Source: (1993) Federal Probation 57(4):48-53.
This study compares 2 juvenile restitution programs: a victim-offender reconciliation project (VORP) in Elkhart County, IN; and a Kalamazoo County, MI program administered by the Juvenile Probate Court. Both of the voluntary programs involve financial reimbursement and community service by offenders, but only the VORP requires face-to-face meetings with victims. The sample consisted of 114 juveniles in Elkhart and 109 juveniles in Kalamazoo who participated in the programs from January 1987 to December 1988. There was no difference in the recidivism rates of juveniles who participated in the 2 programs. Possible explanations for this finding are discussed.
Your donation helps Prison Fellowship International repair the harm caused by crime by emphasizing accountability, forgiveness, and making amends for prisoners and those affected by their actions. When victims, offenders, and community members meet to decide how to do that, the results are transformational.
Donate Now