The aftermath of homicide is devastating, impacting individuals, families, and communities deeply. The Philadelphia Cares Program stands as a crucial support system, working directly with the Philadelphia Police Department to deliver compassionate and immediate assistance to survivors from the moment of tragedy.
Immediately following a homicide, CARES Peer Crisis Responders are dispatched to work alongside the Philadelphia Police Department. Their primary role is to sensitively inform survivors about the death of their loved one. This notification can occur at various locations, including the crime scene itself, a hospital, the medical examiner’s office, or a police station, ensuring support is provided wherever it is needed.
Recognizing that a single homicide can affect a wide circle of individuals, potentially entire communities, the District Attorney’s Office ensures that the CARES program can scale its response. Multiple CARES Peer Crisis Responders may be deployed to a scene, and the program leverages a broad network of survivor services to guarantee that everyone in need receives appropriate support during this incredibly difficult time.
In the critical hours after notification, CARES Peer Crisis Responders frequently remain with survivors for an extended period, sometimes up to a full day. This continuous presence is vital for ensuring the survivors’ immediate safety and addressing urgent needs. Responders assist with relocating survivors if necessary and provide support for a range of pressing issues that arise in the immediate wake of a homicide.
Beyond immediate safety, CARES Peer Crisis Responders play a crucial role in helping survivors navigate the complex systems they encounter. This includes providing clarity on police protocols, facilitating interactions with investigators, and securing access to interpretation and translation services for those who need them. Responders also assist in managing unwanted media attention and crucially, connect survivors with essential medical, mental health, and social services. Practical support extends to securing emergency food, preventing utility shut-offs, and assisting with the painful process of identifying the deceased to obtain a death certificate.
Once the initial 24-hour period has passed and immediate needs are stabilized, the Philadelphia CARES program transitions to developing a comprehensive Support and Recovery Plan. This plan is designed to ensure the ongoing safety of survivors and their families, provide clarity on communications from law enforcement and the criminal justice system, and facilitate the crucial steps needed for emotional and psychological healing from the trauma.
A key component of the Support and Recovery Plan involves assisting survivors in applying for victims compensation assistance. These funds can be vital for covering funeral service costs and even crime scene cleanup expenses, recognizing that many families lack insurance or readily available funds to manage these unexpected financial burdens.
For up to 60 days following the homicide, CARES Peer Crisis Responders continue to offer essential case-management support services. Throughout this period, the District Attorney’s Office ensures survivors are kept informed about any developments concerning offenders, including arrests, charges, bail status, release, or escape. Survivors are also provided with detailed information regarding restitution and the final legal outcome of the case.
As the initial 60-day support period concludes, the Philadelphia CARES program prioritizes connecting survivors with sustained, ongoing services to ensure the continuity of their Support and Recovery Plan. When an arrest leads to charges, CARES Peer Crisis Responders facilitate a direct transition of families to the Victim & Witness Services Coordinators within the District Attorney’s Office. These coordinators then provide ongoing support, counseling, and guidance throughout the entirety of court and legal proceedings, ensuring survivors are not alone on their path to healing and justice.
