NCJ Number
83010
Date Published
1981
Length
47 pages
Annotation
This guide to establishing a restitution program describes a basic model and two more comprehensive models, provides descriptions of staff jobs and policies and procedures for each model, and presents an operational definition of restitution.
Abstract
A basic program should use existing probation agency staff and cover the 'sanctioning phase,' beginning with the presentence investigation and running through the offender's probation. The intermediate model requires additional volunteer staff and covers the phase from filing of charges to sanctioning. The comprehensive model begins with the victims' reports and requires volunteers, supervisors, and a full-time staff supported by separate funds. Important considerations in creating a program are selection of offenders, loss assessment, accounting for disbursements, and monitoring and evaluation. Probation agencies are the most appropriate site for restitution programs because they are familiar with other criminal justice agencies and with community resources. Furthermore, probation agencies are countywide and casework-oriented, and often have well-developed networks of volunteers . The victim restitution operations manual includes suggested project goals and eligibility criteria for clients, as well as job descriptions for the project director, case managers, coordinators, and others. Three types of restitution may be offered: community service, monetary, or direct services to victims. Attached is a list of restitution programs in the United States and a bibliography with 60 references.