PRECONFERENCING FOR VICTIM OFFENDER CONFERENCES

 

At the pre-conference meetings with victims AND offenders, use the following agenda as a guideline:

Thank everyone for coming. Introduce everyone present at the pre-conference - name and who they are.

Role of facilitators:

n      To provide support to all parties

n      To keep the environment safe

n      To allow everyone to speak

Confidentiality (explain):

n      In pre-conference meetings-what can be shared with the other party?

n      In conferences-no details recorded or shared without permission of all parties.

n      Social worker/court advised about extent of participation.

Exceptions

n      We must report law violations.

n      If someone is in danger of being harmed.

Explain how the VOC Program works.

Suggest having Ground Rules (especially the three standard ones):

n      Don’t interrupt when someone is speaking.

n      Nothing intentionally hurtful is allowed.

n      Everyone has a right to not answer questions.

n      Other (i.e. who can be in the room)?

 

VICTIM PRE-CONFERENCE

OFFENDER PRE-CONFERENCE

Explore why they might participate in VOC:

■          What are their expectations?

■          Have they had previous conversations or contact with anyone involved in the case?  (DA’s office, offender, social worker, other victims, etc.)

Ask them to describe what happened.

■          Clarify any disputed facts.

■          Impact this has had on you/your family.

■          Do they want an apology from the offender?

Current Support available:

■          Therapist

■          Family

■          Other

ConsideConsideration of meeting:

■          What do you want to say?

■          What questions do you want answered?

■          Other

■           

Explore why they might participate in VOC:

■          Court ordered?

■          What are their expectations?

■          Have they had previous conversations or contact with anyone involved in the case?  (DA’s office, other offenders, social worker, victims, etc.)

Ask them to describe what happened.

■          Clarify any disputed facts.

■          Are they accepting responsibility for their own actions?

■          Did they express remorse?

■          Do they want to apologize to the victim?

 

 

For both Victim and Offender Pre-conference: End with a thank you for their participation and give a  final opportunity for any other issues or questions.