Program Example

After an individual has been sentenced, the OVSR mails a packet to victims, including Form 1070 (“Request for Notification/Special Conditions of Parole”) and a brochure that provides information about how the correctional system can serve victims of crime and their family members. The victim’s requests become part of the confidential section of the inmate’s central file at the Department of Corrections and are also forwarded to the prison facility where the inmate is serving time.

Forty-five days prior to an individual’s release date, the OVSR sends letters to victims who have requested notification, informing them of the individual’s release date, region of parole, the telephone number of a regional parole office, and information about any special conditions of parole requested by the victim. The OVSR works closely with reentry coordinators and parole representatives to help facilitate requests for special conditions. The Board of Parole has the option to approve or deny a victim’s request for special conditions of parole. However, if a victim’s requests are denied, the OVSR will advocate for the Board to reverse their decision.

The OVSR has established several impact of crime programs for offenders in the California correctional system. Currently, the OVSR is piloting a program entitled Victim Offender Mediated Dialogue Program (VOMD) at San Quentin Prison. The OVSR train staff and selected volunteers to act as mediators during one-on-one meetings within the correctional facility between the victim of a violent crime and the individual who committed the offense. These meetings take place prior to the inmate’s release date.