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Restorative Justice
In addition to my work with mediation and training, I am a restorative justice specialist, working in my community in western Michigan to heal the brokenness in specific criminal cases.
Restorative Justice is more a way of approaching brokenness in the community rather than a particular program. Some of the approaches include peacemaking circles, victim offender dialogue, victim impact panels, and on a national/international level-- truth and reconciliation commissions.
Modeled on age-old indigenous approaches to crime and brokenness, restorative justice asks different questions when a crime has been committed.
- What harm has been done?
- To the victim/s and families
- To the community
- To the offender/s and families
- What needs to be done to repair the harm?
- What does the victim and community need to restore well being and safety?
- How can the offender be held accountable for his/her actions?
- What does the offender need to gain the competencies to become a contributing member of society?
In Manistee and Benzie Counties, in western Michigan, USA, I am currently involved in two ways of working with Restorative Justice.
The 19th Circuit Court Juvenile Division refers select cases to the Westshore Dispute Resolution Center for victim offender dialogue. I work with the Dispute Resolution Center to provide an opportunity for the victims to meet with the offender to get some of their questions answered about the crime and the reasons why. It is also an opportunity for the victim to participate in determining what the offender needs to do to “make it right”. The conversation only takes place if the victim is willing and the offender is accepting responsibility for their actions. A screening takes place before they are brought together.
From the mother of an offender in a Restorative Justice Mediation:
“Going into this meeting, I didn’t think it was a good idea. But now I think the meeting was a very good thing, especially for the victim. I would recommend this to others in the same situation. My son has already changed in many ways. This meeting ended up making a very positive change in my son’s decision making.”Drunk Driving Impact Panels:
I also organize a drunk driving impact panel for the 85th District Court. The panel members are volunteers who have experienced loss due to a drunk driving incident. Panel members speak to a room full of people with an alcohol or drug related offense who have been ordered to attend the forum by the District Court. It is an opportunity for those in attendance to take a look at the larger, potentially fatal consequences of their actions.From participants in the Drunk Driving Panels:
“The presentation taught me a lot about accountability.”
“It makes me re-think all my decisions to drink and drive or allow a friend to drink and drive.”
“It was a huge eye opener, thinking about my own kids and what I could have done wrong.”
“It took everything I had to hold back the tears. God bless you for helping others understand.”
“It was definitely an eye opener. I’m grateful I didn’t kill anyone including myself. I will never make the mistake of drinking and driving ever again. Everyone else is too precious to lose over stupidity.”
RESOURCES:
www.restorejustice.com
www.restorativejustice.org
www.voma.org
www.livingjusticepress.orgWanda Joseph
Mediation & Training Services for Creative Conflict Resolution Home | Services | About UsBrethren, MI 49619
(231)477-5381
email: wandajoseph@creativeconflictresolution.net©2008 Wanda K Joseph & deertracks.com Inc.