This page will discribe the basic Victim Offender program with links to the available brochures.

See our  brouchure  for the Victim Offender Restorative Justice Program (VORP)

Phone:   (415) 499-7454
Location:   Marin Mediation Services; Juvenile Services; 30 North San Pedro RD Suite 170; San Rafael, CA 94903

How Victim Offender Mediation Works: The philosophy of Restorative Justice, under which the Victim Offender Program operates, acknowledges that crime injures victims and their families, offenders and their families, and communities. Crime victims are given an opportunity through the Mediation process to express their feelings and any concerns or issues regarding the crime. Offenders are held accountable for their actions and given the opportunity to make direct amends to the victim who has an opportunity to help determine how this may be accomplished. The process is directed by a skilled mediator with specialized training.

Referrals: Referrals to this program come through the Probation Department, Police Departments and Marin County Schools.

Benefits:

• To the Victims:
  • Have the opportunity to have questions answered
  • Help determine how amends can be made
  • Explain the human consequence of the crime
  • Receive appropriate restitution
  • Create the opportunity for an apology
  • Get closure for the incident

• To the Offenders:
  • Realize the personal harm to the victim
  • Make direct amends to the victim
  • Provide an alternative to the court system
  • Allow offender an opportunity to express remorse and apologize

• To the Community:
  • Saves court costs and time
  • Reduces recidivism
  • Humanizes crime for the offender
  • Responds immediately to the crime
  • Partners with the Justice System