Peer Review

New Directions from the Field: Victims' Rights and Services for the 21st Century

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Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:: The Office for Victims of Crime (U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs) developed this discussion guide that accompanies the "New Directions from the Field: Victims' Rights and Services for the 21st Century" videotape.
Type of Material:: Drill and practice
Recommended Uses:: Must be used to accompany the video, New Directions from the Field: Victims' Rights and Services for the 21st century. The video and discussion guide can be used as part of in-class activities that focus on criminal justice / social science issues.
Technical Requirements:: Adobe Acrobat Reader
Identify Major Learning Goals:: To present material contained in the videotape in a hard copy format so an introduction to the video can be made and offer guidance to discussions that can be had after viewing the video.
Target Student Population:: College students (undergraduate) College students (graduate) Professionals involved with or working for crime victim support groups Professional probation and parole officers
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: Basic knowledge of the Internet and Computers, basic knowledge of Victim Studies and Issues

Rating:
Strengths:: The discussion guide provides a detailed transcript of the videotape and offers excellent guidance to discussions on various topics related to crime victims. The manual is of good quality and will be very helpful for those who view the video.
Concerns:: The discussion guide by itself has limited use and must be combined with the video. The Office of Crime Victims has a kit of materials under the heading of "A Social Work Response: Building Skills to Strengthen Survivors" which includes the discussion guide. The kit also includes other valuable material, including the video in Windows Media, which offers a comprehensive approach to the topic at hand.

Rating:
Strengths:: When used with the video, this will be very useful, it has good discussion questions and a useful reference list at the end. It also provides a good list of other resources to use to further study of the subject.
Concerns:: Limited use for the discussion manual if the video is not part of the overall educational or training opportunity.

Rating:
Strengths:: The manual is straightforward for those in the field. It is easy to read and follow.
Concerns:: Must be associated with the video and if not, the discussion guide has little direct value.

Other Issues and Comments:: I would suggest that a link along with comments direct those interested in the discussion guide to the kit of materials offered by the Office of Crime Victims titled, A Social Work response: Building Skills to Strengthen Survivors http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/assist/NASW_Kit/welcome.html , which includes the discussion guide, the video, and other valuable resources.
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