Facilitator Training for Victim Offender Dialogue

The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) has a long history of developing and delivering post-conviction victim service resources to support Victim Services Coordinators across the 50 state departments of correction. These coordinators manage a wide range of responsibilities, many of which are mandated by state constitutions, statutes, or administrative rules. One such responsibility is providing opportunities for victims/survivors—or their family members—to meet with the individual who committed the crime. These interactions, often called Victim Offender Dialogue (VOD), allow victims to share how the crime has impacted their lives and to ask questions that may never have been addressed. Because these interactions are highly sensitive, they must be facilitated by specially trained professionals to ensure the best possible outcome for all parties. Across the United States, this service is referred to by several terms, including Victim Offender Dialogue (VOD), Victim Offender Mediation (VOM), Victim Offender Mediation/Dialogue (VOMD), and Facilitated Dialogue. Currently, at least 26 states either operate or are required to operate a victim offender dialogue program. However, very few have formalized facilitator training programs, and most lack the dedicated funding needed to establish one. Many rely on a

mix of staff and volunteers—or on volunteers exclusively—making it essential that training opportunities be provided regularly as personnel and volunteers cycle out. NIC is committed to strengthening the field of corrections by ensuring that agencies are equipped with the training, tools, and resources necessary to deliver post-conviction victim services effectively. Through this solicitation, NIC seeks a provider to deliver:

• One blended basic training for new facilitators of victim-offender dialogue.

• One blended advanced training focused on cases involving sexual assault.

Together, these training courses will expand the capacity of state correctional agencies to meet victims’ needs, foster healing, and enable victims to actively participate in repairing the harm caused to them.