victim's compensation.

Provides court advocacy and accompaniment related to Protection From Abuse Orders.

Provides support to individuals, families, and groups/communities who are victims or witnesses of violent crime and homicide.

Identifies and protects the rights of crime victims and witnesses by ensuring that the victims are treated with dignity, compassion, and respect during criminal proceedings.

Provides counseling, support groups, and assistance services for victims of crime, as well as their family members and friends.

Provides 24-hour hotline support, legal advocacy, medical advocacy, accompaniment, trauma-informed empowerment/options counseling, support groups, Information and Referral, community prevention, and awareness education.

Victim Advocates provide in-person, non-judgmental support in a legal setting. The advocates are responsible for providing the necessary information to the victims/survivors about the legal system when making critical decisions. They also ensure that the victims'/survivors' rights are upheld throughout the process and provide explanation of the legal ramifications. Other programs include: Protection from Abuse Orders (PFA), Sexual Violence Protection Order (SVPO)/Protection from Intimidation (PFI) Order, and Medical Advocacy.

Serves as a liason from the District Attorney's Office to the victims of crime, additionally interacting with Adult and Juvenile Probation, Luzerne County Correctional Facility, and police departments throughout Luzerne County. The Victim/Witness Services Unit also works with victims whose Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders have been violated.

Provides assistance with enrolling in the state/county prisoner release notification program

Offers supportive counseling, referrals, and assistance with the legal system to victims of crime. Assists with the processes for obtaining crime victim's compensation and protection orders. Services offered include emotional and crisis support, information on police and court proceedings, court accompaniment at the preliminary hearing, assistance in obtaining protection orders, and referrals to other agencies for additional services such as emergency food, shelter, home repairs, and more.