Source: (1990) In: B. Galaway and J. Hudson (eds.), Criminal Justice, Restitution and Reconciliation. Monsey NY: Criminal Justice Press, pp. 227-236.
This essay summarizes preceding chapters and suggests directions for future development. Victim-offender reconciliation programming (VORP) requires an offender performance proportional to the offense, is working well, recognizes the rights of victims, and, while it is no panacea, has possibilities for much broader application. VORP and community service should be ruled out as sentencing options before other sanctions are considered. The fact that this is not occurring demonstrates the inertia of legislators and judges, and the absence of creative leadership from correctional administrators. There are pitfalls with VORP and community service, the most dangerous is that they may become bureaucratized.
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