VICTIM OFFENDER RECONCILIATION PROGRAM

WHAT IS RESTORATIVE JUSTICE?

All of us hope for justice when we are wronged.

But justice can extract a high price from all parties involved. Victims may feel confused, ignored and re-victimized by the system. Important questions may go unanswered. Without closure, some continue to experience anger, fear, even guilt. Offenders may never accept responsibility, and feel like victims themselves, of a system they do not understand. Both victims and offenders can be cut off from the community by the very processes that we rely on to treat everyone fairly.

Restorative justice processes focus on placing responsibility for making things as right as possible on individuals who cause harm, and allowing those who have been hurt to help define appropriate restitution. Victims are empowered and offenders are permitted to make amends. Working together to find a constructive resolution that protects all interests, resentments dissolve. Both parties can be restored to the community.

The goals of restorative justice are:

• Assess harmful situations in confidential, non-adversary settings
• Allow responsible parties to make things as right as possible
• Empower victims to participate in determining what is fair under the circumstances
• Bring closure by reconciling the parties so that both are restored to productivity within the community

WHAT IS VORP?

The Victim Offender Reconciliation Program is an alternative (or supplement) to prosecution. Judges, police, probation officers and others dealing with criminal offenders may choose, in appropriate cases, to divert some individuals from traditional sentencing. VORP offers a positive, practical, total-or-partial substitute for incarceration.

Meetings are arranged between offenders and their victims, providing both parties the opportunity to communicate, accept responsibility, make appropriate amends, and reconcile.

Cases accepted by VORP are assigned to trained volunteer mediators who meet separately with the victim and offender to prepare both to work together constructively. Then everyone meets together for a discussion of what happened, what is needed to make things as right as possible, and how that can be accomplished. A written agreement documents a plan for restitution that is acceptable to both parties.

VORP deals mainly, but not exclusively with property offenses.

While VORP may be ordered as part of a criminal sentence or as a condition of probation, participation in the program is voluntary. The referral will not be pursued if either the victim or the offender is unwilling. In cases where no agreement is reached, options are explained and the case is returned to the referring agency.

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A FRESH START FOR VICTIMS AND OFFENDERS

YOU CAN HELP

• Become a volunteer mediator. Training is available at the Mediation Center.
• If you are involved in a crime, ask those handling your case about VORP.
• VORP also needs financial support. The Mediation Center is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3), corporation. Contributions are tax deductible.

WHO BENEFITS?

• VICTIMS, injured by the offender, and again by a system that excludes them, experience relief from frustration, and can put the event behind them
• OFFENDERS face persons they have wronged, understand the loss they have caused, and can take responsibility to make things as right as possible
• CRIMINAL JUSTICE OFFICIALS, offered this alternative, may temper administration of the system itself
• COMMUNITIES are restored as those alienated from it by criminal activity are returned to productivity
• VOLUNTEER MEDIATORS learn conciliation skills, and receive satisfaction from helping others reconcile

HOW ARE CASES SELECTED FOR VORP?

Offenders, their supporters, and victims interested in taking part in VORP should discuss that possibility with those handling their cases as early in the process as possible.

Most referrals come from the Probation Department, but other officials of the criminal system may also refer appropriate cases. At present VORP works exclusively with youthful offenders. However, reconciliation may also benefit adult offenders. Special arrangements may be made where circumstances warrant.

The Mediation Center reserves the right to refuse cases as practical or safety concerns dictate.

ISOLATION AND BLAME CAN'T BREAK THE CYCLE OF CRIME

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