I am honored to have been accepted to join the International Community of Restorative Researchers, joining so many people who work in this arena. As a long time practitioner of Restorative Justice for Juveniles, I bring a "hand-on" straight from the "field" perspective which can enhance and be enhanced by those engaged in the research that is so needed to make Restorative Justice visible as a viable option in our legal system. I am happy to say that the District Attorney's Office and the Public Defender's Office often recommend Restorative Justice as part of their Conditions of Release, after trials. Restorative Justice is an effective approach that offers an opportunity for transformation in juvenile offenders, has the potential for bring resolution and "healing" to identified victims of acts delinquency and has proven to significantly increase victim satisfaction while reducing recidivism among the youth who engage in Restorative Justice processes. Over the past 10 years in Taos County, New Mexico, USA, we've seen less than 5% of the engaged youth commit another delinquent act, and have used Restorative Justice for vehicular manslaughter, theft, breaking and entering, fights in schools and in the community, vandalism, bullying and even with the father of a boy who was killed, and the young man who shot and killed him. Restorative Justice can strengthen community, be a first step in rebuilding a life, strengthen family relationships and return youth to a sense of "belonging" to community so they can grow into contributing members of our towns and cities. Its not a "soft" approach but an approach that calls for Accountability on the part of the youth offender, accountability...not just punishment.

RJ: What would you do? short video on Restorative Justice and basics of how it serves victims...

https://www.facebook.com/whatwouldyoudo.rj/videos/947771195317829/

What’s Restorative Justice, how does it work and who can benefit?

Join this informational & experiential day exploring RJ philosophy, principles, process and practices.

       Thursday, May 19, 2016  9am – 4pm

                Location: The WIA building

340 Reymond Street, Las Cruces,N.M.

 Contact: redroses@taosnet.com 

or call 505-310-2765

Limited to 24 people.  RSVP by May 12, 2016

           

   

       

Our Trainer, Rose Gordon, has 20 yrs. experience facilitating training in U.S. & international settings & 10 years facilitating Restorative Justice Circles for juveniles in the Taos County Restorative Justice Youth Initiative.  She uses her training in Restorative Justice, Council Process, Grief Counseling & Motivational Interviewing, combining core components of resiliency with accountability to address a variety of informal and court ordered referrals. Less than 5% of  over 200 Taos youth re-offended after their RJ experience.

Delighted to talk about Restorative Justice with Zena Zumeta on Texas Conflict Coach, Blog Radio, on the April 5, 2016 show. You can access the podcast on this webpage!

http://www.texasconflictcoach.com/2016/restorative-justice-

is-good-medicine-for-youth-violence/

I welcome any questions you might have!