Services
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Merchant Accountability Panel
MAP is an innovative application of the VORP process which focuses directly on the pervasive crime of juvenile shoplifting. It was created by VORP in collaboration with the Monterey County Probation Department’s Restorative Justice Coordinator. Youth shop lifters are held accountable in a highly successful mediation process that brings a group of 4-6 youths to meet with the Merchant Representatives in a restorative, non-threatening venue. Each youth has the opportunity to tell his/her story and to listen to the Merchant Representative explain the consequences of their behavior on the store’s employees, management, the community, the police, and their families. As in all restorative justice processes, the intent is to “make things right as much as possible.” Restitution is agreed upon and, usually, a letter of apology is written by the youth to the Merchant Representative. When all of the details of the agreement are successfully fulfilled, the case is closed and the youth is cleared of the charges. We receive on average 180 referral cases from the Monterey County Probation Department impacting the youth, the merchant and approximately 480 other immediate community members. Since 2003, we have operated at the Northridge Mall in Salinas; and from 2009, in the Del Monte Shopping Center in Monterey.
“I’m not happy I stole but I am happy I got caught… to be able to have this life changing experience before I turned 18.” Female minor, 17, was a great speaker and spoke from the heart, which is not easy in a room of strangers. She said she turned her life around after participating in MAP. Now, appreciating all she has, she gets good grades and stays positive about her future.
MAP is an innovative application of the VORP process which focuses directly on the pervasive crime of juvenile shoplifting. It was created by VORP in collaboration with the Monterey County Probation Department’s Restorative Justice Coordinator. Youth shop lifters are held accountable in a highly successful mediation process that brings a group of 4-6 youths to meet with the Merchant Representatives in a restorative, non-threatening venue. Each youth has the opportunity to tell his/her story and to listen to the Merchant Representative explain the consequences of their behavior on the store’s employees, management, the community, the police, and their families. As in all restorative justice processes, the intent is to “make things right as much as possible.” Restitution is agreed upon and, usually, a letter of apology is written by the youth to the Merchant Representative. When all of the details of the agreement are successfully fulfilled, the case is closed and the youth is cleared of the charges. We receive on average 180 referral cases from the Monterey County Probation Department impacting the youth, the merchant and approximately 480 other immediate community members. Since 2003, we have operated at the Northridge Mall in Salinas; and from 2009, in the Del Monte Shopping Center in Monterey.
“I’m not happy I stole but I am happy I got caught… to be able to have this life changing experience before I turned 18.” Female minor, 17, was a great speaker and spoke from the heart, which is not easy in a room of strangers. She said she turned her life around after participating in MAP. Now, appreciating all she has, she gets good grades and stays positive about her future.
Victim Impact Program
The Victim Impact Program (VIP) provides an opportunity for people who have been victims of crime to have their voices heard by referred participants in an accountable and safe environment. In collaboration with a locally-based Bureau of Speakers and site partners, VIP courses are currently offered for youth and adults in several institutional and community settings in Monterey County. Multi-session, group-based courses are supported by an established curriculum and invite the shared advancement of healing among those involved.
As facilitated by RJP, Inc. staff, VIP courses include an exploration of sources and potential outcomes of conflict, as well as the common impacts of misconduct and resultant needs of those affected. Along the way, participants have the opportunity to hear members of the Speakers Bureau courageously share their personal experiences of crime and its aftermath. Additional class activities allow for enhancement of skills in effective communication, active listening, and strategies for handling conflict that encourage accountability, reparation, and empathy. Throughout weekly sessions, participants are invited to consider the role they may play in strengthening the web of relationships in their community.
The Victim Impact Program (VIP) provides an opportunity for people who have been victims of crime to have their voices heard by referred participants in an accountable and safe environment. In collaboration with a locally-based Bureau of Speakers and site partners, VIP courses are currently offered for youth and adults in several institutional and community settings in Monterey County. Multi-session, group-based courses are supported by an established curriculum and invite the shared advancement of healing among those involved.
As facilitated by RJP, Inc. staff, VIP courses include an exploration of sources and potential outcomes of conflict, as well as the common impacts of misconduct and resultant needs of those affected. Along the way, participants have the opportunity to hear members of the Speakers Bureau courageously share their personal experiences of crime and its aftermath. Additional class activities allow for enhancement of skills in effective communication, active listening, and strategies for handling conflict that encourage accountability, reparation, and empathy. Throughout weekly sessions, participants are invited to consider the role they may play in strengthening the web of relationships in their community.
Circles
Circle of Hope
This program is for community members who have loved ones incarcerated.
Reintegration Circles
These circles assist people who have just been released from prison in preparing a successful re-entry.
Community-Building and Solution Finding Circles
Community Building Circles offer an inclusive and structured framework for low-risk, trust-building dialogue that explores values and topics of interest.
Solution Finding Circles offer an empowering process for community members to have authentic voice as the experts in their own problems and solutions.
Circle of Hope
This program is for community members who have loved ones incarcerated.
Reintegration Circles
These circles assist people who have just been released from prison in preparing a successful re-entry.
Community-Building and Solution Finding Circles
Community Building Circles offer an inclusive and structured framework for low-risk, trust-building dialogue that explores values and topics of interest.
Solution Finding Circles offer an empowering process for community members to have authentic voice as the experts in their own problems and solutions.
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Restorative Justice (RJ) In Schools
RJ in Schools was started in 2010, partnering with one elementary school district, and now it has grown to actively serve nearly 25 schools spanning five districts and grades K-12. RJ in Schools offers professional development training for staff, peer-mediation training for students, and practical tools for community building and finding solutions with one another. |