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Inmate Apology Bank

The Inmate Apology Bank (IAB) was created for victims/survivors of crime who are interested in receiving an apology letter from the offender in their case.

Victims/survivors of crime may wonder whether or not their offender has taken responsibility or feels remorse for their actions.  Likewise, offenders may be ready to accept responsibility for their actions and acknowledge the harm they caused to others. 

Offenders may wish to write of letter of apology to the victim(s) of their crime. However, if they are incarcerated in a state prison or under parole supervision, there are policies which prohibit contact. This program allows for letters to be written and received without violating these rules, as the Office of Victim Advocate serves as a pass-through.

All apology letters are carefully reviewed for appropriateness by a Victim Assistance Coordinator before notifying a registered crime victim that one is on file for them. At that time, the victim can determine if/when they choose to receive the apology letter and how they would prefer to receive it. It is important to note that OVA will never forward an apology letter without a victim’s consent or if there is an active Protection from Abuse Order.

Writing an apology letter is voluntary and has no effect on incarceration, release date and/or parole supervision.
 
The Office of Victim Advocate will not notify the inmate that a victim has received the apology letter unless asked to do so by the victim.  If a registered victim wishes to have any additional contact with the offender through correspondence, they may be referred to the Victim Offender Dialogue program.
 
If you would like more information about the IAB program, or are interested in receiving an apology letter should one be submitted, please call 800.563.6399 or email RA-PMOVA-IABprogram@pa.gov.

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