Restorative Justice

For the Criminal Justice System to make a difference, it must have the support and participation of the community. The community sets standards and expectations. They also share a concern for, and support the safety and concerns of victims. These victims may be individuals, groups, businesses or the community as a whole. Crime impacts all of us.

Nova Services Juvenile Restorative Justice Program is a victim-centered response to juvenile crime that allows the victim, the offender and the community to unite and work together to repair the harm caused by the crime. Our approach is to support the victim and the offender. It helps the victim and the community achieve a level of empowerment and relief of crime-related concerns and assist offenders with taking responsibility, becoming accountable, repairing harm, and developing a change in offender behavior. Community building can occur when offenders recognize personal responsibility for their misdeeds. Collaboratively we can build safer communities when offenders develop accountability for restoring damage and altering their conduct to coincide with the community expectations. Through our Juvenile Restorative Justice Program components of Project Payback the Crime Impact Program, Collective Mentoring Circles and Juvenile Conferencing we strive to create a unified community.
 
Referrals to all Juvenile Restorative Justice Programs occur through the Washington County Department of Social Services and the Washington County Sheriff’s Department Juvenile Intake Unit. After receipt of the referral, Nova Services meets with the youth and their parent(s). This meeting reviews the components of the Restorative Justice program, the appropriate options for the juvenile, and the obligations that need to be fulfilled. Please contact us for more information about this program and the referral process.