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The Panel holds the offender directly accountable to the victims and community they harmed. They discuss the circumstances and impact of the crime and ways the offender can avoid making similar mistakes in the future.

Cases are referred to the Community Justice Center's Restorative Justice Panels two ways:

1. Alternative Justice - direct referrals from the Burlington Police Department
2. Reparative Probation - Referrals from the Court as part of an Offender's sentence and jointly supervised by the Department of Corrections Court and Reparative Service Unit.

The Victim is contacted in every case. A Victim Liaison Volunteer explains the process, supports the Victim's participation and assists with necessary referrals. Some Victims chose to attend their Offender's meeting while others ask their Liaison to go in their place. The meeting is an opportunity for the Victim to share his or her experience, and ask questions of the Offender. The Liaison keeps the Victim informed of progress throughout the case.

The Panel, the Victim and the Offender decide together how the Offender will apologize and repair the harm they caused.

The reparations should relate to the crime and improve the community. Many people write letters of apology, do community service, repair damaged property or pay back money. Additionally, other people do something they are good at or like to do. For example: a musician held a fundraiser for a non-profit daycare center, another woman made potpourri vases for a local senior citizens center and a computer programmer helped the Community Justice Center improve its database.

Once the group has agreed on the reparations, a Restorative Justice Agreement is filled out and signed by all. The Offender has 45 days to complete his or her commitments. The full group comes back together a few more times to review progress, solve any problems and celebrate successful completion.

The Burlington Community Justice Center currently has four Panels that meet with adult offenders and one Panel that meets with youth offenders each week. Panel Members are volunteers who make a two-hour weekly commitment for at least a year. They receive training and support from the Department of Corrections and the Community Justice Center. People of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to join these caring, dedicated teams.

The Burlington Community Justice Center sees an average of 300 cases a year.

For more information, contact Jocelyn Dubuque at 865-7589.

When I smashed your car window and stole your bag - I broke more than glass.  

You are probably wondering who I am.  You want to know what you did to deserve this. Why did I choose you? Was I watching you? 

You may feel afraid to walk down your street, go out after dark, or be home alone.

 I may have taken or destroyed something worth more than money; like a gift from a loved one or a term paper for school.   

I may have also scared your neighbors.  They wonder if I will be back to break into their car or house.

I wish you could realize that I not as scary as you think. I made a bad choice but I am not a bad person.

I must accept responsibility for my actions. I must work to understand how I have impacted you and others.

It is my job to help you understand that I am not out to get you. I will not harm you again.

It's my job to fix your window and help you replace what you lost. I must apologize.

I have an obligation to repair the harm done by my actions and the opportunity to feel like a positive member of the community once again.

There are people at the Community Justice Center who are willing to help both of us move past this event.