Victim Offender Dialogue Facilitator Training

The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) has developed a nationally recognized training program that prepares victim advocates to facilitate a victim-centered, victim-driven conversation between a person harmed by crime and the incarcerated person who caused them harm. Throughout the country, this type of post-conviction victim service process is referred to by many names, including Victim Offender Dialogue (VOD), Victim Offender Mediation (VOM), Victim Offender Mediation/Dialogue (VOMD), Facilitated Dialogue, and others. 

While some state corrections agencies are mandated to offer this victim service through statutes and legislation, other states choose to offer this type of victim service because of the profoundly positive effect it has on victims of serious and often violent crimes. The facilitators who prepare all parties involved in this process must be trained to ensure victims are not retraumatized throughout this process; however, very few agencies have formalized facilitator training programs, and most lack the dedicated funding needed to establish one. Many corrections agencies 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. This training course will expand the capacity of state corrections agencies to meet victims’ needs, foster healing, and enable victims to actively participate in repairing the harm caused to them.

Phases:

The course is divided into three phases. The first two are provided by NIC and the third is provided by the sponsoring agency. 

1. Six 2 - 3-hour virtual instructor-led training sessions.
2. Four days (32-hours) in-person training.
3. State-specific laws, policies, regulations, on-the-job training, and mentorship.

Who should apply?

To be eligible for this training, participants must be referred by a state corrections agency providing post-conviction Victim-Offender Dialogues (also known as Facilitated Dialogue Programs).

VOD facilitation is not for everyone. Successful facilitators have personal attributes such as empathy and curiosity, as well as excellent listening and communication skills. Facilitators engage in conversations involving serious and violent crimes and strong emotions. A background working with victims and offenders is a plus. The ability to appreciate and aid victims of traumatic violence is particularly important to this work.

Here are just a few examples of the backgrounds of past VOD trainees:

• Survivors
• Victim Service Providers
• Therapists
• Department of Corrections Victim Services Personnel
• Laity-Faith Based
• Probation & Parole Officers (adult and juvenile)
• Correctional Officers (adult and juvenile)
• Community Reentry Team Members (adult and juvenile)
• Justice-Specialized Court Staff
• Mediators
• Interested Community Members