Our Programs - Victim Offender Dialog (VOD)
Implementing Balanced and Restorative Justice Programs provides opportunities for youth to take direct responsibility for the harm they created, recognizes victims as a key component of justice, views youth as community assets, and seeks community partnerships and collaboration in public safety, and the healthy development of youth.
After a series of individual preparation meetings, VOD provides victims of juvenile offenses an opportunity to meet their offender in a safe and structured setting. The victim and offender engage in dialogue about the crime, the aftermath, and the offenders’ obligation to repair the harm(s) caused to their victim, their communities, and their own lives. Face-to-face encounters result in signed Accountability Agreements between victims and their offender.
Key Components:
- Decision-making and problem solving.
- Human consequences of juvenile offending.
- Responsibility and accountability.
- Asset building.
- Community safety and health.
Frequently Asked Questions
- VOD is a free service.
- VOD is appropriate for victims of juvenile offenses.
- A series of individual pre-conferences are conducted before victims and juveniles meet.
- Anyone can make a referral to the VOD program.
- Victims wishing to participate can do so indirectly or directly.
- CRJ has worked with victims and juvenile offenders in theft, criminal mischief, assault, burglary, disorderly conduct, violation of privacy, sexual assault, obstruction of justice, and negligent arson offenses.
- Facilitators are trained and certified in Victim Offender Dialog.
- CRJ receives youth referrals from Missoula Youth Court.
When a victim decides they do not want to participate, the facilitator will take the youth through an Alternative Accountability Conference. While the victim is not participating directly, facilitators continue to work on how the youths' actions could have harmed the victim, and how the youth can indirectly help the victim, their community, their family, and their future. Examples of what facilitators have youth complete include writing sincere letters of apology, talking with a volunteer community member or surrogate victim, and volunteer service.
