Evaluating victim–offender dialogue (VOD) for serious cases using Umbreit's 2001 handbook: A case study

Abstract

AbstractThe use of the restorative justice paradigm within the criminal justice system has increased substantially in recent years with increasing interest in dialogue for serious violence (VOD‐SV). The purpose of this article is to provide a descriptive case study and evaluate one serious VOD program on its adherence to the recommendations set forth in The Handbook of Victim Offender Mediation (Umbreit, 2001) for practice, highlight issues of program delivery, and assess the best practices put forth. Overall, the Handbook provides a useful guide for framing a VOD‐SV program. Future concerns that must be addressed include standardized assessments and providing adequate funding.