About the Process
In a confidential setting, crime survivors/victims meet with members of the PA Parole Board to comment on possible parole release. OVA advocates facilitate the process and accompany crime survivors/victims who participate.
What Does the Comment Process Look Like?
If registered, you will receive notification when the offender becomes parole eligible. The notification will include information on how to participate in the process. You will also be assigned an advocate who will provide information and support during each phase of the process.
Input Options for Victims/Survivors:
There are various ways you may provide comments before the PA Parole Board decision makers. These include:
You may choose to meet in person. OVA offers this opportunity regionally in Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and the Lehigh Valley.
You may choose to meet virtually.
You may choose to submit a written comment. Written comments may be mailed to OVA at:
Office of Victim Advocate
1101 S. Front St, Suite 5200
Harrisburg, PA 17104
You may email your comments to:
ra-ovainfo@pa.gov
You may work directly with an OVA advocate to prepare your comments for the Parole Board. You can call OVA at
800-563-6399
Frequently Asked Questions
A: No, all comments are kept confidential from the offender.
A: Any previous letters, or comments that you have provided to OVA will remain on file for the PA Parole Board decision makers to review. You are always welcome to submit another letter, or to provide in person comments again, however you are not obligated.
A: No. The confidential process is limited to the victim, an OVA victim advocate, and members of the PA Parole Board.
A: No. The decision to provide comments is deeply personal. All comments provided are made available to the PA Parole Board and reviewed prior to decision making.
Contact OVA
Call OVA for more information on the parole process.