Promising Victim-Related Practices and Strategies in Probation and Parole

• NCJ Number: 166606
• Author(s): Tracy M. Goodwin; Anne Seymour
• Date Published: July 1999
• Length: 301 pages
• Grant Number(s): 96-VF-GX-K001
• Agencies: OVC
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance)

Annotation

This compendium explains ways that probation and parole can change from being simply offender-directed to using a balanced approach that addresses the specific needs of all involved, including victims.

Abstract

The compendium explains the elements of exemplary victim-related probation and parole practices. It also provides probation and parole agencies with specific direction for the development and implementation of promising victim-related services and programs. The introduction notes that the Association of State Correctional Administrators Victims Committee in 1997 developed 10 core elements that should form the foundation of a corrections-based victim services program. These include incorporating victims' rights and needs into the overall agency mission statement, and designating a fulltime staff person to plan and implement the victim services program. Other elements include providing core services, creating a victim advisory council, establishing written policies and procedures, developing a public information plan and outreach program, and developing and using a training curriculum. Further elements include developing and using policies and procedures for situations where correctional personnel become victims, implementing the program called Impact of Crime on Victims, and designating a representative to take part in coalitions and serve as liaison to the victim services community. Individual chapters focus on victim impact and victim notification, restitution management, victim-offender programs, family violence, workplace violence, staff training on victim issues, and community relations and outreach strategies. The discussion of each topic specifies the elements crucial to providing effective services and gives examples of probation and parole agencies that have implemented practices or strategies that relate to the central elements. Appended background information and 97 references