August 10, 2011 was an historic day for Restorative Justice in the state of Colorado. Restorative Justice HB 11-1032 went into effect, having been signed by Governor Hickenlooper earlier in July. This law requires that victims be informed of their right to use restorative processes, allowing for victim-initiated restorative justice only. Restorative Justice involves a fostering of dialogue between the offender and the victim, and has shown the highest rates of victim satisfaction, true accountability by the offender, and reduced recidivism.
Restorative Justice (RJ) is based on a theory of justice and a global social change movement that endorses peaceful approaches to harm, problem-solving and violations of legal and human rights. Full Circle Restorative Justice (FCRJ), working in the 11th Judicial District (Chaffee, Custer, Fremont and Park Counties), addresses the harm caused by crime, and provides opportunities for victim empowerment and restitution, while supporting offender accountability and integration back into the community.
In the American justice system, victims are disempowered – they generally have little or no say in our legal system. The voice of the victims is represented by District Attorneys as representatives of “The State”. It is a newsworthy event when a victim is granted permission by a judge to directly address an offender.
In Restorative Justice programs, the focus is on crime and wrong-doing as acted against the individual or community rather than the State. RJ processes emphasize repairing harm caused or revealed by criminal behavior. This focus on the needs of victims and offenders forges powerful connections and individual transformations, which speeds healing. The standard focus on satisfying the abstract principles of law or the need of the community to exact punishment does not address victim or offender needs. Through RJ, the person who has done harm (offender), and the person who has been harmed (victim) take active roles.
In The Little Book of Restorative Justice by author Howard Zehr (widely recognized as a major restorative justice pioneer and the “godfather of restorative justice”), Zehr describes RJ as a paradigm shift that is best understood by asking the oft-quoted "three questions."
The more common three questions for a system of justice to ask are:
"1. What laws have been broken?, 2. Who did it?, 3. What do they deserve?"
Restorative Justice asks:
"1. Who has been hurt?, 2. What are their needs?, 3. Whose obligations are these?”
The Full Circle Restorative Justice Board of Directors includes residents of Chaffee and Fremont counties dedicated to the promotion of restorative justice as a way to support victims of crime, prevent offender recidivism and to build community. Trained volunteer facilitators value victims’ rights and support their journey to justice. Restorative Justice gives victims a voice in the legal process, helping them to express their experience to offenders, enabling those who harmed them (or their loved ones) to understand the impact of their actions through Victim-Offender Conferences. Full Circle volunteer facilitators are trained in Compassionate Communication and facilitating a restorative circle with respect and empathy.
The victim is offered the opportunity for a conference, generally through the District Attorney or a school principal, and is welcome to bring family members and friends as support. While the idea of meeting the individual that has harmed them may seem intimidating at first to victims, it gives them an opportunity to confront the offender (who is thoroughly screened prior to the restorative circle, so that the chance of re-victimization is practically non-existent). Victims are encouraged to speak freely - surrounded by caring community members - and to define justice on their terms – with input on what it will take to repair the harm, such as how many hours of community service, the amount of restitution and perhaps a letter of apology.
A written agreement/contract is prepared, which takes into account the victim’s input and requests and focuses on repairing the harm that was done -- with the offender agreeing to restitution, community service, and other sanctions. That contract is then filed with the court or school system. Offenders fulfill their mutually-agreed upon contracts or return to the D.A.’s Office or the principal.
Restorative Justice has the unique power to transform lives, help victims heal, reduce recidivism and the high cost of crime and incarceration. The benefits of Restorative Justice include giving victims a voice in the justice process, enabling offenders to understand the impact of their actions on a victim as well as the community, and providing opportunities for offenders to repair the harm and help ensure positive future choices.
The volunteers and staff at Full Circle understand that the concept of Restorative Justice – moving from retribution/punishment to restoration/repair in response to harm - is a paradigm shift. To learn more, please contact FCRJ at fullcirclerj@gmail.com or call 719-221-3069.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Bunnies 101
As a neophyte in the rabbit world, I didn’t have many preconceived notions when it came time to be a bunny “Mom.” So here are a few lessons I’ve learned from taking on the care of Boy George and Little Leon – now “Leona”.
