A successful Restorative Justice Conference Story:
One particular Restorative Justice Conference stands out. One fifteen-year-old youth was charged with the assault of another fifteen-year-old youth. This assault took place at a bus stop and the victim’s five-year-old brother was there. Although no serious injuries occurred, the impact was substantial. The younger child was very frightened. After the assault, the brothers could no longer travel to school by bus and had to be driven, causing undue hardship for the victim’s mother and extended family. The victim and his mother were hesitant to meet but decided to attempt a reconciliation. The little brother tagged along and listened while he played.
Everyone was very nervous. Once all the background information was laid out, the mother of the victim and the mother of the offender realized they had a great deal in common. The youths were open and honest about some of the history they shared which led up to the fight. The offender made a sincere apology and his apology was accepted in good faith. It was decided that the offender would complete an anger management program (CALM offered by CJA Durham). He was also asked to perform 20 hours of community service in addition to his high school requirements. Both requirements were met very quickly and a summary was provided to the youth crown attorney. After reviewing the report the crown attorney withdrew the charges.
Both youths showed openness and honesty. Both mediators were very happy with the meeting. At the end of the meeting, the mediators witnessed the victim’s mother picking up the offender and his mother at a bus stop to provide a ride home.
For more great stories about restorative justice have a look at https://why-me.org/evidence
Check us out at https://cjadurham.ca/events/categories/mediation-services/victim-offender-reconciliation-program-vorp/
Submitted by Audrey Isenor, Q.Med.,Executive Director of Community Justice Alternatives of Durham Region.