OVWA Webinar Wednesday: The Victim Offender Dialogue Program of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC)/Office of Victim Services (OVS)

Please join OVWA, Chrystal Pounds Alexander, Administrator, and Jennifer Conkle, Victim Advocate, ODRC Office of Victim Services, to learn about the Victim Offender Dialogue program (VOD), one of the many services offered in support of victims of crime in the Victim Services Office of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. VOD is a process in which the victim of a violent crime can request to meet with the incarcerated individual who caused them harm. During this process, the offender who committed the offense(s) and the crime survivor may meet, focusing on the harm done to the victim, and the offender’s responsibility in the harm caused. Ohio is 1 of 34 states that offer a corrections-based VOD program, a form of restorative justice. The Victim-Offender Dialogue program is a highly sensitive and time-consuming process that is confidential in nature and is not recommended for everyone.  For those who decide to participate in this program, it can be a vital step toward healing for both the requesting victim and the incarcerated person (IP). Attendees will learn how VOD can support victims of crime in their healing, will understand the ethical considerations for survivors and IP’s participating in VOD, and what to expect when working with survivors who may choose to participate in VOD. If you require accommodations to attend this training, please email info@ovwa.org no later than one week prior to the webinar date. This training is preapproved for CEU’s from OAN, NACP, and the State of Ohio CSWMFT Board….