Raise the Age / Restorative Justice Mediation
Raise the Age is specific legislation that raises the age that a child can be criminally charged as an adult. As an alternative to criminal prosecution, we offer restorative justice services, a dialogue-based process where parties convene to specifically address a harm or crime done. The purpose is for the offender to take responsibility for the crime, repair harm and restore relationships.
We offer a broad spectrum of dispute resolution processes to help address a variety of matters within the juvenile justice system detailed below.
Dispute Resolution Processes
Mediation
A collaborative dispute resolution process using conversation to help people resolve a variety of conflicts. It has been used across a broad spectrum of juvenile justice matters.
Restorative Justice
Restorative Justice is a dialogue-based process where parties convene to specifically address a harm or crime done. The purpose is for the offender to take responsibility for the crime, repair harm and restore relationships.
This can include Restorative Practices, a strategy that works to repair relationships that have been damaged. The practice is facilitated in a circle setting, with all parties involved in the conflict participating in the circle. The goal is to acknowledge the harm done, have remorse shown for causing the harm and solicit forgiveness from the parties harmed. The circle is facilitated by a staff or volunteer person trained in Restorative Practices.
Re-Entry Services
Re-Entry Services have application along the reentry continuum and can include mediation, restorative circles, and conflict coaching. It can facilitate an easier transition into community and family and reduce recidivism.
Diversionary Service and Adjustment Services
A process in which juveniles take responsibility for their (misdemeanor) crimes, empathy, and repair of harm. This could involve restorative circles and conflict coaching.
Meta studies show a decrease in recidivism as well as a decrease in drug, alcohol or violent related crimes.
Parent/Child PINS Diversion and Adjustment Services
These services involve a meeting of parents and their child with a trained mediator to address many family issues. These issues can include: curfew, peer relationships, discipline, household responsibilities, school problems, single-parent concerns, step- child/step-parent problems and girlfriend/boyfriend difficulties and minor criminal issues. Parents and Children between 9 and 18 years of age are eligible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Issues in dispute that can be brought to mediation include, but are not limited to:
- -Identification/Classification
- -Evaluation
- -Recommendation for special education services.
- -Educational Placement.
- -Disciplinary actions for students with disabilities.
A mediator is a neutral person who does not take sides or make decisions for you.
You will meet with your mediator at least two times so that you can develop a better understanding of the problem. Your mediation will be confidential— between you and your child.
At the end of each mediation session, you will create an agreement that you both will work to keep. Each time you meet, you will review your agreement to figure out what needs to be added or changed; or if the agreement is good the way it is.
Get Started Now
You can get started with us now by contacting us directly through the booking request form or by telephone or email.
Tel: (518) 943-0523
info@commongroundinc.org
