…is a voluntary, collaborative, dialogue-driven process that allows individuals directly affected by crime to actively participate in deciding and implementing the response.
Community Conferencing brochure
[PDF for download]
Assisted by a trained facilitator, parties affected by crime meet in a safe space to discuss:
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what happened
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what thoughts led up to the incident
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how the parties felt at the time and how they feel now
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what is needed to repair the harm done (to the extent possible)
Those most impacted by the crime make the important decisions about how to repair the harm and create a mutually acceptable agreement. Possibilities include but are not limited to:
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letters of apology
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offender contracts to replace the victim’s out-of-pocket losses
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community or personal service
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personal improvement classes