Poop Production
At first it may seem that the level of enjoyment of having bunnies as pets is outweighed by the sheer amount of time spent dealing with amazing amounts of poop ‘pellets”. My bunnies’ “condo” has been remodeled three times by my husband, who believes in low maintenance and easy clean up. Let’s just say that the wire floors in the cage are there for a reason – even if the “Love Your Bunny” book says wire hurts their paws. So have a platform of wood/plastic in the cage as well – but mainly the poop needs to fall through the wire to create an incredible mound of bunny manure in a very short time.
Bunny “Sexing”
Trying to gender identify very young rabbits is near impossible, from what I understand from two experienced rabbit raisers. So when I insisted that every bunny needs a friend, and I chose two “brothers” – well – now I have to schedule a neuter ASAP. It’s been 3 weeks since I took my 4 week old “boy” bunnies home and so far I’m lucky they haven’t figured out how to breed yet. Ack.
Bunny Food & Treats
Turns out young bunnies should stick to rabbit pellets, hay and alfalfa cubes only. While they may love a radish or a carrot – their digestive systems aren’t quite ready to handle them. I give them a tiny taste of those veggies on rare occasions. Supposedly after six months, they can eat a lot of more of that “rabbit food” – salad and greens!
I’ve grown quite attached to the really friendly Boy George who loves to be cuddled, and to shy Little Leona, who loves kicking up her bunny heels when out on our enclosed patio – but is so hard to catch when it’s time to return them to their clean cage. Young bunnies are super cute and playful with lots of energy. I enjoy their antics and quiet personalities. There’s no such thing as a boring bunny.
Consider adopting a rabbit as a pet today. You may find out you’re a bunny lover at heart.
Published in the "Pawprints" column in the Mountain Mail, August 2011
Poop Production
At first it may seem that the level of enjoyment of having bunnies as pets is outweighed by the sheer amount of time spent dealing with amazing amounts of poop ‘pellets”. My bunnies’ “condo” has been remodeled three times by my husband, who believes in low maintenance and easy clean up. Let’s just say that the wire floors in the cage are there for a reason – even if the “Love Your Bunny” book says wire hurts their paws. So have a platform of wood/plastic in the cage as well – but mainly the poop needs to fall through the wire to create an incredible mound of bunny manure in a very short time.
Bunny “Sexing”
Trying to gender identify very young rabbits is near impossible, from what I understand from two experienced rabbit raisers. So when I insisted that every bunny needs a friend, and I chose two “brothers” – well – now I have to schedule a neuter ASAP. It’s been 3 weeks since I took my 4 week old “boy” bunnies home and so far I’m lucky they haven’t figured out how to breed yet. Ack.
Bunny Food & Treats
Turns out young bunnies should stick to rabbit pellets, hay and alfalfa cubes only. While they may love a radish or a carrot – their digestive systems aren’t quite ready to handle them. I give them a tiny taste of those veggies on rare occasions. Supposedly after six months, they can eat a lot of more of that “rabbit food” – salad and greens!
I’ve grown quite attached to the really friendly Boy George who loves to be cuddled, and to shy Little Leona, who loves kicking up her bunny heels when out on our enclosed patio – but is so hard to catch when it’s time to return them to their clean cage. Young bunnies are super cute and playful with lots of energy. I enjoy their antics and quiet personalities. There’s no such thing as a boring bunny.
Consider adopting a rabbit as a pet today. You may find out you’re a bunny lover at heart.
Published in the "Pawprints" column in the Mountain Mail, August 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Restorative Justice – A Victim-Centered Approach
There is great power in being heard.
Victims of crime benefit from just “being heard”. The emotional toll exacted from recipients of criminal acts can be overwhelmingly discouraging, disempowering and disheartening. This trauma may continue – not merely throughout the prosecution of the case, but indeed – for many – a lifetime of loss; of a loved one, a sense of security, of trust and belief in the goodness of others…
Victims suffer – and experience a range of emotions – from disappointment to despair. How does society help these individuals find “justice”? How do we help victims heal?
Restorative Justice (RJ) is a way to support victims of crime – a program that values victims’ rights and supports their journey to justice. It’s representative of a global social change movement that endorses peaceful approaches to repairing harm, problem-solving and violations of legal and human rights.
August 10, 2011, was an historic day for Restorative Justice in the state of Colorado. Restorative Justice HB 11-1032 went into effect. This law requires that victims be informed of their right to use restorative processes; allowing for victim initiated restorative justice only.
