Restorative Justice Circles Program
The Community Restorative Circle is a community based, Court operated
diversion program designed to provide an alternative response from the juvenile
justice system for first-time, misdemeanor offenders. They adhere to the restorative justice theory
which is based on the premise of accountability to the victim and the community.
Community Restorative Circles (CRC) now act as an arm of the Court bringing
together the juvenile offender and his/her parent(s)/guardian(s), the victim (when applicable), and members of the
community. The CRC addresses the needs
of the youth, the victim and the community by developing a holistic
understanding of the youth offender and the circumstances that led to the
offense. The Circle participants discuss
the offense, ask questions, and make decisions as to how the offender should
take responsibility for his or her actions. These decisions are prepared in the
form of a comprehensive, collaborative plan of action that is signed by all parties
involved. Juvenile Court staff then monitor the youth’s progress. The information and
knowledge gained from this Restorative Justice experience assists the youthful
offender to be better equipped to make improved life choices, change negative
behaviors and leads to the enhancement of public safety. Successful completion of this diversion process can
result in the youth not having a formal court record.
Who can participate in
a Restorative Justice Circle?
·
Youth referred by a
Juvenile Court Magistrate or by the Juvenile Intake/Diversion Department.
·
Youth charged with
misdemeanor offenses, who are first-time offenders.
·
Youth between the ages
of 11 and 17 at the time of the offense.
·
Youth who
acknowledge/admit their involvement in the offense.
·
Youth who have
parental or guardian consent.
Are There Specific Rules for the Restorative Justice Circles?
·
No cell phones, MP3
players or IPods
·
No mini-skirts or
shorts
·
No T-shirts with
writing on them
·
No tobacco products
What Sentencing Outcomes are Available with the Restorative
Justice Circles?
A
Sentence (called: Plan of Action in the
Circles) may involve any combination of the following:
·
An apology to a victim
or parent.
·
Community service
hours.
·
A research paper
regarding the law that was broken.
·
An essay on a topic
determined by the Circle
·
Other elements
included in a Plan of Action may take up to 90 days to complete.
Who are the
Participants?
Restorative Justice
Circles are comprised of trained community volunteers who understand the issues facing at
risk youth in Franklin County and have successfully submitted to a criminal
history check, child abuse/neglect screening and personal interview. The
program coordinator oversees the process.
What about Parent Involvement?
Parent(s)/Guardian(s) must accompany the youth for the
following:
·
The youth’s initial
appearance with the Hearing Officer or meeting with the Diversion Counselor
prior to the referral to the Restorative Justice Circle.
·
The initial and Follow-Up
Community Restorative Circle meetings.
Who is the Program
Coordinator and Director?
Courtney Kellum, Restorative Justice Program
Coordinator
Courtney_Kellum@fccourts.org
614.525.3130
Julie O’Reilly Troth, Deputy
Director of Juvenile Programs and Services
Julie_Troth@fccourts.org
614.525.3249
Where is the Program
Located?
Community Restorative Circles are held weekly in neighborhoods
and communities around Franklin County.
Franklin County
Juvenile Court
Youth Education &
Intervention Services
399 South Front Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
614.525.3130
Hours of Operation:
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.,
Monday, Wednesday and Friday
11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.,
Tuesday, & Thursday
Please click here to see informational brochure on becoming a Restorative Justice
Circle Volunteer.
Photos of Restorative
Justice Circle Volunteer Training
