Thursday, March 28, 2024

Victim/Witness Services

Victim Witness Services

Lycoming County District Attorney's Office

Victim Witness Coordinators

Abby Buchner- Adult Cases                                                 Gabriella Wise - Juvenile Cases
Phone: 570-327-2456                                                           Phone 570-327-2456
 

As victim/witness coordinators, our job is to lend critical support to victims and witnesses as their case moves through the court system. We provide information and education regarding the legal system, victims' rights, and finding needed resources. We also assist victims with compensation and notification of court hearings and prisoner release.

Lycoming County Victim/Witness Office

The Lycoming County Victim/Witness Office provides information, assistance and advocacy to all victims, witnesses and family members. Our mission is to promote the belief that all victim and witnesses deserve to be treated with dignity, compassion and respect throughout the Criminal or Juvenile Justice System.

As a Victim, you can expect the advocate assigned to your case will treat you with dignity and respect. Your advocate will assist you in understanding the criminal justice process as well as inform you of developments in your case as they occur.

Services provided to crime victims

  • Support and Advocacy throughout the Criminal Justice process.
  • Accompaniment to court proceedings, interviews, preliminary hearings, trials etc.
  • Explanation of the Criminal Justice System
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Case information and notifications
  • Preparation for Court testimony
  • Separate Victim/Witness waiting room
  • Referrals to other community agencies for assistance with non court related issues
  • Assistance with preparation and submission of oral or written victim impact statements
  • Assistance with property returns
  • Assistance with seeking restitution for financial losses
  • Employer/Creditor Intervention
  • Assistance with intimidation/harassment
  • Assistance in filing claims with the Victims Compensation Assistance Program
  • Assistance with transportation and childcare
  • County release notification program: Pa SAVIN
  • Assistance in enrollment into the State Release Notification program
  • Additional Services as needed

Other community agencies you may encouter

YWCA Wise Options

815 W 4th St, Phone: (570) 322-4637
Williamsport, PA 17701

Amber Morningstar, Executive Director 24 hour Hotline (800) 326-8483
YWCA provides services to women, and children who have experienced domestic or sexual
violence, dating violence and stalking. All services are safe, professional, confidential and free.
They are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Your privacy and safety are our primary
concerns.

  1. 24 Hour Rape/Abuse Hotline: Information and support, counseling, safety planning and referrals to other resources. Toll Free (800) 326-8483.
  2. Advocacy/Accompaniment: Assistance is available to persons who are seeking medical attention and/or services including filing for a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order, support during court proceedings, and filing for victim’s compensation. Assistance is also available to victims of sexual assault through the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) and follow-up counseling and advocacy.
  3. Counseling: Individual counseling and support groups for survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence and stalking. Also available for support persons.
  4. Children’s Program: Counseling, support groups and advocacy for child survivors/witnesses of domestic and sexual violence.

Office of Children and Youth Services

Lycoming County Children and Youth Services
200 East St.
Williamsport, PA 17701
Phone: (570) 326-7895
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday.
After hours emergencies: 1-800-932-0313

The Lycoming County Office of Children and Youth Services furnishes social services to children and youth and their families throughout Lycoming County. The Office works with families where there are problems concerning the safety and well-being of their children and/or youth to identify problem areas and to deal effectively in resolving the difficulties. If it is a case of suspected abuse or neglect of children, the Office determines if the allegation is true, and takes the necessary steps to work in cooperation with the family, if possible, to  protect the child. Families can be referred for supportive services as well, including parent education and support, intensive family counseling, family group decision-making, counseling for victims of child sexual abuse, adolescent sexual offender treatment, placement services, and family reunification program.

 

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