VASAVOR (Virginia Serious and Violent Offender Reentry)

VASAVOR combines and leverages the assets of Federal, State and Local agencies into partnerships designed to tackle the complex issues that will face serious and violent offenders and the communities they live in, upon their release.

Population

Offenders convicted of Capital Murder, Homicide 1st or 2nd Degree, Manslaughter, Abduction, Rape/Sexual Assault, Robbery, Weapons charge or Assault or any combination of these charges

The Problem

Making available those services and treatment needed for these offenders to lead successful lives in their communities and stay home if they choose to do so. Increasing protection for citizens of the community by enhanced casework as well as offender monitoring through advanced technology and the resultant augmentation of offender accountability.

The Partners

Department of Corrections Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office Fairfax-Falls Church Community Service Board OAR of Fairfax Northern Virginia Workforce Investment Board

The Plan

Overcome the “NIMBY” (Not in my backyard!) factor by designing the model to target offenders from specific localities who were either sentenced in that locality or have an acceptable home plan there as determined by the Probation and Parole District staff. Make it clear that these offenders are coming home. Early identification (one year prior to release), assessment, treatment and reentry planning is critical. All offenders identified must participate. Refusal to do so means loss of good time and return to prison. Early reentry planning by a VASAVOR Review Committee and Transition Team mobilizes assets prior to offenders’ return. Transfer the offender while in inmate status, into a local jail or residential placement in the community to allow immediate interface with the offender and all service and supervision providers. While you have the offender’s attention, involve him/her in the dynamics of the plan, begin treatment and clearly define all supervision expectations. Upon release to the community, implement all facets of the supervision and treatment plan. Encourage peer support and aftercare groups for offenders who are successfully terminated from supervision.

The Promise

As partners in this initiative, we will do everything within our available resources, skills and experience to make it possible for these offenders to choose to stay in their communities. We will also do everything within our available resources, skills and experience to enhance safety and prevent future victimization of our community’s citizens.