The Victim Offender Reconciliation Program (VORP) is explained in this final report of the program evaluation. The paper describes how the ideas around developing a VORP in penal settings became recognized and admitted in the State Correctional Institute at Graterford. An extensive consultation, and evaluation took place together with diverse groups of the community. The program can be seen as an intensive course. The first phase is focused on awareness of the crime impact on victims, and recognition of the harm that has been caused. Phase two is based on a letter-writing workshop, and seminars with actual crime victims. The program is staffed with volunteers under support of a professional advisory board. In this report we find both the outline and the evaluation of phase one and two in the VORP. A victim offender reconciliation group proposal flew from these evaluations. Finally, some concluding remarks and recommendations are formulated.

Source: Vanspauwen, K., Robert, L., Aertsen, I., Parmentier, S. (2003), Restorative Justice and Restorative Detention. A selected and annotated bibliography. Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Faculteit Rechtsgeleerdheid, Onderzoeksgroep Penologie en Victimologie.