What is a Justice Circle and Why Should I be Interested?
A Justice Circle is a one time gathering of all people affected by a particular incident of youth crime. The goal of a Circle is to allow people who have been directly involved in an incident to decide together what the outcome should be. Based in the philosophy of Restorative Justice, the focus is on offender accountability, problem solving and creating an equal voice for victim and offender.
As a victim of youth crime, a Justice Circle can provide you with a unique opportunity to:
* Receive answers to questions about the offense that only the offender can provide
* Express your frustrations and concerns directly to the person who should hear them - the offender
* Have direct input into determining what the offender can do to make restitution and repair the harm which has been caused
* Receive support throughout this process
Victim participation in a Justice Circle is purely voluntary. Most victims who chose to participate indicate that they found the process to be of benefit.
What Happens During a Justice Circle?As mentioned, a Circle is a meeting of 'victim' (you) and 'offender' (the person who has caused you harm). Other people will be in attendance as well. You will be invited to have a support person accompany you should you choose. The offender will have a parent or other support person with them. In addition, there will be two trained facilitators (people who lead the meeting) from the Justice Circle Program.
Once everyone has arrived and is seated, the facilitators will begin by making introductions and giving a brief description of the incident. From that point on a script will be followed. The script ensures that all Circles operate in the same fashion and allows everyone an opportunity to speak. The offender speaks first, answering questions about their participation in the incident. You will then be asked to describe how you have been impacted by the incident. You'll need to be fairly specific-financial, physical and emotional impacts should all be addressed, if appropriate. Your supporters and theirs will be given the same opportunity. Once that discussion has taken place, we then begin to discuss the Circle Agreement.
*restitution: payment for injuries
What is the Circle Agreement?Put simply, the Agreement is a plan for restitution*. You will be asked what you would like to see happen next in order to make you feel better about what has happened. The goal of the Agreement is to find a fair and appropriate solution to the problem. The Agreement is arrived at by conversation and negotiation. The offender and their supporters will be a part of this discussion as well. No two Circle Agreements are the same. The outcome depends entirely on the people in the group and their response to the incident.
Some examples of what a young person may be asked to do for their Agreement are:
* To write a letter of apology to their victims
* To write an essay indicating what they have learned from the incident (and Circle)
* To perform a designated number of community volunteer hours
* To attend a community program such as the Crime Prevention Program, the Anger Management Program or CHOICES (Substance Abuse Counseling) -- if appropriate
* To make financial restitution for damaged property
* To provide 'personal service' - i.e. perform labor to clean up or repair damages
* To pay to replace stolen property
......remember, these are only examples and you may have ideas of your own. What you need is up to you, and will be discussed at the Circle.
Once an Agreement has been reached, it is written down in 'contract' form and signed by both the young person and yourself. The offender will be designated a reasonable time in which to complete the tasks asked of them. This process will be monitored by Justice Circle staff, and you will be made aware of the outcome.
When & Where Do Circles Happen?
Justice Circles are typically held in the community where the incident took place and attempts are made to arrange a time and date convenient for everyone. (In the event of a scheduling conflict, as the victim, your needs take priority). Circles can happen during the day or in the evening.
What are the Benefits of a Justice Circle?* Often more cost effective and immediate than the Court process
* Reduced rates of re-offending
* Individuals directly affected have a say in the outcome
* The community decides what is best for itself in terms of resolving certain criminal matters
* Bonds between people can be restored or created
