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The Community Restorative Board (CRB) is a Diversion Program, usually used as an
alternative to formal Court [or police] intervention.
A panel made up of community persons meets with the offender, the offender’s parents,
and sometimes the victim with their support persons. The group works together to
create an agreement that will guide the offender in making amends to the victim
and community.
The goal of the meeting is to reach an agreement that holds the offender accountable
for the offense, satisfies the needs of the victim and community.
An agreement specifies the terms and conditions the offender must follow to complete
the program.
Successful completion of the program usually will result in the dismissal of the
court records or avoidance of the court system all together.
What Terms and Conditions Might be Agreed Upon or Assigned?
An agreement may include:
- Restitution
- Community Service
- An apology
- Restrictions on activities
- Professional Counseling
- Other appropriate action
- Agreement on follow up meetings
- Monitoring process
BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATING IN THE COMMUNITY RESTORATIVE BOARDS PROGRAM?
Juvenile offenders are less likely to re-offend after meeting face-to-face
with those who have been affected by their actions, and gaining a personal perspective
on the consequences of their choices
Juvenile offenders benefit from helping to make things right by actively
participating in the creation of a plan to repair the harm
Victims affected by the incident have an opportunity to communicate directly with
the offender, to help understand why the incident took place and achieve
closure.
Victims have an opportunity to participate in developing a plan for repairing the
harm.
Victims, offenders, their families, and the community benefit from the RESTORATIVE
approach through focusing on offender responsibility and making amends!
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