OAR 291-205-0220: Participation of a Crime Victim or Survivor in the Responsibility Letter Bank Program

(1) A crime victim or survivor may inquire with the Victim Services Programs Unit if there is a letter written to them by the inmate. (2) Crime victims or survivors may register for the Responsibility Letter Bank program by contacting the Victim Services Program. (3) A crime victim or survivor must be at least 18 years of age to receive a letter. (4) The Victim Services Program Coordinator will only notify the crime victim or survivor that a responsibility letter has been accepted into the repository if the crime victim or survivor has registered for notification or is inquiring into any pending letters. (5) The crime victim or survivor shall decide to receive the responsibility letter and whether or not the inmate is informed that the letter was requested or received. (6) Prior to releasing a responsibility letter, the Victim Services Program Coordinator will verify the identity of the recipient as the crime victim or survivor addressed in the letter. (7) A crime victim or survivor may send one reply letter to the inmate. The letter shall be sent to Victim Services Program Coordinator for screening and forwarded to the inmate if it is determined to be acceptable. (8) A reply letter may be deemed unacceptable if it contains: (a) Inappropriate or sexual language or content; (b) Threats of harm, violence, or revenge; and or, (c) Addresses, phone numbers, or other contact information. (9) If a reply letter is ineligible, it will be returned to sender with an explanation regarding why it was rejected and how any deficiencies may be addressed. (10) A reply letter should not exceed a reasonable length. (11) If the crime victim or survivor wishes to have further communications with an inmate, the victim must apply to participate in the Facilitated Dialogue Program.