Inquiring Minds: Frequently Asked Questions

No. This is a voluntary process. You cannot be coerced by anyone to participate. We’ll offer information for you to consider with your family, an attorney, or anyone else you would like.

If you choose the restorative justice option, you’ll be asked to take responsibility for your part in the crime. (If you’re disputing the charges, this may not be a good option for you.) The victims may have questions for you. You’ll be expected to be honest and respectful. You’ll also be asked to take concrete steps to make right by the victims. Each plan of repair is different and is decided by the circle process.

C4RJ charges a $250 participation fee for Responsible Parties. This helps cover administrative costs of the program. If you cannot afford this fee, please let us know at your Intake meeting. You will not be turned away because you cannot afford the fee. You may also be required to pay financial restitution to a victim or institution. If the criminal charges include substance-related matters, you will be asked to undergo a substance assessment with a professional counselor and to follow his/her recommendations; related costs will be your obligation.

Attorneys play an important role in the criminal justice system. People referred to C4RJ are welcome to consult attorneys but they do not typically participate in the restorative justice process. If you are disputing the police charges, a restorative justice option may not be a good fit for you.

Your loved ones were probably affected by the harm in some way. Maybe your wife got the terrifying call from the police in the middle of the night. Maybe your parents are making accommodations in their schedule for the restorative justice process. Your family might be ashamed, angry, or inconvenienced. In this process, family members will be invited to participate as supporters of you. You may also be making repair to them for the ripple effects they've felt after the crime. Your family will not be answering for you. The focus will remain on your actions and what you're prepared to do to make right. In some instances, Responsible Parties have asked to bring other supporters (coaches, employers, neighbors, best friends); let your Case Coordinator know whom you would like to bring. If you're a young person, your parents may also be asked to help hold you accountable during the process (e.g. with a curfew, being watchful for other harmful behavior, etc.). This brief video clip describes the process from the perspective of a mother who participated with her son some years ago.

Being held accountable may feel uncomfortable, but the process is designed to be respectful and honest. C4RJ personnel offer a safe space for discussion of harm, needs, and repair. You will have a chance to prepare for the Opening Circle at your Intake meeting, and at the circle, you should feel free to ask for a short break at any time. Many report that by the Closing Circle, they feel a sense of accomplishment and that they are ready to put the harm aside and move forward with head held high.

Our process is confidential. All of those who participate in the circle, including you, agree to keep to themselves what they hear in the circle. There are some rare but important exceptions to confidentiality. 

Certain community service sites may wish to know why you are doing service. It will be up to you whether to share that information (or ask us to do so) or decide to perform service elsewhere.

Yes. During the Opening Circle, you will be asked to tell the story of when the harm took place, what you were thinking at the time, and what you’re thinking now. This will not be an inquisition, but your answers will help the victims gain a better understanding. Beyond that, you’ll be asked what you’re ready to do to repair the harm. We’ll expect you to come with ideas to show that you’ve given it some advance thought. 

Yes. The Opening Circle may be the first time you hear how others were affected by the harm you caused. It takes courage, but we encourage you to listen closely and show that you’re listening, too. Eye contact with the speaker, sitting in an attentive posture, and asking questions are all important.

We will explain the process thoroughly at the Intake meeting. If you need more time to consider committing yourself to the process, we encourage you to do that. Once you sign the Contract for Participation, C4RJ and the referring police department or district attorney's office expect you to complete your obligations. Backing out may harm the victims further. So, stick with it! If you do withdraw, C4RJ will return the matter to the referring police department or district attorney's office.

Victims have a wide range of reactions when they’ve been hurt. Some are very ready to move on. Others can be very upset. C4RJ encourages victims to express whatever is on their minds. Their comments can be heated, but the process will be respectful.

At the end of the Opening Circle, you’ll have signed an agreement that outlines the steps you’re taking to make right. It may include restitution, community service, apologies, verbal or written reflections on a variety of themes/topics, regular contact with your facilitators (see below), and other repair items developed by group consensus. If you don’t complete the restorative agreement, you will be causing further harm to the victim(s) and your case may be referred back to the police. C4RJ also makes use of a three-strikes policy where minor slip-ups will be noted but repeatedly falling short of your obligations may result in us referring the case back to the police or district attorney's office.

Between the Opening and the Closing Circles, you’ll be working on your restorative agreement. C4RJ facilitators are trained volunteers who provide support and encourage accountability during this time. Your facilitators will answer questions, help you reflect on your actions, and ensure you’re staying on track with your obligations. You will initiate contact with the facilitators weekly and meet in person at least monthly until the Closing Circle has met.

Each circle is unique. The participants consider the needs of the victims and the community as well as your needs and strengths. Most agreements include community service as well as written or oral reflections so that you can demonstrate what you have learned from the experience. Most agreements also require apologies to those affected and restitution if the victim has experienced loss or damage to property. There is no precise formula, and some agreements can include very creative means of repair that use your unique skills and interests.

Completing the restorative justice process generally means that you understand the impact of the harm you caused, that you’ve taken concrete steps to do right by the victim, the community, and your loved ones, and that you’ve learned something in the process. If this occurs, the victim is satisfied, and there aren't any other unforeseen circumstances, the referring police department or district attorney's office will close the case.