Victim Offender Reconciliation Program of the Central Valley, Inc.

Mission

Founded in September of 1982, VORPs guiding vision has been that of Restorative Justice. This is a faith perspective which believes God invites all people to live in right relations with one another. Related to juvenile crime, Restorative Justice is the process for making things as right as possible after the damage caused by a juvenile crime. The Fresno VORP was established to encourage and assist Fresno County's Christian churches in their mission of providing an invitation to, and opportunity for, peacemaking (healing, restoration, forgiveness and reconciliation) in the conflict between victims and offenders of juvenile crime.

Programs

Today, the Fresno VORP invites and trains both church and interested community volunteers to facilitate a mediation process which takes into consideration the needs and concerns of the victim, offender and community. It receives its mediation referrals from the Fresno County Juvenile Probation Department and Court. This can come to us at any time throughout the entire criminal justice system process (Informal Probation, Pre-Sentencing, Sentencing and Post-Incarceration referrals). Cases are screened based upon whether the: (1) crime is a 1st or 2nd time offense; (2) the minor admits involvement; (3)their is a clear victim; and (4) that their is some likelihood of financial restitution being needed by the victim. The VORP (paid)Staff includes a Mediation Manager to work with volunteer mediators. Mediators serve these victims and offenders up to the point of mediation. We also have an Agreement Manager who works with the victims and offenders to follow-up with any agreements which were made, and to assist these parties in making connections to any additionally requested resources in our community(i.e. counseling, jobs, education, community service, etc.). Ultimate accountability is with the Juvenile Court and Probation, if agreements are not completed in full or only partially. In addition, VORP also provides regular educational presentations and training seminars on Restorative Justice to area churches, colleges and civic agencies. This is a way for us to bring public attention to alternatives in dealing with crime.