TDCJ's Victim Services Office is responsible for a 38-point victim notification program to keep the victim informed of the status of the offender in the post-court disposition process. In conjunction with the initial notification letter, each victim on the TDCJ's confidential victim data base receives a brochure explaining available services. This office operates a toll free 1-800 status hot line for victim's use only. The Victim Services Office also tracks cases for victims who request personal interviews with the Board of Pardons and Paroles.
The TDCJ Victim Services Advisory Council meets quarterly to assess victim needs that are not being addressed, approve and comment on various Victim Service programs and relay information to statewide organizations represented. The volunteer members represent various groups and serve a two year term.
The Victim Offender Mediation/Dialogue Program allows victims of violent crime the opportunity in a face-to-face meeting to receive answers to questions which only the offender can give, and to express the full impact the crime has had on the victim, their family members and the community. It offers offenders the opportunity to express remorse and to work with the victim to determine relevant, beneficial restitution. An extensive preparation process involving separate work with both victim and offender is required for any mediation. This service must be initiated by the victim and approved by TDCJ Victim Services.
Texas Crime Victim Clearinghouse serves as a central source of information about services and issues involving crime victims in Texas. Through its toll-free hotline, the Clearinghouse helps connect victims with these resources.
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice's Victim Services Division provides services and information to help crime victims and their families. Those services include: