Restorative Justice/Court Diversion

How the program works

After being interviewed by a Diversion caseworker, a date is arranged for program participants to attend a confidential hearing before a Diversion Board, comprised of up to eight community members. The purpose of the hearing is to discuss the individual’s unlawful behavior and determine if the board will accept the application. (Statements made while individuals are involved in the program cannot be used against them at a later date if their case is not dismissed.) If the application is accepted, the individual’s Diversion contract is drawn up and a deadline for its completion is established.

Diversion contract

The components of a Diversion contract might include:

A written letter of apology to the victim

Restitution to the victim for all property loss or damage (or a charitable donation)

Completion of specified volunteer work in the community

A Diversion contract also might mandate that the offender:

Undergo a drug/alcohol assessment

Obtain substance abuse counseling

Participate in family, individual or group therapy

Write or give oral reports to a Diversion Board

The successful completion of a Diversion contract results in a clean criminal record and the dismissal of charges. Failure to complete all of a contract’s terms results in resumed prosecution.

Juvenile charged in Family Court - $30

Diversion Program’s effectiveness

Ninety percent of the people who complete the program do not re-offend. The program also is cost effective because it takes less time and money to process a case through the Diversion Program than through the court system.

What the contract covers

The minimum requirements of the contract are that the young person receive a substance abuse screening and follow through on any recommendations made as a result of the screening. Participants in the program also must complete five hours of community service for a local non-profit. If an individual’s schedule prohibits doing five hours of community service, a $25 donation can be made to the Victim/Community Restitution Fund at Youth Services.

Program fees

There is a $100 administration fee for taking part in the program. Any additional fees associated with substance abuse screening and follow up counseling also must be paid by program participants.

For additional information about the Alcohol Safety Program, contact Youth Services at (802) 257-0361.

Youth Services
32 Walnut Street
PO Box 6008
Brattleboro, VT 05302
Phone: (802) 257-0361
Fax: (802) 257-2171
Email: info@youthservicesinc.org

Restorative Justice Programs The Juvenile Restorative Justice Programs work with 13- to 17-year-old youth that have been adjudicated, are on probation, or require additional support specified by the Department of Children and Families. The goal of the programs is to involve victims, offenders and community members in a constructive process that helps juvenile offenders become aware of the negative ramifications of their behavior, make amends to victims and the community and move on with their lives in a positive way.
Restorative Panel The goal of the Restorative Panel is to give victims and juvenile offenders the opportunity to meet face-to-face to discuss the harm caused by a crime and the action needed to help repair the damage. The juvenile offender and the victim(s) meet before a panel of community members comprised of six adults and two young people to discuss the offense. After both sides tell their story, the victim helps develop a contract that indicates how the offender will “pay back” the community. The contract may include community service, a written essay, a letter of apology, participation in a life skills group and restitution. A member of the Restorative Justice Program’s staff works with the offender to help ensure they fulfill their contract. Restitution Project Referrals to the Restitution Project can be made by the Restorative Panel, the Department of Children and Families and the Windham County Court. Restitution Project caseworkers help ensure young people successfully complete the requirements of their contracts as specified by the Restorative Panel. Contract conditions may include community service work, monetary restitution, letters of apology, participation in a Victim Impact Panel, or any other restitution that the victims and Restorative Panel feel a young person needs to undertake in order to take responsibility for an offense. Once offenders complete all conditions outlined by their contracts, their case is considered “successful.” The Restorative Panel sends offenders who do not successfully complete their contracts back to court
	Victim Impact Panel A Restorative contract also may require juvenile offenders to attend a Victim Impact Panel. This six-hour program consists of a variety of activities that help young people understand and empathize with the individuals and communities affected by their crimes. The Restorative Panel, Windham County Court and the Department of Children and Families can make referrals to these classes.
Street Tracker Youth Services’ Street Tracker provides supervision and support to youth on probation, in custody or at risk of illegal behavior. This staff member works with parents, youth, school personnel and community members to enhance the lives of local youth and reduce the likelihood they will commit offenses. He also works to help delinquent and at risk youth learn how to lead more productive lives by providing life skills training to both groups and individuals.
Juvenile and Adult Court Diversion Program The Juvenile and Adult Court Diversion Program is a voluntary, confidential alternative to the formal court process for juveniles and adults referred by the State’s Attorney. The program makes it possible for offenders to take responsibility for their unlawful actions and make restitution to their victims and the community. Fulfilling a Diversion contract results in the dismissal of charges and has been shown to deter further unlawful behavior.
How the program works After being interviewed by a Diversion caseworker, a date is arranged for program participants to attend a confidential hearing before a Diversion Board, comprised of up to eight community members. The purpose of the hearing is to discuss the individual’s unlawful behavior and determine if the board will accept the application. (Statements made while individuals are involved in the program cannot be used against them at a later date if their case is not dismissed.) If the application is accepted, the individual’s Diversion contract is drawn up and a deadline for its completion is established. Diversion contract The components of a Diversion contract might include: A written letter of apology to the victim Restitution to the victim for all property loss or damage (or a charitable donation) Completion of specified volunteer work in the community A Diversion contract also might mandate that the offender: Undergo a drug/alcohol assessment Obtain substance abuse counseling Participate in family, individual or group therapy Write or give oral reports to a Diversion Board The successful completion of a Diversion contract results in a clean criminal record and the dismissal of charges. Failure to complete all of a contract’s terms results in resumed prosecution. Program Costs Juvenile charged in Family Court - $30 Anyone charged in Adult Court - $150 Diversion Program’s effectiveness Ninety percent of the people who complete the program do not re-offend. The program also is cost effective because it takes less time and money to process a case through the Diversion Program than through the court system.
		Alcohol Safety Program Youth between the ages of 16 and 21-years-old are referred to the Alcohol Safety Program after receiving a civil ticket from a police officer for legal violations, including the misrepresentation of their age (in order to obtain alcohol) and the possession of alcohol. It is the young person’s responsibility to contact the Court Diversion Program in the county in which they were cited and to complete the contract conditions related to the offense or civil ticket within 60 days. If a young person fulfills the contract determined by the Diversion Board, the ticket will be voided, no penalty will be due to the state, and no license suspension will occur. Failure to comply with the contract conditions of the Alcohol Safety Program results in the suspension of an individual’s license for 90 days and a $300 fine.
What the contract covers The minimum requirements of the contract are that the young person receive a substance abuse screening and follow through on any recommendations made as a result of the screening. Participants in the program also must complete five hours of community service for a local non-profit. If an individual’s schedule prohibits doing five hours of community service, a $25 donation can be made to the Victim/Community Restitution Fund at Youth Services. Program fees There is a $100 administration fee for taking part in the program. Any additional fees associated with substance abuse screening and follow up counseling also must be paid by program participants. For additional information about the Alcohol Safety Program, contact Youth Services at (802) 257-0361. Youth Services 32 Walnut Street PO Box 6008 Brattleboro, VT 05302 Phone: (802) 257-0361 Fax: (802) 257-2171 Email: info@youthservicesinc.org