Recent Activities of Our Restorative Justice Task Force
Our Conference Task Force has recently begun to collaborate with Communities for Restorative Justice, a multi-town initiative that began in Concord in 1999. So far, the efforts have focused on non-violent juvenile offenders and those who have been harmed by their actions although restorative justice is not limited to these categories. Offender, victim, involved police officer and other affected parties are invited into a circle process run by trained volunteers. Victims get their voices heard and concerns addressed, offenders learn about the impact of their actions and all participate in finding creative and meaningful possibilities for restoration.
Restorative justice at work
One example of this successful process involved the owner of the “Five and Ten” store in W. Concord. When a young shoplifter was caught, the owner of the store agreed to participate in the circle process despite being tired of the numerous cases of shoplifting by different offenders over the years. During the process, he could air his grievances and got to know the story of the young person who had harmed him. The young person apologized and agreed to community service. He also became an employee at the very store where he had done the shoplifting. The shop owner and youth developed a mentor/mentee relationship that has lasted for many years and even continued while the young person attended college and beyond. The families have been close for years.
Earlier this year, Communities for Restorative Justice (C4RJ) offered training for police officers in Acton, Boxborough, Littleton and Groton. There is hope to expand the program into Westford, Maynard and Stow. The task force is working together with C4RJ by approaching UCC congregations in the towns and offering resources and practical assistance in educating congregations about restorative justice efforts in their area.
Since one of the mandates of the Restorative Justice Task Force is to advocate for legislative action that will pave the way for RJ practices in our state, the task force has also facilitated a conversation between a state senator, Chief Wetherbee and Jennifer Larson-Sawin, the Executive Director of C4RJ, to discuss potential legislative action that can move restorative justice forward as a creative alternative in applicable cases. The senator has shown great interest and has approached the chair of the judiciary committee who was also very receptive.
How can you get involved?
Become a member of the Conference Task Force! We meet every 4th Thursday from 6-8 at the Conference (go to www.macucc.org/emj/restorative_justice.htm or email Mike Rich atKidLaw@comcast.net. If you would like to learn more about C4RJ, check out www.c4rj.com, email at C4RJ@concordma.gov or call Jennifer at 978.318.3447.