The
purpose of Restorative Justice is to offer an alternative to
the normal system of justice,
often referred to as “retributive” justice. When a
wrong occurs, retributive justice asks the question, “Who
did it and how shall they be punished?” Restorative Justice
asks the question, “What harm was done, and how can it be
made right?” The objective of the Workout, Ltd. Restorative
Justice Program is to offer an alternative to incarceration.
The
goal of the Restorative Justice Program is three fold:
- to
bring peace and restoration to the victim and community,
- to
hold the youth accountable for their actions and
- to
provide an alternative to incarceration.
The
Restorative Justice Program measures the following outcomes to
assist with the determination of success:
- Juvenile
offenders accept responsibility and make restitution to victims
of their
crimes and/or community,
- Juvenile
offenders develop a better understanding of the impact of crime
on victims, and
- Juvenile
offenders are diverted from placement in DYC, or further involvement
in the juvenile justice system.
 The restorative
justice philosophy allows each participant the opportunity to “heal” the harm done as the result of
a committed offense. The progressive increase of mediations from
2001 to 2005 is a testament to the validity of the process. The
program has completed over 550 mediations to date with an 86% success
rate for clients participating in the program where an agreement
was reached that satisfied the victim while holding the offender
accountable. Using Workout, Ltd.’s “package” of
services we are able to facilitate tailored consequences and reparations
for each youth and victim utilizing the mediations, the Victim
Impact classes through the Social Development Program, the Work/Restitution
Programs services, and the Public Works/T.A.G. Graffiti Removal
Program.
In January of 2004, the Restorative Justice Program received funding
through the Victim Assistance Law Enforcement Board (V.A.L.E.)
in the Fourth Judicial District in support of a Victims Advocate.
The addition of the Victims Advocate to the mediation process allows
individualized and victim specific services and support before,
during, and after the Victim/Offender Mediation. Our aim is to
facilitate better services for the victims and community stakeholders
in the Fourth Judicial District through the Restorative Justice
process.
The Victims Advocate meets with the victim before the mediation
to reiterate their support and to assist them in preparing a victim
impact statement. The advocate is also present at the mediation
for support; or represents the victim in the process if they are
unable to attend for any reason. Following the mediation the advocate
debriefs with the victim and once the case is returned to the courts
for final disposition the advocate informs the victim of the outcome.
Last, the advocate conducts three and six month follow-ups. A few
testimonials from a victim, offender, and family are:
“Getting
an apology and some form of closure. Being able to confront
the offender and be given the chance to let him know
how this crime affected me. Also, listening to the offender tell
why he did the crime.” – Victims Statement;
“Being
able to admit what I did was wrong and being able to express
my feelings on this occurrence. The process showed me
that this was just a bad mistake on my part and that I am very
sorry for what happened.” –Offender;
“I
think the favorite part of this process is my son realized
what he did wrong”. – Offenders Parent.
|
