Pre-Charge Program
This program offers restorative interventions before a situation reaches civil or criminal court. Referrals come directly from the Police Department or the State’s Attorney's Office. Referrals are usually low-level misdemeanors. If the participant completes the program successfully, the referring agency is notified, and the charge is dismissed. If the participant fails the program, the case is sent back to the referring agency for further legal action.
Program participants attend a Restorative Panel where they meet with trained community volunteers, their case manager, and our victim liaison (and possibly the victim) to create a binding contract to repair harm. This balanced restorative justice model ensures the process considers the needs of the harmed party, the community, and the responsible party. The goals of the program are to repair harm to those affected, address the impact on the community, and support participants in taking responsibility for their actions while developing the skills needed to prevent future harm.
Program participants attend a Restorative Panel where they meet with trained community volunteers, their case manager, and our victim liaison (and possibly the victim) to create a binding contract to repair harm. This balanced restorative justice model ensures the process considers the needs of the harmed party, the community, and the responsible party. The goals of the program are to repair harm to those affected, address the impact on the community, and support participants in taking responsibility for their actions while developing the skills needed to prevent future harm.