Restorative Justice & Practice Program

Empowering Youth for a Brighter Future

What is Restorative Justice?

Restorative Justice is a philosophy of justice that focuses on repairing the harm caused by a crime rather than punishing the offender. It involves bringing together the victim, offender, and community to work to address the needs and concerns of all parties involved. This approach seeks to build relationships, foster empathy, and promote healing, forgiveness, and reconcilliation. Restorative justice programs take many forms such as victim-offender mediation, community service, and restorative circles.

The Restorative Justice & Practice Programs are a collaborative initiative between the the Alfond Youth & Community Center and the City of Waterville Police Department.

By incorporating preventative measures alongside these 6-core areas, restorative practices can create a more peaceful and positive environment for everyone.

Contact

Langston Ware

Office 207-873-0684 x264

Mobile 551-265-5766

lware@clubaycc.org

6-Step Focus: 12 Month Period

Step 1 - Empowering Participation

Months 1 & 2

This area focuses on giving everyone a voice in the community and encouraging active participation in resolving conflicts and making decisions. Practices include:

Circle Processes
Classroom Meetings
Peer Mediation Programs

Step 2 - Building Stronger Communities

Months 3 & 4

Focusing on fostering a sense of belonging, connection, and shared responsibility within a community. Practices include:

Greetings
Team-Building Activities
Cooperative Learning
Social-Emotional Learning

Step 3 - Repairing Harm

Months 5 & 6

Addressing the impact of conflict involves facilitated dialogues to understand harm and work towards repair through:

Apologies and Forgiveness
Reconciliation and Restitution
Community Service

Step 4 - Transforming Relationships

Months 7 & 8

Healing broken relationships and fostering empathy and understanding. Practices include:

Victim-Offender Dialogues
Circle Processes
Mediation Techniques

Step 5 - Strenghthening Accountability

Months 9 & 10

Taking responsibility for actions and their consequences. Practices involve:

Setting Clear Expectations
Reflect on Choices
Developing Restorative Consequences that Focus on Repair Rather than Punishment

Step 6 - Preventing Conflict

Months 11 & 12

This area focuses on proactive strategies to prevent conflict from arising in the first place. Practices include:

Communication and Problem-Solving
Fostering a Climate of Respect and Understanding

This could involve teaching students how to identify early warning signs of conflict and providing them with tools to de-escalate situations.

Mission Statement

To empower individuals and communities to build relationships, heal from harm, and create a positive change through restorative practices.