Concluding Comments: VORP and the Correctional Future (From Criminal Justice, Restitution, and Reconciliation, P 227-236, 1990, Burt Galaway and Joe Hudson, eds. -- See NCJ-126460)

• NCJ Number: 126479
• Author(s): J P Conrad
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 10 pages
• Sale Source: Criminal Justice Press/Willow Tree Press
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Victim-offender reconciliation programs (VORPs) require an offender performance proportional to the offense, are working well, and recognize victim rights; although they are no panacea, they have possibilities for much broader application.

Abstract

VORP creates victim-offender contracts negotiated through a face-to-face meeting. The contract is designed to require the offender to perform restitutive acts proportionate to the injuries and loss suffered by the victim. It may also include community service. The offenses involved are typically property crimes, and the offenders are usually juveniles with minor offense histories. Unlike other correctional programs, VORP is favored by all the concerned parties: victims, offenders, court personnel, and the general public. By the measure of short-term recidivism, VORP is an effective program compared to traditional sentences. Given VORP's cost effectiveness compared to incarceration, it should be the first sentencing consideration. Some VORP pitfalls and problems include loss of effectiveness through bureaucratization and failure to develop precise policies, rules, and performance standards. 4 references