JUSTINFO, published the 1st and 15th of each month, highlights information from the NCJRS sponsoring agencies.

Announcements

Ensuring Faith-Based Assistance for Gustav Victims

The Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives at the Department of Homeland Security is working to ensure that the government is coordinating with faith-based and community organizations in response and recovery efforts following Hurricane Gustav. The Web page provides information on how to volunteer or donate resources. (BJA)

Information System To Enhance Vehicle Verification

The Department of Justice has published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System. The system allows states to share vehicle title information to prevent theft and fraud and to allow consumers and others to access information on the histories of vehicles they are considering purchasing. (BJA)

Observe National Cyber Security Awareness Month

In recognition of National Cyber Security Awareness Month (October 2008), NCJRS presents an Internet Safety Special Feature. This online resource includes a compilation of publications and related resources focusing on general Internet safety, Internet safety for children, Internet privacy, cyberbullying and cyberstalking, and identity theft. (NCJRS)

October Is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Working together, men, women, and teens can change attitudes and perceptions about domestic violence and dating violence. We can stop the cycle of violence. Visit the OVW Web site for information, referrals, or funding opportunities related to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. (OVW)

Submit Crime Victims' Service Awards Nominations Online

Deadline: October 10, 2008
The deadline for submitting nominations online for the 2009 National Crime Victims' Service Awards is fast approaching. The awards recognize individuals and organizations that demonstrate outstanding support for victims and victim services. The honorees will be announced just before National Crime Victims' Rights Week (April 26-May 2, 2009) commences. (OVC)

Funding Opportunities

2009 NCVRW Community Awareness Project Funding Available

Application deadline: November 3, 2008
The National Association of VOCA Assistance Administrators, through a grant from OVC, is seeking proposals for innovative and collaborative projects to raise public awareness of victims' rights and services in local communities during National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 26-May 2, 2009. For more information, visit the NCVRW Community Awareness Project Web site. (OVC)

Publications

AMBER Alert August Edition Available

The AMBER Advocate August 2008 issue features an article about some of the heroes honored at the National Missing Children's Day ceremony, which was held on May 21, 2008. The publication also includes an interview with National AMBER Alert Coordinator Jeffrey L. Sedgwick and an article about AMBER Alert training in Canada and Indian Country. (OJP)

Reintegrating Police Officers Deployed in Combat Zones

"Combat Deployment and the Returning Police Officer" (NCJ 224254, 50 pp.) examines the psychological effects of combat deployment, methods that may lessen the severity of combat stress, and strategies to help police officers returning to work, their families, and communities. This publication highlights four police agencies that have taken measures to assist returning officers and offers recommendations for further study. (COPS)

Conferences and Trainings

Attend Drug Testing Summit in October

ONDCP will host two regional Random Student Drug Testing Summits in October 2008; they will be held October 21 in Omaha, Nebraska, and October 29 in Albany, New York. The summits will address relevant legal and program development issues and will serve as an introduction for schools that would like to learn more about student drug testing. (ONDCP)

National Victim Assistance Academy Scheduled March 2009

The next National Victim Assistance Academy will be held March 1-6, 2009, at the American Airlines Training & Conference Center in the Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas, area. Continuing Education Units will be awarded to all participants who complete the Foundation-Level Training, Specialized Training, or Leadership Institute and pre-Academy assignments. Sign up for the mailing list to receive more information. (OVC)

OJJDP Tribal Consultation Rescheduled

OJJDP has written tribal leaders to solicit their views on the Tribal Youth Program proposal for fiscal year 2009. OJJDP invites tribal leaders to take part in the consultation, to be held on October 18, 2008, in Phoenix, Arizona. Written comments have been requested by October 31. (OJJDP)

Training for Victim Services Available

Register now for OVC's upcoming training workshop, Supporting Children Living With Grief and Trauma: A Multidisciplinary Approach, to be held December 10-11, 2008, in Los Angeles, California. To view course descriptions and learning objectives or to register, visit the OVC TTAC Web Site. (OVC)