Round Up Your Totals at the Registers February 9-15 for Addison County Restorative Justice Services…
…The Co-op Will Match Your Donation!
We are so excited to Rally for this local organization that is committed to tackling some of the most challenging circumstances that our community encounters. If you are not familiar with Addison County Restorative Justice Services, please read on to learn more from them, in their own words:
Who We Are
We are a non-profit organization dedicated to providing Restorative Justice programs to the residents of Addison County. Our goals are to provide opportunities for program participants to fully appreciate the impact their offense has had on the affected party and the community. Participants are also given the opportunity to repair the harm caused by their actions and build the skills necessary to avoid future involvement with the juvenile or criminal justice system.
Court Diversion
Addison County Court Diversion is a confidential referral program that offers an alternative to regular court proceedings. Participants are expected to meet with a volunteer review panel that operates under the “Balanced Approach” restorative justice model, which balances the needs of the affected party (victim), the community, and the program participant (offender). The goals during the process of creating an appropriate agreement for the participant are to; compensate the victim for loss, compensate the community for its resources, and help the program participant understand and accept responsibility for their crime, as well as gain the skills necessary to prevent future offenses.
Reparative Panel Program Youth Substance Awareness Safety Program
This program is a referral program for higher-level offenders. Referrals may come directly from the Court or as a requirement of probation. It focuses on four goals of repairing the harm to the affected party (victim) of the crime and the community. It also provides an opportunity for the program participant (offender) to be accountable for their actions, understand the impact their actions have had on others, and learn ways to avoid re-offending. The participant meets with the Reparative Panel, made up of community volunteers who, with the participant, create an agreement that addresses these four goals. Participants then work with the Case Manager to complete the tasks. Upon successful completion of a Reparative agreement, the case manager will send a notice of successful completion to the Court or probation officer. If a participant fails to complete the program, their case will be returned unsuccessfully to the court for further action.
Safe Driving Class
This program is a referral program for higher-level offenders. Referrals may come directly from the Court or as a requirement of probation. It focuses on four goals of repairing the harm to the affected party (victim) of the crime and the community. It also provides an opportunity for the program participant (offender) to be accountable for their actions, understand the impact their actions have had on others, and learn ways to avoid re-offending. The participant meets with the Reparative Panel, made up of community volunteers who, with the participant, create an agreement that addresses these four goals. Participants then work with the Case Manager to complete the tasks. Upon successful completion of a Reparative agreement, the case manager will send a notice of successful completion to the Court or probation officer. If a participant fails to complete the program, their case will be returned unsuccessfully to the court for further action.
COSA
COSA is a re-entry program based on a successful international restorative justice model of assisting high-level offenders, including those with sexual offenses, to reintegrate into their communities from incarceration. Trained COSA volunteers work in teams and meet weekly with the participant or core member, and the Restorative Programs Coordinator to support his/her return to the community and management of everyday living. The circle holds the core member accountable for adherence to post-release expectations and for developing healthy relationships in their life and within the community.
Reentry
The Reentry program assists high-level offenders to reintegrate into their communities from incarceration. Services may include Reintegration Reparative Panels, Reentry Navigation, Family Conferencing, and Educational workshops. The goal of these services is to improve community and victim safety, improve the coordination of support, services, and community connections, establish and maintain clear expectations for healthy community behaviors, and repair relationships between the participants and the community.
Conflict Assistance
ACRJS staff is available to help community members, community organizations, Town officials, ACSDVT schools, and Addison County Police Departments address community conflict and safety concerns before a crime is committed. Examples include neighborhood conflicts, landlord/tenant disputes, student conflicts, and more. Approaches vary to fit the circumstances.
Addison County Restorative Justice Services
A Community Approach to Repairing Harm and Restoring Relationships
282 Boardman Street, Middlebury, VT 05753; Phone: (802)388-3888 Fax: (802)388-5754; Website: www.acrjs.org