NCJ Number
146175
Date Published
1992
Length
752 pages
Annotation
This technical assistance report helps corrections staff to initiate and enhance victim services in corrections.
Abstract
The first section presents objectives and activities that will help departments of corrections in the development and execution of a comprehensive victim service program. A second section discusses aspects of victim and witness notification programs, which provide notice of any change in the offender's status. Guidelines for correctional agencies to protect victims from intimidation, harassment, or harm are provided in another section. Guidelines for victim services in the parole process address parole violations, victim input at parole, victim identification and impact assessment, notification of parole hearings, and victim input in the parole process. Recommendations address each of these areas. Victim impact statements to parole boards are discussed in another section of the report. Topics include the preparation of such statements, the status of victim impact statement laws, who can make a victim impact statement, and agency guidelines for such statements. Other subjects discussed in major report sections are guidelines for separate waiting areas for victims, restitution, staff victimization and critical incidents, impact of crime on victims programs, victim offender programs, volunteers in corrections, and victims' need to know.