The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“LAFOURCHE PARISH POLICE SOCIAL SERVICES SECTION” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Justice was published in the Senate section on pages S4509-S4510 on April 21, 2009.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
LAFOURCHE PARISH POLICE SOCIAL SERVICES SECTION
Mr. VITTER. Madam President, today I wish to recognize and pay tribute to the heroic men and women of the Police Social Services Section, PSS, of Lafourche Parish, LA, for their victim advocacy, courage, Federal leadership, and professional innovation in victim services. I would like to take some time to make a few remarks on their tireless efforts and work on behalf of crime victims.
National Crime Victims' Rights Week will be observed from April 26 to May 2, 2009. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the passage of the Victims of Crime Act of 1984, which created the Office for Victims of Crime and is responsible for nearly $7 billion in support for crime victim compensation, assistance, and other programs that serve victims. On Thursday, April 23, Attorney General Holder will preside over a national candlelight observance and will join victims, victim advocates, criminal justice professionals, and members of the public to remember crime victims and reflect on progress made in improving victims' rights.
On Friday, April 24, the PSS of Lafourche Parish will receive the Award for Professional Innovation in Victim Services. Team members include: LT. Karla S. Beck, Ms. Deanna Dufrene, SGT. Valerie Day, Deputy Dale Savoie, Deputy Walter Tenney, Deputy Delaune Boudreaux, Advocate Tamera Joseph, Deputy Rebecca Shaver, Deputy Amy Guillot, Deputy Pam Guedry, and Reservist Bernard Lafaso. The team is unique in their innovative and significant efforts on behalf of victim services. The PSS Elderly Services Officer is a devoted, full-time, extensive case manager, visiting the local nursing home and community Council on Aging groups to provide assistance, services, and education to older victims, their family members and caregivers. They also implemented the Crime Victims with Disabilities Program to address victims with disabilities, and also developed a model curriculum, ``Beyond the Barriers: Crisis Intervention Training,'' that has been used to educate law enforcement personnel throughout Louisiana. They were also awarded a grant in 2007 to establish Supervised Visitation Centers--a safe space for children to transition from one parent to another. Due to PSS, the Sherriff's Office has received numerous awards and national and State recognition. PSS started with one full-time deputy and one volunteer. Today, PSS has 12 full-time deputies, two auxiliary deputies, two volunteers, and administrative support, all of whom work together to improve the lives of victims in the aftermath of crime.
Today, I applaud the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office for being honored by the Department of Justice for their victim advocacy and thank them for their continued service to the people of Louisiana and the rest of the Nation.
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