The Circle Process

   The Police Department refers appropriate cases to the C4RJ executive director. A circle commences only when the    victim agrees to participate and the offender(s) acknowledge responsibility for the incident. Trained volunteers are paired    up with victims and offenders (and parents of juveniles) a law enforcement representative, a community member, the    facilitators, and a "keeper," who guides the circle process.

   All circle members agree to certain guidelines, including the need for strict confidentiality. Each person is given an    opportunity to speak, uninterrupted. All circle members agree to maintain confidentiality. Victims describe the harm they    have experienced and the impact it has had on them. Offenders share what happened and discuss their understanding of the    harm they have caused. Facilitators help the parties bring forward facts and feelings.

   Everyone comes to a consensus about measures the offender(s) will fulfill in order to make amends for the harm done.    Agreements have included:

   • Payment or service to replace damaged property
   • Service to the local schools, public safety departments, or a free community supper program
   • Writing reflective essays or journaling

   Circles involving underage alcohol possession follow a somewhat different process. In such cases, agreements may include:

   • Attendance in Alcoholic Anonymous and ALA non meetings
   • Participation in education programs regarding alcohol and drug use
   • Counseling

   In all cases, the participants agree to a timeline for the agreement to be fulfilled. Facilitators maintain contact with all parties    during this period.

   A closing circle is convened after completion of the agreement. Offenders are asked to share what they have learned from    the experience. Victims discuss their feelings and thoughts about the process.

"I was very, very pleasantly suprised. The system works! Really, nothing short of miraculous."

Parent of a young offender