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.
Law Enforcement
Police Departments, Sheriff’s Offices, School Resource Officers and Campus Police Departments have integrated restorative justice practices as part of their tool kit of responses to appropriate crimes in some areas of Colorado. When there is a restorative justice program available to them, officers may use their discretion to make diversionary referrals to restorative justice practices in both juvenile and adult cases. Law enforcement personnel are often in the best position to assess whether the offender accepts accountability for the offense and is thus suitable to participate in restorative justice.
What it may look like: Trained restorative justice facilitators prepare participants to meet face to face to talk about what happened, who has been affected and how the harm may be repaired. Often community members are invited to talk about the ripple effects of the crime on the community. In many programs law enforcement officers also participate to ensure offenders understand the laws and potential consequences if they proceed through the traditional justice system. 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 make agreements with the others attending the dialogue 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, >90% of participating offenders do everything they say they will do to repair the harm they caused. Of those who complete, on average < 10% will re-offend in the following year. Over 95% of the time all participants report feeling satisfied or better with their experience in restorative justice.
Restorative justice practices ensure victims have a voice, offenders are held accountable and the community is engaged. Chief Mike Butler, Public Safety Chief in Longmont, Colorado states that the local restorative justice services provider (LCJP) has been instrumental in reducing crime and conflict in Longmont. Longmont has been one of the top rated cities in CO and the US for safety and happy citizens for many years. ( http://longmontcolorado.gov/departments/departments-n-z/public-safety-department/public-safety-chief )
Learn more about laws relative to restorative justice.
When considering the use of restorative justice practices, know that compelling offenders to apologize, perform community service, pay restitution or ask for forgiveness is NOT restorative justice. Voluntary participation is a fundamental principal of restorative justice. Agreements are created cooperatively and based on the strengths and of the person responsible for repairing the harm.
Apologies, meaningful community service, restitution and offers of forgiveness often occur as part of a restorative justice agreement or contract. But requiring any of these things is contrary to the principles of restorative justice practices.
Restorative justice practices may also happen at other points along the continuum of the criminal justice system, when available and appropriate, such as after plea discussions, as a part of sentencing or as a component of probation or parole.
There are several successful programs around the state that offer restorative justice practices, training, reports and research to support the use of restorative justice practices from the law enforcement point of contact.
To identify programs and practitioners in your area visit the RJ Directory.
Restorative Justice In The Justice System Works
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.
Latest Restorative Justice In The Justice System News
Funding for Restorative Justice Programs that Keep Juveniles Out of the Justice System
The Restorative Justice Coordinating Council (RJ Council) is pleased to announce an opportunity to apply for funding for Restorative Justice programs that keep juveniles out of the justice system.