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 In The Justice System
Restorative justice in the justice system emphasizes the recognition and repair of harm caused by crime. When victims, offenders and community members meet to decide how to do that, the results can be surprising and transformational for all involved. Restorative justice is rapidly proliferating throughout our justice system simply because it works. It reduces re-offense rates by as much as 50% and draws satisfaction rates of >95% for victims, community members and offenders.
Restorative Justice makes our communities safer, precisely because it calls the community to the table in a way that simply does not happen in conventional court rooms. It is by the very process of engaging conflict and wrongdoing, that the community has to in fact define itself, thus inviting norms and ways of living together to be reconsidered and reestablished.
Restorative justice helps offenders successfully reintegrate into society by way of offering a venue for accountability and remorse.
For those most directly affected by crimes, restorative justice provides a venue for questions to be answered, hurt to be expressed and experience to be heard.
In Colorado, restorative justice can be found throughout the spectrum of entry points prior to and within the system. Regardless of where the restorative justice practice is applied all parties are treated with fairness, dignity and respect.
HB13-1254 provided for 4 juvenile diversion pre-file restorative pilots projects. More information can be accessed by clicking here.
Other legislation passed over the years in Colorado has provided restorative language, support for integration and information dissemination as well as requirements for use in the justice system. Colorado is the national leader in implementation of restorative justice practices by law according to a report released by Dr. Shannon Sliva.
Integrating restorative justice practices throughout the justice system is a humane, justice and satisfying approach for many people.
For more information contact: Deb Witzelat deb.witzel@judicial.state.co.us or (720) 625-5964.
Officer Greg Reprecht sees Restorative Justice in action by keeping offenders from becoming repeat offenders.
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.