Restorative Justice dialogue

Restorative Justice Dialogue is a system of principles and processes that build and  sustain a culture of relationship, respect, responsibility, repair and reintegration.  Through a decision-making meeting led by trained facilitators that provides an opportunity for a victim (or victim representative) and their family/support persons to meet face to face with the offender(s) and their family/support persons, along with community members.  

Community members are volunteers who represent those who have an interest in supporting the offender and their families to make different decisions. When possible an expert that works in the area of impact (fireman, teacher, store manager, addiction counselor…) will be in attendance.

 By participating in a Zoom Restorative Justice Dialogue, 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.  A phone consultation will follow to gain clarity of the conflict. Have client complete a Release of Information form; yours or ours works for us, but we cannot move forward with the referral until we have permission to speak with your client. 

STEP TWO 

The youth and their supportive adult(s) is contacted. The process is explained and questions are answered. It is important to hear the story of all parties and to determine a willingness to participate voluntarily.  If they are suitable and meet the program criteria the case will be assigned to the lead facilitator.

STEP THREE 

Participation in the Restorative Dialogue which could be 2-3 hours long resulting in a restorative contract. This session provides an opportunity for youth identified as causing the harm to take responsibility for their decision-making. They will be supported in coming to an understanding of the impact their behavior has had on themselves, their families and their community. This will result in a contract that has agreements that are relatable, measurable and timely with the goal of repairing the harm done due to their behavior. 

*The referral source will be notified through email when the youth completes this step with a copy of the agreements made. 

STEP FOUR 

Complete contract agreements.  After completing the Restorative Dialogue the youth has at least 4 weeks to complete agreements. While the agreements are being completed. 

*The referral contact is encouraged to check-in with youth to hear the agreements made and continue to support the youth. This step is important to help increase youths' accountability and success.

STEP FIVE 

Attend a follow-up session. After the agreements are completed the youth, with at least one adult, will attend a follow-up session. If all agreements are successfully completed a certificate will be provided. 

*The referral source will be contacted through email with the results of the youth receiving a certificate of completion or not. 

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