restorative justice programs
A prosecutor may offer youth the opportunity to enter into a restorative justice diversion program. Restorative justice diversion programs include community
mediation panels and mediation programs, victim-offender conferencing, restorative justice circles, referrals for services, counseling, restitution, or other
community-based programs that hold the youth accountable for their actions and provide opportunities for rehabilitation and restoration without further
juvenile justice system involvement. Community mediation panels are established by State’s Attorneys to provide opportunities for neighborhoods and
community members to be involved in addressing juvenile delinquency, while helping youth understand the seriousness of their actions and the effect they
have on the community [705 ILCS 405/5-310].
Restorative justice emphasizes repairing the harm caused by the crime. When victims, offenders and the community come together, they explore the impact of
the offense and determine how to repair the harm through consensus.
Victim Offender Mediation Program
Victim Offender Mediation is based on the principles of Restorative Justice and is an alternative to traditional prosecution.
The Lake County Victim Offender Mediation Program is a program in which the victim and the juvenile offender will have a face-to-face meeting in a safe,
structured setting with trained facilitators to guide a discussion regarding the incident.
In addition to the victim, the mediation will also include the juvenile offender, support person(s), concerned community members, and often police officers.
Mediation provides an opportunity to discuss the incident, the harm caused, and how to repair that harm.
The Victim Offender Mediation program has two goals. The first goal is to hold the offender directly accountable for his/her actions. Before the juvenile can
participate in the program, he/she must admit guilt, take responsibility for their behavior, and voluntarily agree to participate. The Victim Offender Mediation
program can then assist the minor with a true understanding of the consequences of his/her actions.
The second goal, equally important as the first, is to give the victim a voice in the process. The victim will be given an opportunity to share how they have
been impacted as a result of the crime that was committed against them. During the mediation, the victim can ask questions, discuss fears, and identify their
needs.
Community members are also a part of the mediation process so they can discuss how crime affects the community as a whole. Facilitators will guide a
discussion among the mediation participants to help them create a solution addressing the harm that was done. Mediation is not a trial.
The Victim’s Role
Why might a victim participate in Victim Offender Mediation?
• To have lingering questions answered which may help with the healing process and bring closure.
• Victims who meet their offender are far more likely to be satisfied with the justice system’s response.
• After meeting the offender, victims are significantly less fearful of being re-victimized.
• To give victims an opportunity to be involved in deciding reasonable ways for the juvenile offender to be held accountable for his/her actions.
• Offenders who meet their victims ar