Victim Services

Victim Rights

A victim of a crime committed by a juvenile is asserted certain rights:

• Be informed and involved
• Be treated fairly and with respect
• Expect reasonable protection
• Expect confidentiality

While a case is proceeding through the juvenile justice system, a victim can gain information about their case from a victim advocate, including:

• Information about the status of the case
• Information about any restitution that is ordered by the Court
• What happens if a youth on probation does not pay restitution
• Process for handling a violation of youth probation
• Questions about parental responsibility to pay a youth's Court-ordered restitution

A victim is not required to attend court hearings, unless the victim is receives a subpoena to appear. A victim advocate  can answer case-specific questions about whether or not a victim is required to appear in Court. To contact the juvenile victim advocate call (541) 383-4394. For further information about the Victims' Assistance Program in Deschutes County, click here to visit the Deschutes Deputy District Attorney Victims' Assistance Program website or call (541) 388-6525. See brochure in Supporting Documents below for more information on Victims Rights or visit the Oregon Department of Justice website.

Are you the victim of a juvenile crime committed in Deschutes County?
You may be interested in learning more about the Victim Offender Dialogue (VOD) program. Every victim of a crime committed by a juvenile in Deschutes County has the right to request participation in the VOD program. A community justice officer works directly with the victim and juvenile offender to determine if a face-to-face meeting is a constructive option and the case is deemed appropriate to pursue resolution and victim satisfaction.

The meeting is completely voluntary and guided by feedback from the victim. The exchange is arranged if, and only when, the victim is comfortable pursuing a direct interaction.  If you are interested in participating in a VOD, contact Tammy Skovborg at (541) 322-7677.