Source: (2000) CURA Reporter: 30(2):15-18.
The Center for Restorative Justice and Peacemaking (Saint Paul, Minnesota; University of Minnesota, School of Social Work) provides training and support for a wide array of restorative justice programs, such as family group conferencing (FGC). FGC makes use of a mediation-type process where a facilitator assists victims, offenders, and other concerned parties to engage in dialogue about the crime and its impact. In this essay, Umbreit and Fercello discuss the Center’s evaluation of family group conferencing programs in the Minneapolis/Saint Paul metropolitan area – programs begun by the First Judicial District of Minnesota. They report on who participated in FGCs and participants’ perspectives on conferences, particularly with respect to the role of the facilitator, restitution, and client satisfaction.
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