Lawlink NSW: Text Version of Table of Reports

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This page clarifies the different types of reports received by Victims Services in relation to counselling and in relation to claims for compensation which relate to non-physical injuries. It is important that victims of crime, report writers and solicitors are clear in regard to the aim of the report and its intended audience.

Counselling reports are used to provide evidence to support an application for payment of further counselling hours. Approved Counsellor designated by Director prepare these reports in consultation with victim. The report is used for the approval of further counselling. While counselling reports may also be considered by an Assessor in any claim for compensation, a counselling report will not be specifically used or prepared for this purpose. Reports are prepared as required, therefore there is no set number of reports. Payment for the report is covered by an hourly fee to the Approved Counsellor.

Medico legal reports by Authorised Report Writers (Note: applies only to claims submitted on or after 7 April 1999.)

These reports provide a balanced and objective assessment of the victim’s condition to Victims Services for the purposes of the determination of statutory compensation in relation to the compensable injury of "chronic psychological or psychiatric disorder that is moderately (or severely) disabling". An Authorised Report Writer (ARW) designated by Director and nominated by victim prepares the report following approval by VCT. The ARW submits report to VCT for consideration by an Assessor and provides a copy to the victim or legal representative. Only one ARW report can be prepared. Victims Services pays the ARW $500 per report on receipt of invoice from ARW. Please note that a maximum of $1,000 is payable for disbursements, including the $500 for the ARW report.

Medico legal reports in relation to claims for "Shock" (Note: applies only to claims submitted prior to 7 April 1999)

These reports provide a written assessment of the victim's degree of injury for applications for compensation for the compensable injury for "Shock" (Note: assessments in relation to the injury of “shock” may currently be requested due to outstanding claims submitted prior to 7 April 1999 which are pending determination). The author of the report is designated by the victim or legal representative, who organise the consultation and report to be submitted to the VCT for consideration by an Assessor. There is no specified number of reports. Reasonable costs for the report(s) may be paid at the time of determination up to a maximum of $1,000.

Medico legal reports in relation to claims for Domestic Violence (Note: applies to claims submitted on or after 7 April 1999)

These reports provide a written assessment of any psychological or psychiatric disorder for applications for compensation for the compensable injury of domestic violence. The author of the report is designated by victim or legal representative, who organise the consultation and report to be submitted to the VCT for consideration by an Assessor. There is no specified number of reports.Reasonable costs for the report(s) may be paid at the time of determination up to a maximum of $1,000.

These reports provide a written assessment of any psychological or psychiatric disorder for applications for compensation for the compensable injury of sexual assault. The author of the report is designated by the victim or legal representative, who organise the consultation and report to be submitted to the VCT for consideration by Assessor. There is no specified number of reports.Reasonable costs for the report(s) may be paid at the time of determination up to a maximum of $1,000.