Case Studies
We all learn from each other in the field of Restorative Justice Practices. A standard practice among facilitators and programs around the state
is to debrief processes and share our learnings.
This is a place where actual stories from the field will be shared. Please use them as learning tools and opportunities to better understand how restorative justice practices work.
Names have been changed to protect the confidentiality of participants.
Organizations and individuals submitting stories from the field may be acknowledged for their contributions.
If you would like to contribute a Story From the Field please send your submissions to info@rjcolorado.org
Stories From the Field
Debbie Wilde, Executive Director of YouthZone in Glenwood Springs, CO, discusses how Restorative Justice impacts communities.
Restorative Justice In Communities Works
Very well handled with excellent results. Far more productive than the usual criminal/legal proceedings. Keep this process funded.
It always feels good to make a difference.
My opinion would be that this is a good class that teaches young kids how to control themselves.
The best part about the circle is giving everyone a voice not just the judge/cop or victim. We all participated in the decision in repairing the harm. For that RJ is the best option in number of cases. Thank you
This was a great program and any shop lifters should come here! They should have more programs like this.
I participated to observe the RJ process in action and to help good kids get back on track. This was very much achieved. I also appreciated an opportunity to interact with the Lafayette PD and the other facilitators.
I wish more counties and/or states would offer programs like this, even for adults.
This was a great example of effective peer influence.
I didn't know what I was getting myself into. I felt pleasantly surprised. It was great. I felt like I (as a member of the community) had a say in the justice system. Great system!
I really didn't know what to expect, I thought it went really well. With the panel board people talking to the kids on how it affects everyone. I'm glad that we are able to speak in the circle group to tell our story, from what I seen these are good kids that made a bad mistake and get a second chance. Thanks to all the people helping these kids!
As a community member my goal was to see if the juveniles were taking responsibility for their actions. My hope is that they have a broader perspective about who was affected by what happened. Based on this conference, I very much believe that they have learned from the RJ process and that they can move forward from this in a positive way.
I feel this process could have better results for offender’s lives in the long run to learn from their mistakes and be accountable on their own action… Instead of court room process.
I felt that the experience was very helpful to myself and the offender. I'm glad that there is this program that gives a juvenile the option to correct themselves.
This process was a really good program because I think it would help everybody who attended. They treated us really good and learned a lot I would recommend to anybody who needed it.
“I was extremely impressed and moved by the safety, honesty and healing that occurred.”