Facilitator Training for Victim Offender Dialogue
Agency: National Institute of Corrections
Assistance Listings: 16.601 -- Corrections Training and Staff Development
Description
The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) has a long history of developing and delivering post-conviction victim service resources to support Victim Services Coordinators across the 50 state departments of correction. These coordinators manage a wide range of responsibilities, many of which are mandated by state constitutions, statutes, or administrative rules. One such responsibility is providing opportunities for victims/survivors—or their family members—to meet with the individual who committed the crime. These interactions, often called Victim Offender Dialogue (VOD), allow victims to share how the crime has impacted their lives and to ask questions that may never have been addressed. Because these interactions are highly sensitive, they must be facilitated by specially trained professionals to ensure the best possible outcome for all parties. Across the United States, this service is referred to by several terms, including Victim Offender Dialogue (VOD), Victim Offender Mediation (VOM), Victim Offender Mediation/Dialogue (VOMD), and Facilitated Dialogue. Currently, at least 26 states either operate or are required to operate a victim offender dialogue program. However, very few have formalized facilitator training programs, and most lack the dedicated funding needed to establish one. Many 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. Through this solicitation, NIC seeks a provider to deliver:
• One blended basic training for new facilitators of victim-offender dialogue.
• One blended advanced training focused on cases involving sexual assault.
Together, these training courses will expand the capacity of state correctional agencies to meet victims’ needs, foster healing, and enable victims to actively participate in repairing the harm caused to them.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants
Miscellaneous
- Other
Additional information
Grantor contact information
Description
Form and Application information
Documents
| File name | Description | Last updated |
|---|---|---|
| 26PR08_-_Victim_Offender_Dialogue_FINAL.pdf | 26PR08 - Victim Offender Dialogue NOFO | Feb 27, 2026 02:21 PM UTC |
| NIC_Style_Guide.pdf | NIC Style Guide | Feb 27, 2026 02:22 PM UTC |
Link to additional information
Closing: April 17, 2026
Award
$100,000
Program Funding
1
Expected awards
$--
Award Minimum
$100,000
Award Maximum
Funding opportunity number:
26PR08
Cost sharing or matching requirement:
Funding instrument type:
Cooperative agreement
Opportunity Category:
Other
Opportunity Category Explanation:
Providing victim-offender dialogue training for facilitators furthers NIC's mission by building the capacity and sustainability of federal, state, local, and tribal correctional agencies to provide victim services in the post-conviction setting.
Category of Funding Activity:
Other
Category Explanation:
Providing victim-offender dialogue training for facilitators furthers NIC's mission by building the capacity and sustainability of federal, state, local, and tribal correctional agencies to provide victim services in the post-conviction setting.
History
Version:
2
Posted date:
February 27, 2026
Archive date:
May 17, 2026
