Restorative justice as part of a sentence

by Lynette Parker

Recently, a news article describing a case of stolen money arrived in my inbox. As I perused the article wondering why it was included in a news alert on restorative justice, I ran across this sentence:

"[Defendant's name] was also ordered to pay at least $200 per month in restitution and continuing paying until $5,382 is paid back, and to write an apology letter and attend victim-offender mediation."

I found myself frustrated by the inclusion of a restorative process in a listing of elements in the sentence. As a volunteer facilitator in an organisation that often receives cases of court-ordered restorative processes, I mentally ticked off the various problems that could arise from such referrals.

Aug 17, 2009 Correspondent:Lynette Parker

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Facilitating Communication

by Lynette Parker

"What am I going to do now?," ran through my mind as the conference skittered to a complete halt. The young man, although painfully non-verbal, had been cooperative, responding to questions and telling his story of stealing an automobile. Yet, when his mother asked whether or not he was sorry, he refused to answer.

With a firm statement of, "I've already answered it," the young offender had us all baffled. Referring to the difficulty of hearing over the air conditioner (I had asked him to speak up a couple of times), I asked if he would mind answering it again. He point blank refused, stating, "I don't repeat myself."

Aug 03, 2009 Story, Correspondent:Lynette Parker

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