Imagine a scenario where a victim’s story can be affirmed and validated, in a safe, supportive environment, and the experience and hardships experienced as a victim of crime can be recognized and addressed in the process of repairing the harm.
This is happening now - here in the 11th Judicial District. Full Circle Restorative Justice (FCRJ) addresses the harm caused by crime, and provides opportunities for victim empowerment and restitution, while supporting offender accountability and integration back into the community.
Restorative Justice gives victims a voice in the justice process, helping them to express their experience to offenders to enable those who harmed them (or their loved ones) to understand the impact of their actions through Victim-Offender Conferences. Full Circle volunteer facilitators are trained in Compassionate Communication and facilitating a restorative circle with respect and empathy.
The victim is offered the opportunity for a conference, generally through the District Attorney, or a school principal, and is welcome to bring family members and friends as support. While the idea of meeting the individual that has harmed them may seem intimidating at first to victims, it gives them an opportunity to confront the offender – (who is thoroughly screened prior to the restorative circle, so that the chance of re-victimization is practically non-existent). Victims are encouraged to speak freely - surrounded by caring community members - and to define justice on their terms – with input on what will it take to repair the harm; how many hours of community service, the amount of restitution, and perhaps a letter of apology.
A written agreement/contract is prepared, which takes into account the victim’s input and requests and focuses on repairing the harm that was done -- with the offender agreeing to restitution, community service, and other sanctions. That contract will be filed with the court or school system - offenders fulfill their mutually-agreed upon contracts or return to the D.A.’s Office or the principal.
Restorative Justice involves a fostering of dialogue between the offender and the victim, providing the opportunity for the victim to be heard and for the healing process to begin. RJ has shown the highest rates of victim satisfaction and empowerment, true accountability by the offender, and reduced recidivism.
Full Circle Restorative Justice evaluation comments from the Victim’s perspective:
“This is a hopeful process providing a real opportunity for repair of harm.”
“The emotional aspect added meaning to the cause.”
“Openness and honesty – very powerful.”
“Everything was laid out on the table with all questions asked and answered.”
“It was more personal than court.”
“There was face to face communication to move past the harm; the reconstruction of community.”
Here is an excerpt from a Letter to the Editor published in The Mountain Mail and on the Salida Citizen website, describing a victim’s experience with Full Circle Restorative Justice:
During the summer of 2009 my family and I were repeated victims of vandalism. Like anyone would, I began to fear for my family’s safety. Angry, disgusted are only a fragment of the emotions we experienced during that time. Happily we were notified that several juvenile offenders had been caught and confessed to the damage that occurred on our property.
We were given the opportunity to meet one of the offenders through the Full Circle Restorative Justice program (FCRJ). Restorative justice is not a “soft” approach, by any means, as it requires everyone impacted by crime to come together to “make right” as best as possible, and to create opportunities for healing.
I want to extend my sincere gratitude FCRJ for their exceptional work and leadership of this program. Accountability and support must go hand in hand. Full Circle Restorative Justice is building that system and has made my sense of community feel whole again. Thank you FCRJ for bringing peace and forgiveness to my family and me.
The volunteers and staff at Full Circle understand that the concept of Restorative Justice – moving from retribution/punishment to restoration/repair in response to harm - is a paradigm shift. Please contact us for more information and support at fullcirclerj@gmail.com or call 719 221-3069.
By Patty LaTaille
Executive Director
Full Circle Restorative Justice
fullcirclerj@gmail.com
Published online at The Salida Citizen on August 17, 2010 http://salidacitizen.com/salida/community/
Victims of crime benefit from just “being heard”. The emotional toll exacted from recipients of criminal acts can be overwhelmingly discouraging, disempowering and disheartening. This trauma may continue – not merely throughout the prosecution of the case, but indeed – for many – a lifetime of loss; of a loved one, a sense of security, of trust and belief in the goodness of others…
Victims suffer – and experience a range of emotions – from disappointment to despair. How does society help these individuals find “justice”? How do we help victims heal?
Restorative Justice (RJ) is a way to support victims of crime – a program that values victims’ rights and supports their journey to justice. It’s representative of a global social change movement that endorses peaceful approaches to repairing harm, problem-solving and violations of legal and human rights.
