NCJ Number
90391
Journal
Canadian Journal of Criminology Volume: 25 Issue: 3 Dated: (July 1983) Pages: 277-293
Date Published
1983
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This study found that victim satisfaction with a Canadian restitution program was generally favorable and that the recidivism of the high-risk offenders involved in the program was no greater than that of the lower-risk offenders not involved in the restitution program.
Abstract
The Rideau-Carleton Restitution Program usually involves male inmates both willing to pay victim restitution and eligible for placement in a community resource center (CRC). A total of 139 victims involved in the restitution program from 1978 to 1979 were selected for investigation, and the sample of offender restitution participants consisted of 67 subjects involved in the CRC program for 1978-79. A questionnaire was used to obtain information on victim attitudes toward the restitution program. Both in-program and post-program recidivism were measured for the offenders and compared with the recidivism of CRC residents not involved in the restitution program. In-program recidivism was measured by whether the resident completed his sentence at the CRC. Post-program recidivism consisted of reincarceration within 1 year after completion of the program. Generally, the victims had positive attitudes toward restitution. The amount of money repaid to the victim and the loss incurred by the victim were associated with their rating of the restitution program. Although the restitution offenders were more criminally involved than the CRC residents not involved in the program, recidivism for the restitution group was no higher than for the low-risk CRC residents. Tabular data and 21 references are provided.