Court Diversion & the community resolution program

Community Resolution Conferences

Community Resolution Conferences (CRC) follow a model based in the practices of indigenous groups, in particular, the Maori of New Zealand.  Led by trained volunteer or staff facilitators this circle model of dialogue is guided by a standard set of restorative questions, for the offender and the victim:
 
The offender is asked:
  • What happened?  What were you thinking at the time?  What have you thought about since?  Who has been affected by what you have done?  What do you think you need to do to make things right? 

Similarly, the person harmed is asked:

  • What did you think when you realized what had happened?  What impact has this incident had on you and others?  What has been the hardest thing for you?  What do you think needs to happen to make things right?

"You guys have found an effective way to get through to people.  There are so many programs that are so focused on political correctness that very little good comes from them. We've become so concerned about not hurting feelings that young people are not truly confronted with what they've done. And let's face it, consequences are a joke these days.
 What I saw from your program was a young person's eyes opening up. A deep level of what his actions caused was brought to life within him. I've seen him twice since the meeting and he's still contrite. Good stuff."  
Officer Jim Bergdoll, Belfast Police Dept.
 
“I learned that I am a good person, that I made a mistake, but that I have accounted for it 
and I will go on to be the person that I know I am.”
Juvenile participant at a closing
CRC circle participants also include a mentor and community observers.  All work together to draw up a formal, signed reparative agreement that is SMART—specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound—and typically includes community service and restitution that fits the unique individuality of the individuals involved. If the offender is successful in completing this agreement, with the on-going support of a trained, volunteer mentor, then he/she will earn a better outcome (e.g. felony charge reduced to a misdemeanor, an informal adjustment resulting in a No Further Action, a participant re-admitted to school following a suspension or expulsion).

To read a detailed description of the Community Resolution Conferencing process click here.