August 10, 2011, was an historic day for Restorative Justice in the state of Colorado. Restorative Justice HB 11-1032 went into effect. This law requires that victims be informed of their right to use restorative processes; allowing for victim initiated restorative justice only.
Imagine a scenario where a victim’s story can be affirmed and validated, in a safe, supportive environment, and the experience and hardships experienced as a victim of crime can be recognized and addressed in the process of repairing the harm.
This is happening now - here in the 11th Judicial District. Full Circle Restorative Justice (FCRJ) addresses the harm caused by crime, and provides opportunities for victim empowerment and restitution, while supporting offender accountability and integration back into the community.
Restorative Justice gives victims a voice in the justice process, helping them to express their experience to offenders to enable those who harmed them (or their loved ones) to understand the impact of their actions through Victim-Offender Conferences. Full Circle volunteer facilitators are trained in Compassionate Communication and facilitating a restorative circle with respect and empathy.
The victim is offered the opportunity for a conference, generally through the District Attorney, or a school principal, and is welcome to bring family members and friends as support. While the idea of meeting the individual that has harmed them may seem intimidating at first to victims, it gives them an opportunity to confront the offender – (who is thoroughly screened prior to the restorative circle, so that the chance of re-victimization is practically non-existent). Victims are encouraged to speak freely - surrounded by caring community members - and to define justice on their terms – with input on what will it take to repair the harm; how many hours of community service, the amount of restitution, and perhaps a letter of apology.
A written agreement/contract is prepared, which takes into account the victim’s input and requests and focuses on repairing the harm that was done -- with the offender agreeing to restitution, community service, and other sanctions. That contract will be filed with the court or school system - offenders fulfill their mutually-agreed upon contracts or return to the D.A.’s Office or the principal.
Restorative Justice involves a fostering of dialogue between the offender and the victim, providing the opportunity for the victim to be heard and for the healing process to begin. RJ has shown the highest rates of victim satisfaction and empowerment, true accountability by the offender, and reduced recidivism.
Full Circle Restorative Justice evaluation comments from the Victim’s perspective:
“This is a hopeful process providing a real opportunity for repair of harm.”
“The emotional aspect added meaning to the cause.”
“Openness and honesty – very powerful.”
“Everything was laid out on the table with all questions asked and answered.”
“It was more personal than court.”
“There was face to face communication to move past the harm; the reconstruction of community.”
Here is an excerpt from a Letter to the Editor published in The Mountain Mail and on the Salida Citizen website, describing a victim’s experience with Full Circle Restorative Justice:
During the summer of 2009 my family and I were repeated victims of vandalism. Like anyone would, I began to fear for my family’s safety. Angry, disgusted are only a fragment of the emotions we experienced during that time. Happily we were notified that several juvenile offenders had been caught and confessed to the damage that occurred on our property.
We were given the opportunity to meet one of the offenders through the Full Circle Restorative Justice program (FCRJ). Restorative justice is not a “soft” approach, by any means, as it requires everyone impacted by crime to come together to “make right” as best as possible, and to create opportunities for healing.
I want to extend my sincere gratitude FCRJ for their exceptional work and leadership of this program. Accountability and support must go hand in hand. Full Circle Restorative Justice is building that system and has made my sense of community feel whole again. Thank you FCRJ for bringing peace and forgiveness to my family and me.
The volunteers and staff at Full Circle understand that the concept of Restorative Justice – moving from retribution/punishment to restoration/repair in response to harm - is a paradigm shift. Please contact us for more information and support at fullcirclerj@gmail.com or call 719 221-3069.
By Patty LaTaille
Executive Director
Full Circle Restorative Justice
fullcirclerj@gmail.com
Published online at The Salida Citizen on August 17, 2010 http://salidacitizen.com/salida/community/
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Mediation Services
through collaborative alternative dispute resolution”
I am pleased to offer my services as a Certified Mediator in Chaffee and Saguache counties. Mediation is a more collaborative, less adversarial approach to resolving conflict. Mediation is an effective alternative dispute resolution option in cases of:
Divorce or Legal separation
Workplace conflicts or Employer – Employee disagreements
Medical claims issues or Doctor – Patient disputes
Real estate contracts
Business or Customer Service complaints
Contractor – Customer contractual disagreements
My approach to addressing conflict is based on the Collaborative Facilitative Interest-based model - empowering parties to reach positive self-determined solutions. I utilize Non Violent Communication in each mediation session as the means to "get to the heart of the matter" and work from a place of truth and authenticity. My extensive training in conflict mediation and non-violent communication works with a variety of populations.
