COURT REFERRED TEENS
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This program offers support from the beginning of a Restorative Conference through the completion of an agreed upon plan by the youth who committed a wrong. It also ensures that the victim feels that their voice was heard and given consideration, and that their needs are met.
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When Juvenile Probation refers a youth to Restorative Resources, a Program Manager will review the case and send a notification letter to the youth and their family. Within a few weeks, a face-to-face intake with the youth and parent(s) or guardian(s) will be scheduled. The youth will then meet with a case manager as needed to prepare for the Restorative Conference and to meet all impacted parties. A victim intake is also arranged to educate, offer options and prepare victims for a face-to-face encounter with the the youth who caused the harm, if they wish. A Restorative Conference is scheduled at a time (and location if necessary) convenient to all impacted parties. The main focus of the meeting is to address harms to the victim and community, discuss the underlying reasons for the offense, and to develop a plan to repair harm and prevent future offending. Confidentiality agreements and sign-in sheets are filled out prior to the start of a conference and participants complete evaluation forms at the completion.
In the case of supervised youth, that plan is prepared and sent for review to the Probation Officer. Once approved, the youth must complete the plan in order to successfully complete the program, typically within 6 months. The Case Manager will work with the Probation Officer (when there is one) to ensure that the youth has the support and accountability needed to complete tasks. Regular check-in is required and verification of completion is secured. Youth enrolled only in the Accountability Circle program are monitored in their group. Apologies are delivered to Restorative Resources for distribution to intended parties. Updates and progress reports are provided to Probation and Juvenile Court as needed. Upon completion, in court cases, a Final Court Report is emailed sent to the Probation Officer for distribution.
When a youth completes the plan, an exit interview is conducted and an exit Resiliency Survey administered. The youth and family complete an evaluation form and letters of completion are sent to all conference participants notifying them of the youth’s completion of the program. An exit form is requested from Probation, filled out and returned, then the process is complete. |
"When they're looking into the eyes of the person they hurt - whether physically or financially - I think that really has an impact." - Jill Ravitch Sonoma County District Attorney |
