Victim FAQ

The rights of victims are further explained on the website for the Office of the Attorney General.

Victims are protected by federal and state laws.

No information will be shared with the juvenile offender without permission other than what is already in court documents.

You should contact one of the facilities and ask to speak with a Victim Program Coordinators to let him/her know that you do not wish to be contacted, or use the Contact Us email below.

No. Victims do not have to participate in mediation. However, if you are asked, it is an opportunity for your voice and situation to be heard so the offender knows the true impact of his/her behavior. The format of victim mediation can be explained by the facility or program staff who contacts you.

A Victim Impact Panel typically consists of 2 to 4 victims/survivors who are willing and may find it therapeutic and healing to share the details of their victimization with offenders (not the juvenile(s) who offended against them). The program is supported by the department to assist victims with their recovery and healing process. You have the choice whether or not to participate in a panel but are not required to do so.

You should contact one of the facilities and ask to speak with a Victim Program Coordinator, or use the Contact Us email below.

You have the right to submit a statement at any time to the Department to be processed and shared with the juvenile offender by his/her treatment team.

Restitution is handled by the county and the court. If a juvenile offender receives money while in custody, a portion can be withheld and remitted to the county for restitution if the offender is court-ordered to pay restitution.

You can contact your local prosecuting attorney to determine restitution that may have been ordered by the court during the juvenile offender’s hearing.

Each juvenile offender’s treatment is based on a series of evaluative services they receive in the observation and assessment process within the Department and the resources that are available for their treatment. They will learn how their behavior created victims and the effects of crime on victims and their families. Where appropriate, juvenile offenders will make restoration with their victims and communities through restitution, apologies or a process called Clarification. Juvenile offenders will leave program with written safety plans to guide their behaviors in the community and a structured plan to prevent them from repeating their criminal offenses.

Juvenile offenders may have the opportunity for community service during their stay with the Department. Each facility works with their area surroundings to provide opportunities for community service so the juvenile offenders can make amends to local communities. Juvenile offenders must meet certain expectations to be able to complete community service projects outside of their program areas. These decisions are made by their treatment teams. Amends made through community service are made through accumulating credit for hours serviced. No monetary compensation is available.

You will be notified by the Department of anticipated release prior to the juvenile offender returning to the community. If the juvenile offender is transferred to a community placement, or in the event of an escape, you will also be notified.

To develop productive citizens in active partnership with communities

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