VORP
is a program of Shalom that is available to the courts and communities of Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan enabling offenders an opportunity to sit down with the victims of their crime and make
things right. VORP cases are referred to Shalom by area judges and probation departments. Shalom then contacts the victim (s) and the offender (s) and facilitates a separate pre-mediation conference with the respective parties. It is imperative that Shalom establish itself as neutral in the conflict. We listen, understand and clarify the offense that has taken place and gather information that is helpful in bringing the offender and the victim together so that they can begin the process of restitution and reconciliation.
What are the benefits?
For Victims
Opportunity to
have direct part in the settlement of claim
Restitution is possible in the form of cash or
labor for damages
Relief from frustration through direct healthy communication
For Offenders
Opportunity to have direct part in the settlement of the claim
Alternative to imprisonment and its damaging effects
Opportunity to ask for a receive for forgiveness for the offense committed
For the towns and communities in which we live
Lowers the rate of repeating offenses
Expedites the legal process
Offers a more cost effective approach
Who can use VORP?
Adult and Juvenile Courts
Probation teams/departments
Police Departments
Schools
Other Community Agencies
Why Use VORP?
It offers a total or partial alternative to incarceration
It establishes fair restitution amounts and doable and durable payment schedules
Increases positive attitudes, communication patterns and understandings between offenders and their victims as well as within the communities in which they live
In short VORP offers an opportunity for:
Responsibility
Restitution
Reconciliation
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We are working
toward restorative justice when
we…
1. Focus on the harms of
wrongdoing more than the rules that have been broken,
2. Show equal concern and
commitment to victims and offenders, involving both in the process of justice,
3. Work toward the restoration
of victims, empowering them and responding to their needs as they see themselves,
4. Support offenders while
encouraging them to understand, accept
and carry out their obligations,
5. Recognize that while
obligations may be difficult for offenders,
they should not be intended as harms and they
must be achievable,
6. Provide opportunities for
dialogue,direct or indirect, between victims and offenders as appropriate,
7. Involve and empower the
affected community through the justice process, and increase its capacity to recognize and respond to community bases of crime,
8. Encourage collaboration and reintegration rather than coercion and isolation,
9. Give attention to the
unintended consequences of our actions
and programs,
10. Show respect to all parties
including victims, offenders, and justice colleagues.
Crime
wounds…justice heals.
... by Harry
Mika and Howard Zehr
May, 1997
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