WTC Records Folder 0128 Disaster Information General label, 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

Responding to Terrorism Victims - Oklahoma City and Beyond Page 90110

supervisors, and mechanisms should be enacted that enable personnel to access assistance without fear of adverse impact on employment. Supervisors should work with affected employees to develop appropriate plans to help employees "reenter" their regular job once their responsibilities for the terrorism case are completed. Employee Assistance Programs should work closely with federal supervisors and managers to identify appropriate steps for employee reintegration into the workplace, with special attention given to the types of assignments, the work environment, and timing.

Recommendation 9

Federal agencies whose employees may be targeted by acts of terrorism, including those with embassies and installations abroad, should have information and procedures for responding to employee victims and their families. Information about various benefits and the processes for obtaining those benefits should be streamlined.

Discussion OVC and the U.S. Department of State are cochairing an interagency task force to address the complex needs of victims of terrorism abroad. One of the tasks identified by this group is to improve access to information and coordination among agencies related to employee benefits.

Recommendation 10

Federal agencies with funding for victim support and mental health services should determine which types of services and for what length of time they will provide funding support for these services to state and local agencies.

Discussion Federal agencies need to develop an appropriate plan for supporting assistance to victims of terrorism that takes into account the long-term needs of these victims and the need for significant investment in services by the affected state and local jurisdictions. Federal agencies should coordinate funding and services and ensure that the effectiveness of the services is evaluated. The FEMA—CMHS approach to providing mental health services in the aftermath of presidentially declared natural disasters is a good model to follow and adapt to the specific needs of victims of human-caused disasters. CMHS and OVC are working together to assist state mental health agencies and other providers in training and maintaining a staff of experienced individuals who are trained in trauma resulting from terrorism

Recommendation 11

The Office for Victims of Crime should ensure that responding criminal justice and emergency response agencies are aware of the existence of OVC's Emergency Reserve Fund and the ability of OVC to assist in coordinating services and information for victims of crime.

Discussion

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