family group conferencing

Family Group Conferencing is a voluntary opportunity for youth ages 10-17 who have received a ticket for charges related to a crime, facing suspension or expulsion or have disclosed harm done to themselves, another person or place.  

The youth and supportive adult will attend two (3) hour Family Group Conferencing sessions and a Follow-Up interview as described below. All participants must be present in the Zoom conference for the entire group session. Successful completion is determined by satisfactory performance of the agreement contract and the follow-up meeting.

By participating in a Zoom Family Group Conference, youth can:

• Have an opportunity to have their charges diverted, possibly have a case closed, or lesser consequences imposed.
• Learn about the impact of their decision and how it affects their community, family & themselves.
• Repair the harm done by the incident in a meaningful way.
• Make choices about the consequences for their actions.

Steps to the Referral Process: 

STEP ONE 

Referral form is submitted.  
STEP TWO 

Contact youth and their supportive adult(s)
STEP THREE 

Education, share stories and discover impacts. 

STEP FOUR  

Create agreements and sign the contract.
STEP FIVE 

Complete agreements.
STEP SIX 

Follow-up meeting.
Timeline: Average time from the date of receiving the referral to a certificate being given can be 2-3 months.