Focusing on the feelings and attempting to meet the needs of each party through an impartial and supportive process leads to greater satisfaction and financial savings in resolving difficult issues.
My professional and personal backgrounds are varied and well-suited to the level of experience and responsibilities that offering mediation services entails. With a graduate degree in Communications, twenty years of experience in working with high-risk adolescents and families, and most recently the lead facilitator in restorative circles for Full Circle Restorative Justice, I am now incorporating my skills into a private mediation practice.
The initial 30 minute consultation is free of charge, and I offer a need-based sliding scale for payment of fees.
I appreciate your interest, and I look forward to serving the community’s mediation needs now and in the future.
Patty LaTaille
Certified Mediator
You can contact me by
email: patty.nvc@gmail.com
or on the Web at: pattynvc.wordpress.com
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Updates from SLV
Global warming concerns aside - the extended summer here is extremely welcome. Almost makes me feel as if winter isn't fast approaching... but I know it's lurking just around the corner.
This has been one of the nicest Autumns I can remember - with the warm, dry weather and brilliant orange, crimson & gold leaves proliferating across the hillsides.
I've enjoyed hiking in the falling leaves and noticing the colors brilliant against the bluebird sky. Actually heard elk bugle close by in the early morning. Now I understand why Jack heads to the woods every Fall - ostensibly to bowhunt, but I believe he finds peace of mind just sitting in his tree stand - quietly...
I wish my time in the San Luis Valley has been more joyous - more peaceful - free of strife - and no crazy people camping in my front "yard". Unfortunately - life has been challenging here - more challenges than celebrations. In the last six years I've lived in the Villa Grove area, I've experienced the drama and trauma of building a new home - the toll it takes on a relationship - a few years of absolutely no down time - when you're not actively working at your place of employment (in my case founding and implementing a program for high-risk youth) - you're at work on the home in progress. Add in financial stress - and risky commutes (whiteknuckling it over the icy snow-packed mountain passes) to get to work 32 miles away - and the associated costs of maintaining vehicles in high altitude frozen winters - plus relying on wood stoves for heat (a constant process of getting firewood & feeding fires) - and it's not exactly the recipe for ease and relaxation.
Marital strife, limited career opportunities, financial anxieties, inept county officials, Wild West characters who build a compound on your land, barricade you out of your driveway and then felony menace your loved ones with sawed-off shotguns. Try leaving a position in a progressive county where you are respected and enjoying your work to be hired at the local high school where a 3 day new teacher training is cancelled and you're basically on your own - never having been a HS teacher before. But please, do not take home the toilet paper or pens - pilfering is such a big issue amongst the education professionals who earn graduate degrees and pathetic salaries.
Then the ups and downs of neighbors and friends relationships. More on that later.
I am dreading the onslaught of winter because I have realized that I am resistant to the idea of living through another 7 months in the frozen Yukon. It is too sad at times to live where I live - animals die, isolation and loneliness are constant companions and there is a complete lack of color - living in a white house with white walls in a stark white landscape. Not so far removed from the padded rooms.
I have a need for ease - and comfort - and safety - all which are not met where I live.
This has been one of the nicest Autumns I can remember - with the warm, dry weather and brilliant orange, crimson & gold leaves proliferating across the hillsides.
I've enjoyed hiking in the falling leaves and noticing the colors brilliant against the bluebird sky. Actually heard elk bugle close by in the early morning. Now I understand why Jack heads to the woods every Fall - ostensibly to bowhunt, but I believe he finds peace of mind just sitting in his tree stand - quietly...
I wish my time in the San Luis Valley has been more joyous - more peaceful - free of strife - and no crazy people camping in my front "yard". Unfortunately - life has been challenging here - more challenges than celebrations. In the last six years I've lived in the Villa Grove area, I've experienced the drama and trauma of building a new home - the toll it takes on a relationship - a few years of absolutely no down time - when you're not actively working at your place of employment (in my case founding and implementing a program for high-risk youth) - you're at work on the home in progress. Add in financial stress - and risky commutes (whiteknuckling it over the icy snow-packed mountain passes) to get to work 32 miles away - and the associated costs of maintaining vehicles in high altitude frozen winters - plus relying on wood stoves for heat (a constant process of getting firewood & feeding fires) - and it's not exactly the recipe for ease and relaxation.
