WE ARE HERE FOR YOU
Whether you are a victim, a survivor, or want to help someone in your life that has been affected, we have designated victim advocates that are available to provide the compassionate care and support that you need and deserve during this difficult time. Our services are available at no cost to victims and survivors, and are designed to help you find local resources and find support with others that have also been affected by drunk, impaired, and distracted driving. Most importantly, we are here to let you know that no matter what, you are not alone.
Why We Advocate For You
As a family that has had a loved one taken from them, we want to be able to provide help, support, and compassion to those that are experiencing similar pain. While no two people and no two tragedies are the same, our experiences over the years have proven to us that advocacy is a necessary component of the recovery process for any type of victimization.
Please note: The Keri Anne DeMott Foundation provides significant protection of communications between a client and KADF staff. Clients are able to confide in our advocates, therapists, and all staff members, knowing that communication is confidential and will not be disclosed publicly unless they consent to such disclosure. For further information, please contact KADF directly.
Our advocates and the KADF does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and age in the delivery of services.
Victims Advocates and Services
Currently our advocates are able to assist victims, survivors, and their families that live in Central Florida.
We are here to support you in whatever way best fits your needs. We're going to listen when you're ready to talk and support you when you need someone to lean on. But we are also here to guide you through the unfortunate, confusing, and overwhelming aftermath that results from these tragedies.
Victims of crimes have the right to information in regards as to what to expect from the criminal justice system and how to receive available assistance.
AS ADVOCATES WE CAN:
Accompany you and your family to court for calendar calls, sentencing hearings, and trials.
* Assist you in preparing a victim impact statement.
* Assist you in finding local resources that you may need.
* Emotional support to victims and witnesses of crime.
* Upon your request we can connect you with other families, victims, and survivors that have been affected.
* Referrals to social service agencies.
* Assistance completing Florida crime victim compensation claims.
CRIME VICTIM COMPENSATION:
If you were physically or psychologically injured because of a crime, Crime Victim Compensation may be able to help with medical bills, mental health counseling, lost wages, disability, burial, or other expenses that were incurred because of the crime (exceptions may apply).
Each application is reviewed by the Office of the Attorney General on an individual basis to determine eligibility. There is no guarantee that you will receive a payment. This program is administered by the Office of the Attorney General.
RIGHTS OF A CRIME VICTIM:
The Florida Crime Victim’s Bill of Rights states that victims of crime or their lawful representatives, including the next of kin of homicide victims, are entitled to the right to be informed, to be present, and to be heard when relevant, at all crucial stages of criminal proceedings. These rights cannot interfere with the constitutional rights of the accused and include:
* Notification of the arrest, release, or escape of the accused, if possible
* Advance notice of all court proceedings if time permits
* Information on steps concerning freedom from intimidation
* Notification of scheduling changes
* Opportunity to have a victim advocate present during depositions
* A prompt and timely disposition of the case
* Prompt notification of the results of court proceedings
* To be informed, present, and heard when relevant, at all criminal proceedings
* Upon request, notification to your employer and/or school when you must appear in court
* Opportunity to submit an oral or written impact statement at the time of sentencing
* Assistance in obtaining crime victim compensation, restitution, and other services to which you may be entitled
Resources
We understand that what you are going through is difficult. No matter what you are experiencing, we want to know that you are not alone and that there are resources available to assist you every step of the way. Reach out to your local community leaders, religious leaders, or a trusted friend or family member to help you find the support you need. You can also talk to one of our victim advocates by calling our office at 407-776-4694, emailing us at victimservices@thekeriannedemottfoundation.com, or submitting your information here. We have also included some helpful information that you can download below.
Florida Office of the Attorney General
Crime Victims' Services
Phone: 800-226-6667
Fax: 850-487-1595
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health crisis, please contact:
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 for 24/7 confidential support
or
National Alliance on Mental Illness: Text "NAMI" to 741741 for 24/7 crisis counseling
Call 1-800-950-6264 (M-F 10AM-8PM)
Connect with an advocate
Help SAVE LIVES!
Today, roughly 110,000 children and adults await life-saving organ transplants in the United States. More than 5,000 of them are in Florida. You can make a difference in their lives by becoming an organ, eye, and tissue donor. Visit www.DonateLifeFlorida.org or your iPhone HealthApp to register your decision today!
Be a HERO like Kayla Marie Thompson. Click below to read her story.
The Keri Anne DeMott Foundation
1802 N Alafaya Trail Orlando, FL 32826
(407)-776-4694
keriannedemottfoundation@gmail.com
a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
EIN: 81-4288688
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