Jackson and Bonacker (2006) note the evolving use of restorative justice in victim services. "The goal of restorative justice is to create conditions whereby the victim or representatives can dialogue with offenders in order to repair the harm or resolve the conflict" (Jackson and Bonacker, 2006, p. 302). The most effective ways to implement this, as explained by Jackson and Bonacker (2006), are through victim impact statements, victim impact panels, and victim impact training. The level of involvement by probation officers is rapidly progressing as this new role combines offender supervision with restorative justice. Jackson and Bonacker (2006) suggest the importance of restorative justice when discussing victim services because it recognizes
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Providing victim support and services are both major aspects of a probation officers job. Bradford (2011) describes the role of victim support as "reducing the distress, poverty and disadvantageous effects on victims and witnesses of crime and other forms of harmful behavior"(p. 347). This method can be looked at through the procedural justice model. The procedural justice model is used to gather an understanding of the public’s opinion and ensure that procedural fairness is consistently being conducted. Bradford (2011) notes that in a successful procedural justice system, there are 4 crucial concepts. These concepts are, victims having a voice in interactions, neutrality by authority, treatment with respect and dignity, and trust. Bradford recognizes the importance of victim services when predicting satisfaction with the criminal justice system and indicates that contact with victims, along with allowing them to have a voice in the process, is a good way to make certain their needs are being properly addressed. Bradford's findings conclude that confidence in the effectiveness of the criminal justice system, available victim services, and overall fairness are all necessary factors in providing the victim with the necessary information and services they …show more content…
Understanding the limits as a probation officer and being able to effectively establish boundaries with the victim early on can prevent future dissatisfaction (Enterkin & Crawford, 2000). Victims want good quality and timely information regarding the offender, court dates, and sentencing. Enterkin and Crawford indicate that relevant dates, contextual information, and explanations of the criminal justice system are all appropriate to share with the victim. On the contrary, detailed information about the offender’s location, as well as treatment programs should be kept private.
"Whether probation services establish victim contact work within a discrete unit, or through another mechanism, there is a pressing need to ensure that the service, as a whole, is appropriately guided through clear policy delineation, training, and documentation" (Enterkin & Crawford, 2000,
Providing victim support and services are both major aspects of a probation officers job. Bradford (2011) describes the role of victim support as "reducing the distress, poverty and disadvantageous effects on victims and witnesses of crime and other forms of harmful behavior"(p. 347). This method can be looked at through the procedural justice model. The procedural justice model is used to gather an understanding of the public’s opinion and ensure that procedural fairness is consistently being conducted. Bradford (2011) notes that in a successful procedural justice system, there are 4 crucial concepts. These concepts are, victims having a voice in interactions, neutrality by authority, treatment with respect and dignity, and trust. Bradford recognizes the importance of victim services when predicting satisfaction with the criminal justice system and indicates that contact with victims, along with allowing them to have a voice in the process, is a good way to make certain their needs are being properly addressed. Bradford's findings conclude that confidence in the effectiveness of the criminal justice system, available victim services, and overall fairness are all necessary factors in providing the victim with the necessary information and services they …show more content…
Understanding the limits as a probation officer and being able to effectively establish boundaries with the victim early on can prevent future dissatisfaction (Enterkin & Crawford, 2000). Victims want good quality and timely information regarding the offender, court dates, and sentencing. Enterkin and Crawford indicate that relevant dates, contextual information, and explanations of the criminal justice system are all appropriate to share with the victim. On the contrary, detailed information about the offender’s location, as well as treatment programs should be kept private.
"Whether probation services establish victim contact work within a discrete unit, or through another mechanism, there is a pressing need to ensure that the service, as a whole, is appropriately guided through clear policy delineation, training, and documentation" (Enterkin & Crawford, 2000,