CalVCB unveils new advocate portal features and resources during informative webinar

The California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) unveiled significant enhancements to its Advocate Portal during a recent webinar held on April 16, 2025. The session focused on new resources and features aimed at improving user experience for advocates assisting victims of crime.

A standout moment was the introduction of a new video tutorial that guides users through the portal's administrative functions. This video, developed in response to feedback from previous sessions, aims to streamline the user experience by detailing how to manage user accounts effectively. Key features highlighted include the ability to reset passwords, add new users, and manage user roles, ensuring advocates can maintain an organized and efficient workflow.

In addition to the video, the portal now offers a collection of template letters, a resource advocates specifically requested. These templates are designed to assist advocates in communicating with victims and claimants, providing clarity on the information they may receive. The availability of these resources is expected to enhance the support advocates can provide to those navigating the compensation process.

Looking ahead, the CalVCB team is considering several enhancements based on user feedback. Proposed changes include allowing all users to assign and unassign applications, fixing functionality issues with the portal's close button, and improving visibility for entering derivative applications. The team is also exploring ways to align the online portal more closely with the traditional paper application process.

The webinar concluded with a Q&A session addressing specific inquiries from participants, including the process for setting up accounts for tribal organizations and best practices for submitting applications for minors. Advocates were encouraged to utilize the feedback feature on the portal to suggest additional resources or improvements.

These developments reflect CalVCB's commitment to enhancing the Advocate Portal, making it a more effective tool for those supporting victims of crime in California. Future webinars will be scheduled to keep users informed about ongoing enhancements and provide necessary training.