NCJ Number
180847
Journal
Pennsylvania Progress Volume: 6 Issue: 1 Dated: Winter 1999 Pages: 1-5
Date Published
1999
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This paper provides background information on victim offender conferencing (VOC) in Pennsylvania, including the potential benefits and dangers, and describes the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency's Joint Review Committee's approach to promoting the effective implementation and operation of VOC initiatives; a successful program in York County, Pa., is profiled.
Abstract
The philosophy of Restorative Justice emphasizes that justice should be a process for repairing the harm that occurs when a criminal/delinquent act is committed. VOC is a technique that helps to promote this goal by focusing on an offender's personal responsibility to the crime victim. Through a mediated face-to-face encounter, the victim and offender are afforded the opportunity to tell their experiences associated with the offense; and together they develop a plan of action through which the offender can repair the harm caused by the offense. Formal research and evaluation of VOC programs show that a high percentage of cases result in negotiated restitution agreements, that restitution repayment rates are high, that the process reduces victims' fear, and the offender's understanding of the effects of his/her actions are improved. Most of the risks of VOC can be reduced or eliminated by careful screening of those selected for participation and by ensuring that all parties voluntarily agree to participate. The six steps used in Pennsylvania to implement VOC are outlined. 2 references