Marital strife, limited career opportunities, financial anxieties, inept county officials, Wild West characters who build a compound on your land, barricade you out of your driveway and then felony menace your loved ones with sawed-off shotguns. Try leaving a position in a progressive county where you are respected and enjoying your work to be hired at the local high school where a 3 day new teacher training is cancelled and you're basically on your own - never having been a HS teacher before. But please, do not take home the toilet paper or pens - pilfering is such a big issue amongst the education professionals who earn graduate degrees and pathetic salaries.
Then the ups and downs of neighbors and friends relationships. More on that later.
I am dreading the onslaught of winter because I have realized that I am resistant to the idea of living through another 7 months in the frozen Yukon. It is too sad at times to live where I live - animals die, isolation and loneliness are constant companions and there is a complete lack of color - living in a white house with white walls in a stark white landscape. Not so far removed from the padded rooms.
I have a need for ease - and comfort - and safety - all which are not met where I live.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Villa Groovy in the Summer
I LOVE where I live - in the summer. It's the perfect temps - warm & sunny - no humidity - and sometimes I even feel that it's really Summer; I actually sweat during a hike with the pups. Neighbors are more visible - gardens planted by the industrious amongst us attempt to flourish in spite of the limited (4 months at best) growing season. Our trees - long leaf Cottonwoods - are the native species here and can grow up to a few feet a season. Jack planted one for our wedding that we can see from our kitchen & dining room windows - it's now over 12 feet tall, six years later.
Nights are still somewhat cool, but one can venture outside to stare at the starry spread of illuminated constellations and planets that appear close enough to touch.
Majestic.
Sublime.
Brings back memories of the Hayden Planetarium I visited numerous times while I lived in New York. I had no concept that the night skies could actually exist in such a glorious manner; city girl that I was.
After a number of river trips spent sleeping out under the stars, I became enchanted with the idea of always having the night sky as my canopy. So an over the bed skylight was added to the home design plans, for which I am forever grateful.
Trades
Sparkling city lights for the broad expanse of starry skies,
Urban conveinence for country quiet,
The crush of crowds for the crackling cold,
Anemic storebought eggs for the bright orange yolks of the cackling chickens,
Trips to the Mall for paddling whitewater on weekends,
Big name bands concerts in large venues for cozy outdoor hippie fests,
White linen for Guatemalan weave,
Luxury automobiles and sexy sportscars for practical 4 wheel drive beater trucks and Subarus,
From mowing lawns and landscaping to raising goats for weed removal - and milk,
From big chain restaurants to tiny roadside cafes,
From writing checks for charity to volunteering in person,
From taking a cruise to rowing my own boat on river trips,
From mainstream America to the outpost of civilization,
The majority of the time, I appreciate my new life.
Trading up, not trading off.
Peace!
Nights are still somewhat cool, but one can venture outside to stare at the starry spread of illuminated constellations and planets that appear close enough to touch.
Majestic.
Sublime.
Brings back memories of the Hayden Planetarium I visited numerous times while I lived in New York. I had no concept that the night skies could actually exist in such a glorious manner; city girl that I was.
After a number of river trips spent sleeping out under the stars, I became enchanted with the idea of always having the night sky as my canopy. So an over the bed skylight was added to the home design plans, for which I am forever grateful.
Trades
Sparkling city lights for the broad expanse of starry skies,
Urban conveinence for country quiet,
The crush of crowds for the crackling cold,
Anemic storebought eggs for the bright orange yolks of the cackling chickens,
Trips to the Mall for paddling whitewater on weekends,
Big name bands concerts in large venues for cozy outdoor hippie fests,
White linen for Guatemalan weave,
Luxury automobiles and sexy sportscars for practical 4 wheel drive beater trucks and Subarus,
From mowing lawns and landscaping to raising goats for weed removal - and milk,
From big chain restaurants to tiny roadside cafes,
From writing checks for charity to volunteering in person,
From taking a cruise to rowing my own boat on river trips,
From mainstream America to the outpost of civilization,
The majority of the time, I appreciate my new life.
