In TX, the program that provides monetary resources for funerals is the Crime Victims Compensation Program. It’s been a while since I researched it, so I may be a little off on the specifics, but I do recall that it’s not as “cut and dry” as it seems. I believe that the monetary assistance is provided as a reimbursement and not upfront. The reason being is they only cover certain expenses and the funds cap out relatively low IMO. There’s a review and approval process that has to be gone through as well. I want to say the max is like $6k. Don’t get me wrong, that’s a lot of $, but in terms of funerals, that’s not much in my experience. Especially when it’s for a child!! My grandmothers service was around $20k a couple years back and it wasn’t some lavish event. Luckily, most was prepaid but I was blown away when I saw the cost of a few “extras” my mom & Aunt added. MOST of the time, in circumstances like MB’s, funeral homes will donate their services and caskets mfgs will donate their goods as well. I’m a little surprised that hasn’t happened but I guess each case is unique in terms of exposure and awareness. IMO any child that dies as a result of violence should be given a royal send off with no expenses spared...but that’s just me.
I say all of this to say, the initial expenses do have to be fronted and only a portion is actually reimbursed IF it’s approved. I am in NO WAY defending the $25k fund, quite frankly, when someone sets up one of those accounts for themselves, I typically find it rather offsetting. There are cases where I think it’s fine, but after following a few child death cases and see the funds being used for things other than stated in the campaign, you get a little jaded.
I have no words.