The Restorative Justice Program provides a chance for people involved in a conflict to sit down together, in a safe setting with two trained facilitators, to talk about what happened and decide what can be done to repair any harm.
What are the guidelines?
- One speaker at a time—no interruptions.
- Speak and listen with respect.
- No words that harm or hurt.
- Speak honestly.
Who can use the process?
Anyone. Students or adults who have been in a conflict. Examples:
- Schools
- Juvenile court services
- Governmental agencies
- Nonprofits
- Community members
How does it work?
Participation is voluntary for both people. If you are interested in taking part in the program follow these steps:
- Contact the program (see contact information below).
- Facilitators will contact both parties, meet and talk with them separately, answer any
questions and tell them how it works and how to prepare. - If both people want to sit down at a conference, it will be scheduled at a time and location convenient to all. There will be two facilitators present to help.
Why do it?
- Usually both people feel disrespected or misunderstood, and they have something they want to tell the other person.
- You can get past the past and create a different future.
- You end the drama and the trauma.
Who do I contact?
- Annie Tucker, Director, Mediation Services of Eastern Iowa:
Email: admin@mediateiowa.org
Contact Us form - If it involves a juvenile: Erin Altheide, Juvenile Court Officer
Email: erin.altheide@iowacourts.gov
Phone: 319-356-6076