Frequently Asked Questions
What is Restorative Justice (RJ)?
RJ is a way of responding to harm that focuses on three areas:
How is RJ different from Criminal Justice?
Criminal justice usually focuses on what law was broken and what the punishment should be. RJ focuses on who was harmed, what they need, and how the harm can be repaired. It creates more supportive space for healing, accountability, and victim voice.
RJ is a way of responding to harm that focuses on three areas:
- The harmed party
- The responsible party
- The community
How is RJ different from Criminal Justice?
Criminal justice usually focuses on what law was broken and what the punishment should be. RJ focuses on who was harmed, what they need, and how the harm can be repaired. It creates more supportive space for healing, accountability, and victim voice.
Program Participant FAQ's
ARE THESE PROGRAMS CONFIDENTIAL?
All of our programs are confidential and protected by Vermont State Statute 3 V.S.A. § 164. This means that information shared in preparation for, during, or after the restorative justice process generally cannot be used against a participant in criminal, civil, family, or administrative matters. We may share limited information related to program participation or completion status with the referring agency.
Important: There are specific legal exceptions and victim-rights considerations that may require limited disclosure in certain situations. Participants are encouraged to review the full statute to better understand the scope of confidentiality and its exceptions
Important: There are specific legal exceptions and victim-rights considerations that may require limited disclosure in certain situations. Participants are encouraged to review the full statute to better understand the scope of confidentiality and its exceptions
Is participation voluntary?
A core principle of restorative justice is that participation is always voluntary. No one is forced to take part in the process, and meaningful dialogue only works when people choose to engage.
At the same time, some referrals come through the courts or the Department of Corrections. In those cases, the restorative justice process itself remains voluntary, but a decision not to participate or not to complete agreed-upon steps may be reported back to the referring agency and could affect the person’s case or supervision status.
At the same time, some referrals come through the courts or the Department of Corrections. In those cases, the restorative justice process itself remains voluntary, but a decision not to participate or not to complete agreed-upon steps may be reported back to the referring agency and could affect the person’s case or supervision status.
Is this agency a part of the court system?
No. We are an independent nonprofit organization, separate from the courts, law enforcement, and prosecutors. We do not decide guilt or innocence or hear legal arguments. We only accept cases after law enforcement or a prosecutor has established probable cause, or after court or probation referral in post-adjudicated cases