September 24, 2015 Meeting of West Bay Rotary
Belfast-based Restorative Justice Project of the Midcoast (RJP/M)
Lorraine Brown, Executive Director, spoke about the RJP/M program, now 10 years old. Juvenile offenders who admit their offense and crime victims along with members of the community create a “circle” to help the offender and victim repair the harm caused by the crime, including restitution. Youth “mentors” are included as well. The circle asks the offender questions about why they committed the crime, if they understand the impact of their offense, including the viewpoint of the victim. The program also works at the Belfast re-entry center to help inmates to enter the community post-incarceration.
Restorative Justice is a global movement taking many forms across Europe, Latin America, Asia and beyond. New Zealand since 1989 has had a family-focused RJ program reducing their juvenile incarceration rates to almost zero.
The US has the highest incarceration rate in the work, many times that of other countries like the UK and Japan.
Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc and Waldo counties are served by the RJP/M. Their work is preventative, in schools where there are discipline issues and with school districts that could benefit by restorative practices. Intervention is done in community conferences, in the “circle” process, which is known as “court diversion” and Reintegration is done through the Maine Coastal Regional Reentry Center in Belfast.
They have reduced detentions by 42% and suspensions and expulsions by 72% and have provided training to almost 2000 school staff in more than 200 schools.
In 2014, 96% of the reparative agreements were successfully completed, and 98% of victims reported being “satisfied” or “highly satisfied” with the process.
Long term, they hope to create a shift in culture resulting in reductions in incarceration rates for both juveniles and adults.
Volunteers can be trained as mentors and facilitators, drivers, justice advocates, event planning or office support. FMI visit www.rjpmidcoast.org.
Buckets on the tables this month are for the Sussman House.
Ron Hall spoke about the Rotary Foundation and the Polio Walk on October 17 involving Rockland, Camden, Belfast, Midcoast Interact and West Bay Rotary Clubs. Please save the date.
Mark Coursey was recognized for participating in Every Rotarian Every Year.
Sarah Ruef-Lindquist shared a bit about her 350 ride last week with BikeMaine from Kittery Point to Bethel and back, with 357 riders from 35 states and 4 countries. The event was produced by the Bicycle Coalition of Maine.
Mark Masterson would like folks to help with planning the winter fund raising event at Winterfest/Toboggan Nationals. He'd like to do some brainstorming and hopes that new members of the club will get involved to provide their ideas.
Heidi Karod encouraged us all to invite an inbound exchange student to dinner or to join your family in an activity or daytrip. Contact Heidi if you want to extend and invitation.