The Offender’s Role
Why might an offender participate in Victim Offender Mediation?
• Requirement of a voluntary supervision program or informal
supervision
• To apologize to the victim
Sample questions we may ask the offender during the mediation:
• What happened?
• What were you thinking about at the time?
• What have you thought about since the incident?
•
•
•
To accept responsibility for his/her actions
To take advantage of an opportunity for closure
To repair the harm he/she has done
•
•
Who do you think has been affected by your actions?
How have they been affected?
Teen Court
The Nicasa Teen Court, established in 1996, is a volunteer program, provided in partnership with 18 Lake County Police Departments and the Sheriff’s
Department. Teen Court is structured to provide a positive alternative for misdemeanor youth offenders by providing a peer-driven sentencing mechanism
that allows young people to take responsibility, to be held accountable, and to make restitution. By assuming responsibility for their actions, and through
involvement and successful completion of the Teen Court program, the teen’s offense will not be recorded. Teen Court offenders learn to value their
community by repairing the harm and giving back through community service. All community service is done at approved sites that are asked to find
constructive work for youth to perform under supervised conditions. Support from these sites give the youth the opportunity, not only to give back to
the community, but also to develop good work ethic and better social relationships. Positive peer pressure is used in Teen Court to exert influence over
adolescent behavior.
As Teen Court volunteers, youth realize a respect for the rule of law, develop positive citizenship attitudes, promote civic engagement and achieve
educational success. Youth volunteers actively learn the roles and responsibilities of the various parts of the judicial system. They act as law enforcement
professionals, prosecuting and defense attorneys, clerks, and jurors to gain experiential knowledge of the juvenile justice system.
What are the Benefits of a Restorative-Based Peer Jury Program for the Community , Jurors, and Offender?
FOR THE COMMUNITY:
• Expedites the judicial process
• Lowers recidivism rates
• Develops a community of youth who pride themselves in giving back
• Provides an opportunity for local youth to become a part of the solution regarding juvenile crime
FOR THE JURORS:
• Develops empathy for, and awareness of, issues facing their peers and community
• Gives them a sense of ownership toward their school and community
• Develops a sense of civic responsibility
• Develops the following skills: leadership, critical thinking, communication, social, and objectivity
FOR THE OFFENDER:
• Improves chances of becoming a law-abiding citizen
• Gives an opportunity to make amends and meaningfully right the wrong, rather than just being punished
• Gives a chance to offer an apology or an explanation
• Helps them truly understand the real human consequences of their offense
• Gives the opportunity to restore self-image as a good and competent person
10
Restorative Justice Programs - Teen Court