How Do They Work?
Granville County Restorative Circles takes an intentional approach to the restorative justice model by addressing the needs of the individual responsible, the victim and the community through a holistic understanding of the youth and the offense. The Circle allows for youth who have committed an offense to have a thoughtful conversation about their actions and the larger impact those actions may have had on their parents, a victim, the school, community, etc.
Youth referred to the Restorative Circles program will attend an intake appointment where they will learn more about the program and what the "Circle" process is. Once they agree to participate in the process, they will be given their Circle meeting date.
The Circle will consist of the youth responsible, their parent/guardian, facilitator(s), elder and community members which can be both youth and adults. The group comes together in an open circle and the following occurs:
Following the Circle meeting, the youth responsible will have 90 days to complete the Plan of Action. The Plan of Action can involve any combination of things including but not limited to an apology letter, community service hours, mental health assessments, essays, etc. Everyone in the Circle has to agree to the Plan of Action and that it addresses the needs of the youth responsible, victim and community.
Youth referred to the Restorative Circles program will attend an intake appointment where they will learn more about the program and what the "Circle" process is. Once they agree to participate in the process, they will be given their Circle meeting date.
The Circle will consist of the youth responsible, their parent/guardian, facilitator(s), elder and community members which can be both youth and adults. The group comes together in an open circle and the following occurs:
- Introduction of Circle Members
- Welcome/Purpose
- Explanation of Circle Guidelines, Expectations and Values
- Overview of the Offense
- Discussion & Questions
- Plan of Action Brainstorming
- Develop Plan of Action
- Closing Remarks
Following the Circle meeting, the youth responsible will have 90 days to complete the Plan of Action. The Plan of Action can involve any combination of things including but not limited to an apology letter, community service hours, mental health assessments, essays, etc. Everyone in the Circle has to agree to the Plan of Action and that it addresses the needs of the youth responsible, victim and community.
Benefits of Restorative Circles
- Allows youth to take responsibility while avoiding formal juvenile court.
- Give back to your community by helping your peers/youth become responsible citizens.
- Rebuilds relationships within communities by addressing the needs of everyone involved.
- Focuses on actions and causes not just symptoms of problems.
- Earn community service hours for school/work requirements, college applications, etc.
- Gain knowledge of the juvenile justice system.
- Receive letters of recommendation.
