Understanding VOCA-Compliant Fields
Learn what VOCA is, why it matters, and where VOCA-compliant fields are found in Coming Home.
What is VOCA and Why Does It Matter?
The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) provides federal funding to support services for victims of crime, including domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and other traumatic experiences.
Organizations receiving VOCA funding must meet strict reporting requirements to demonstrate how funds are used and who is being served. This includes:
- Documenting client demographics, including underserved populations
- Tracking types of victimization
- Reporting services delivered and outcomes achieved
In Coming Home, VOCA-aligned data collection is integrated into daily workflows, allowing teams to capture this information accurately without disrupting care.
Using VOCA Fields Beyond Grant Requirements
Even if your organization is not currently funded through VOCA, we strongly encourage using VOCA-compliant fields within Coming Home.
Standardizing your data using these fields helps:
- Improve consistency in how client information is captured
- Strengthen internal reporting and outcome tracking
- Build a clear narrative of impact
- Prepare your organization for future funding opportunities
Using VOCA-compliant fields ensures your data is structured, meaningful, and ready to support both operational and funding needs.
Where VOCA-Compliant Fields Are Found in Coming Home
VOCA-compliant fields are embedded across key areas of the platform to support trauma-informed and structured data collection.
1. Client Profile (Information Section)
The foundation of VOCA reporting begins in the Client Toolkit → Information tab.
What fields exist here:
- Victimization Type(s)
- Victim–Offender Relationship
- Victim Type (Primary or Secondary)
- Services to Secondary Victim(s)
- Underserved Category(ies) (e.g. rural, LGBTQ, Deaf/Hard of Hearing)
- Demographics (Gender, Ethnicity, Race, Primary Language)
Why they matter:
These fields help demonstrate who is being served and ensure equitable service delivery.
How they are used:
Captured during intake based on client self-identification. Responses should always be voluntary due to the sensitive nature of the information.
2. Assistances / Services
Tracks the services provided to clients.
What fields exist here:
- Assistance Type (Category & Sub-category)
- Date Provided
- Provider
- Units, duration, or financial amounts
- Delivery method
- Victimization Types addressed
- Outcomes achieved
Why they matter:
VOCA requires clear documentation of services delivered and their scope.
How they are used:
Services are logged at the client, program, or organization level, building a complete service history for reporting.
3. Assessments
Supports tracking client progress over time.
What fields exist here:
- Entry, During, and Exit assessments
- Areas such as Living Situation, Health, Employment
Why they matter:
Demonstrates the impact of services and client progress.
How they are used:
Completed within a program to track baseline, progress, and outcomes.
4. IdentityArc™ (Goals, Challenges, Tasks)
Captures structured outcomes through a strengths-based approach.
What fields exist here:
- Challenges (long-term)
- Goals (short-term)
- Tasks (daily actions)
- Outcomes achieved
Why they matter:
Supports outcome-based reporting and demonstrates real impact.
How they are used:
Assigned within the Client Toolkit and tracked over time, contributing to measurable results.
5. Reporting & Exports
All collected data feeds into reporting workflows.
How data is used:
- Exported by administrators
- Structured to align with VOCA reporting requirements
- Used for quarterly and annual reports
6. Referrals
The Referrals feature supports VOCA-aligned workflows by tracking how clients are connected to external services and support networks.
What fields exist here:
- Referral type and category
- Referred to / receiving organization
- Referral date and status
- Notes or outcomes related to the referral
Why they matter:
VOCA emphasizes coordinated, comprehensive care. Referrals help demonstrate how clients are supported beyond direct services, ensuring continuity of care and access to additional resources.
How they are used:
When a client is referred to another provider (e.g. legal aid, shelter, counseling), you log the referral details and track its progress. This creates a clear record of external support and strengthens reporting on service coordination.
Important Notes
- Trauma-informed collection: Always collect sensitive information with care and consent.
- Non-grantees: Even if you are not a VOCA-funded organization, using these fields strengthens reporting and prepares you for future funding opportunities.
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Need more help?
If you cannot update a field, contact the Coming Home Support Team for additional help.