Trading up, not trading off.
Peace!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Restorative Justice - Not an Oxymoron
Crime happens. All of us in our “civilized” societies are fully aware of this shared reality. Victims of crime suffer – and experience a range of emotions – anywhere from mere annoyance to sheer terror. How do these individuals find “justice”? How do victims heal? Is it possible for offenders admit to accountability in the presence of those who have been harmed by their actions?
In the American justice system, victims are disempowered – they generally have little or no say in our legal system. The voice of the victims is represented by District Attorneys as representatives of “The State”. It is a newsworthy event when a victim is granted permission by a judge to directly address an offender.
Enter Restorative Justice - a breath of fresh air – the proverbial “ray of light/hope” in the complicated landscape of legal morass.
Restorative Justice (RJ) is based on a theory of justice and a global social change movement that endorses peaceful approaches to harm, problem-solving and violations of legal and human rights. According to Boston’s Suffolk University, College of Arts & Sciences, Center for Restorative Justice (http://www.suffolk.edu/research/6953.html,
“restorative approaches seek a balanced approach to the needs of the victim, wrongdoer and community through processes that preserve the safety and dignity of all".
Restorative Justice involves a fostering of dialogue between the offender and the victim, and has shown the highest rates of victim satisfaction, true accountability by the offender, and reduced recidivism.
RJ programs reflect restorative rather than retributive justice response to crime by identifying and taking steps to repair harm, (ensuring accountability), involving all stakeholders (victims, offenders and community), and by transforming the traditional relationship between communities and their governments in responding to crime.
In Restorative Justice programs, the focus is on crime and wrong-doing as acted against the individual or community rather than the State. RJ processes emphasize repairing harm caused or revealed by criminal behavior. The focus on the needs of victims and offenders forges powerful connections and individual transformations, which is speeds healing rather than a focus on satisfying the abstract principles of law or the need of the community to exact punishment.Through RJ, the person who has done harm (offender) and the person who has been harmed (victim) take an active role.
In The Little Book of Restorative Justice by author Howard Zehr, Restorative Justice posits a paradigm shift that is best understood by asking the oft-quoted "three questions." The more common three questions for a system of justice to ask are "1. What laws have been broken?, 2. Who did it?, 3. What do they deserve?" Restorative Justice asks, "1. Who has been hurt?, 2. What are their needs?, 3. Whose obligations are these?”
“Restorative justice is a value-based approach to conflict and harm. These values are often identified as inclusion, democracy, responsibility, reparation, safety, healing and reintegration. But one value is more essential than any other—Respect.” (Suffolk University)
Here in the 11th Judicial District, Full Circle Restorative Justice (FCRJ) addresses the harm caused by crime, and provides opportunities for victim empowerment and restitution, while supporting offender accountability and integration back into the community.
Full Circle provides a safe framework of conferencing to meet the needs of victims, communities, schools and offenders, while minimizing the youth involvement within the legal system.
Restorative Justice has the unique power to transform lives, and reduce recidivism and the high cost of crime and incarceration. The benefits of Restorative Justice include giving victims a voice in the justice process, enabling offenders to understand the impact of their actions on a victim, as well as the community, and providing opportunities for offenders to repair the harm and to help ensure positive future choices.
Bottom line:
Restorative Justice saves taxpayer money. The cost of incarcerating one youth for one year in a detention center or prison is $24,000 to $50,000+.
Recidivism rate after “warehousing” our youth: High.
The cost of deferring a youth post-crime to Restorative Justice programs: Approximately $150, and dedicated volunteer hours.
Recidivism rate after Victim and Offender connect in a supportive restorative circle: Low.
Pretty much price-less.
(The Full Circle Restorative Justice Board of Directors includes residents of Chaffee, Fremont and Saguache counties dedicated to the promotion of restorative justice as a recidivism prevention and community-building process. The focus of Restorative Justice is not punitive, but rather on addressing and resolving the underlying issues and conflict inherent in a dispute. Full Circle conference facilitators are trained to reach an understanding of each unique situation. Facilitators mediate conflict and develop a written agreement which addresses the issues and focuses on repairing the harm done -- by means of restitution, community service, and other sanctions. Offenders have the choice to fulfill their mutually-agreed upon contracts or return to the court system.)
