Restorative justice is rooted
in tribal justice and the Biblical tradition of Shalom, in Jubilee economics
and the Sermon on the Mount.Jesus
in his ministry told his disciples to love their enemies (Matt. 5:43-48); to
forgive (Matt. 18: 21-22); to visit the prisoners (Matt. 25:32-46); and to turn
the other cheek (Matt. 5:38-42).
Programs of OVM…
M-2
The Match-2 Program (M-2),
beginning in 1973, involves community volunteers in a visitation program at
Hutchinson Correctional Facility (HCF) with its 1570 inmates.OVM staff work with the Pastoral Care
Department of HCF to coordinate the program.Once a month, to offer friendship and encouragement,
sponsors visit the inmates with whom they are matched.Inmates must receive six or fewer
visits per year to be eligible for an M-2 match.
VORP
The Victim Offender
Reconciliation Program (VORP) began in Harvey County in 1982 and in Reno County
in 1993.VORP brings offenders
face to face with their victims and affected community members to decide how to
repair the harm done and prevent future incidents.Participants engage in the process voluntarily, and
offenders must complete all requirements from a contract arrived at by
consensus of the group.The
program acts as a diversion from the regular system, or as a condition of
probation.Court prosecution remains
an option until the contract is completed. VORP in Prison is offered to HCF
inmates and victims of crime.
Prison Arts
Project
The Prison Arts Project (PAP),
begun in 2001, offers instruction in the arts to inmates at HCF.Courses include music, drama, creative
writing, book discussion groups and visual arts.These programs offer inmates a creative outlet for
self-expression to help re-build self-esteem and promote a sense of connection
with the community.
Shoplifters
Education Program
The Shoplifters Education
Program (SEP) received its first juvenile cases in 1986 and its first adult cases
in 1994.SEP works with
individuals who have shoplifted to help them understand the consequences of
their offense on themselves, their families, and local businesses.
Anger
Management Education Program
The Anger Management Education
Program (AMEP) began in 2000.AMEP
is for children, adolescents and adults.Referrals come from law enforcement, corrections, court services, and
community agencies.OVM also
accepts self-referrals.The
program includes sessions on communication, anger cues and behavior control,
self-esteem, truth-telling, and Life-Path Planning.
