Colorado High Impact VOD Programs Get a Boost
In 2011, Colorado state law created new opportunities for victims of crime in the form of High Impact Victim Offender Dialogues.
Restorative justice practices offer both juveniles and adults an opportunity to directly address the harm caused by crime. Restorative justice practices may be used in conjunction with the criminal justice system or as a pre-file diversionary option when appropriate.
In Colorado, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Florida and other states and municipalities where there are trusted and well trained restorative justice practitioners, there are many possibilities for the use of restorative justice practices to support victims/survivors’ healing, promote offender accountability, help reduce collateral consequences and ensure victims have a voice.
What it may look like: Trained restorative justice facilitators prepare participants to talk about what happened, who has been affected and how the harm may be repaired. Depending on the case community members may be invited to talk about the ripple effects of the crime on the community. All parties come together at a designated time and location to sit in a circle where they each have a voice. At the end of the face to face meeting, the person or people responsible for the harm often make agreements to “make things right” to the extent possible. A timeframe is set for completion and the agreement is monitored to track completion and record data.
Does it work? Statistically, more than 90% of participating defendants do everything they say they will do to repair the harm they caused. Of those who complete, on average less than10% will re-offend. More than 95% of the time all participants report feeling satisfied or better with their experience in restorative justice.
Restorative justice is not for everyone. Victims/Survivors must initiate the request for a restorative process. Defendants/offenders must be willing to meet with the victim/survivor and be accountable for their crime.
Restorative justice practices give prosecuting attorneys an innovative option to consider when a victim/survivor wants to meet with the other party. When a victim/survivor wants to know, “Why me?”, “How could this happen to my loved one?” or just wants the person responsible for the crime to HEAR them, restorative justice practices may serve these needs. The restorative justice process may occur any time during the proceedings. Often it occurs later in the justice process , when victims are ready to take that step. Restorative justice practices in Colorado should always be victim-centered and ensure the safety, dignity, respect and fairness for those who choose to participate in the process.
Victim’s may request a restorative justice process at any time. The opportunity for victims to express the pain, fear, anger and loss suffered as a result of an offender’s actions is never foreclosed Victims have the chance to hear the offender’s acceptance of responsibility, expression of remorse and willingness to repair the harm. Victims are empowered by being given a voice in determining how the offender can best repair the harm. They can then begin the process of healing.
When a defendant is accountable and takes responsibility for the specific harm they caused, shows a capacity for empathy or remorse, and is willing to do something tangible to repair the harm, restorative justice practices may be a valuable tool. To initiate the process for restorative justice, Colorado law requires the offender to contact the District Attorney or Prosecutor. The offender is not permitted to contact the victim directly. The Prosecutor shall contact the victim to determine if he or she wishes to participate in a restorative process. If not, the Prosecutor may arrange for trained restorative practices facilitators to offer a restorative process that does not involve the direct victim. Alternative restorative processes may enable a defendant to learn from the experience. What is communicated in the restorative justice process is confidential. Restorative justice provides offenders the opportunity to connect and grow from their mistakes and to repair the harm to the extent possible. Hearing the victim’s story of pain and loss, offenders/defendants often develop empathy for the victim, express remorse and apologize for their actions. Importantly, they are given the chance to repair the harm.
Learn more about laws relative to restorative justice.
There are several successful programs, experienced facilitators and practitioners around the state that offer support in the use of restorative justice practices from the attorney practitioner point of contact.
After her daughter was brutally murdered in 2003, Wendy Cohen turned to Restorative Justice for answers and peace.
I am so glad that RJ is an option. I think it allows for a much deeper understanding by the juvenile about the consequences of their actions. And I appreciate the respect shown to everyone involved. Great program!
RJ is the best response to juvenile offenses. Makes them active participants in reflecting on harm (impact and making things right).
So valuable, best way to work with youth and offenses!
I believe in RJ and will continue to make referrals. Almost all of my attendees for my cases have been successful.
I will continue to refer people/ suspects to RJ. It is a good program.
I am in LE and will continue to make referrals.
This was definitely a good option to have for kids making this mistake and hope you keep it around. Makes them feel more like a community member rather than just kid who messed up.
I really liked it. I felt like it helped me to think about decisions that I am making. It also made me think of the outcome of things more and how it will affect my future.
I would like to thank them for taking time and helping/showing me what I did was wrong but also just knowing I am not a bad person and I can change.
I would just like to thank everybody that participated in this program to help me and push me in the right direction towards being the person I know I can be. I thought that this program is extremely valuable for everybody involved.
I was hoping to be able to come out of this as a changed person. I definitely will not steal again being that I know the consequences now.
To see (Offender) take responsibility for his actions. I think this was a success. My goal for the restorative justice program was to fully understand how I have affected others and learn how to make a difference where I can, but also to grow and lean towards a respectable community member.
I think the people were absolutely amazing and I am extremely appreciative of that. I was able to make amends rather than it being something that haunted my life forever. I thought everyone was extremely understanding but stern and this will ABSOLUTELY be a mistake I will NEVER make again. Thank you!
I would just like to say I am grateful for the chance I received to still have a bright future in the work force at a job of my choice. And the experience to learn from my mistake and move on.
I really appreciate the opportunity of the program to give back to all who has been affected by my crime.
The restorative justice process helped me see the harm I caused to both families and was able to see her side to the story.
I would like to thank you for the second chance you have given my son. I feel this program has brought a responsibility over my son that he has never had before. Thank you
My 14 year old was treated with respect and it was a process that didn't scare him (too much) but it still communicated the seriousness of his actions and what the possible consequences could have been. I'm deeply relieved and thankful for how our case was handled and my son's changed perspective on both his actions as well as the Justice Department.
First, I want to give thanks for finishing this program, it means a lot for the best future for my son. Thanks again for helping the youth in general.
The case was handled with great professionalism and courtesy for all involved. I'm very impressed with the Restorative Justice program as it helped us to see the offense in a different light and that true restoration can be accomplished! Thank you.