By Patty LaTaille
Executive Director
Full Circle Restorative Justice
fullcirclerj@gmail.com
719 221-3069
Published online at The Salida Citizen on April 23, 2010 http://salidacitizen.com/salida/community/
In the American justice system, victims are disempowered – they generally have little or no say in our legal system. The voice of the victims is represented by District Attorneys as representatives of “The State”. It is a newsworthy event when a victim is granted permission by a judge to directly address an offender.
Enter Restorative Justice - a breath of fresh air – the proverbial “ray of light/hope” in the complicated landscape of legal morass.
Restorative Justice (RJ) is based on a theory of justice and a global social change movement that endorses peaceful approaches to harm, problem-solving and violations of legal and human rights. According to Boston’s Suffolk University, College of Arts & Sciences, Center for Restorative Justice (http://www.suffolk.edu/research/6953.html,
“restorative approaches seek a balanced approach to the needs of the victim, wrongdoer and community through processes that preserve the safety and dignity of all".
Restorative Justice involves a fostering of dialogue between the offender and the victim, and has shown the highest rates of victim satisfaction, true accountability by the offender, and reduced recidivism.
RJ programs reflect restorative rather than retributive justice response to crime by identifying and taking steps to repair harm, (ensuring accountability), involving all stakeholders (victims, offenders and community), and by transforming the traditional relationship between communities and their governments in responding to crime.
In Restorative Justice programs, the focus is on crime and wrong-doing as acted against the individual or community rather than the State. RJ processes emphasize repairing harm caused or revealed by criminal behavior. The focus on the needs of victims and offenders forges powerful connections and individual transformations, which is speeds healing rather than a focus on satisfying the abstract principles of law or the need of the community to exact punishment.Through RJ, the person who has done harm (offender) and the person who has been harmed (victim) take an active role.
In The Little Book of Restorative Justice by author Howard Zehr, Restorative Justice posits a paradigm shift that is best understood by asking the oft-quoted "three questions." The more common three questions for a system of justice to ask are "1. What laws have been broken?, 2. Who did it?, 3. What do they deserve?" Restorative Justice asks, "1. Who has been hurt?, 2. What are their needs?, 3. Whose obligations are these?”
“Restorative justice is a value-based approach to conflict and harm. These values are often identified as inclusion, democracy, responsibility, reparation, safety, healing and reintegration. But one value is more essential than any other—Respect.” (Suffolk University)
Here in the 11th Judicial District, Full Circle Restorative Justice (FCRJ) addresses the harm caused by crime, and provides opportunities for victim empowerment and restitution, while supporting offender accountability and integration back into the community.
Full Circle provides a safe framework of conferencing to meet the needs of victims, communities, schools and offenders, while minimizing the youth involvement within the legal system.
Restorative Justice has the unique power to transform lives, and reduce recidivism and the high cost of crime and incarceration. The benefits of Restorative Justice include giving victims a voice in the justice process, enabling offenders to understand the impact of their actions on a victim, as well as the community, and providing opportunities for offenders to repair the harm and to help ensure positive future choices.
Bottom line:
Restorative Justice saves taxpayer money. The cost of incarcerating one youth for one year in a detention center or prison is $24,000 to $50,000+.
Recidivism rate after “warehousing” our youth: High.
The cost of deferring a youth post-crime to Restorative Justice programs: Approximately $150, and dedicated volunteer hours.
Recidivism rate after Victim and Offender connect in a supportive restorative circle: Low.
Pretty much price-less.
(The Full Circle Restorative Justice Board of Directors includes residents of Chaffee, Fremont and Saguache counties dedicated to the promotion of restorative justice as a recidivism prevention and community-building process. The focus of Restorative Justice is not punitive, but rather on addressing and resolving the underlying issues and conflict inherent in a dispute. Full Circle conference facilitators are trained to reach an understanding of each unique situation. Facilitators mediate conflict and develop a written agreement which addresses the issues and focuses on repairing the harm done -- by means of restitution, community service, and other sanctions. Offenders have the choice to fulfill their mutually-agreed upon contracts or return to the court system.)
By Patty LaTaille
Executive Director
Full Circle Restorative Justice
fullcirclerj@gmail.com
719 221-3069
Published online at The Salida Citizen on April 23, 2010 http://salidacitizen.com/salida/community/
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