Programs For Juveniles
S.T.O.P.P. (Shoplifting and Theft Offender Prevention Program)
STOPP is a program developed in collaboration with Arrowhead Regional Corrections (ARC) Juvenile Probation. Men as Peacemakers (MAP) facilitates a monthly Circle for juveniles who have been convicted of shoplifting and other misdemeanor theft crimes. Volunteers from the business community speak to the students about the effects of theft on their businesses and on the community at large. One or two non-business community volunteers attend to represent and speak for the community regarding the impact of theft and shoplifting.
Participants discuss their individual offenses and explore the ripple effect of their actions. From this discussion, these young offenders identify the harm they have done, to whom they need to make amends, and how they will do so.
R.I.S.K. (Restorative Initiative Supporting Kids)
Each RISK Series at Men as Peacemakers will accept two to four referrals of medium risk juvenile offenders from Arrowhead Regional Correction's Juvenile Probation Department. Most are court ordered. Juveniles attend with a parent or other support person. Victims have the option of meeting separately with MAP staff, and in addition, if they wish, face to face with the juvenile who harmed them. A RISK Series will last between eight and ten weeks, meeting once a week for two hours. Several volunteers from the community are included in each RISK Series. When possible, trained community members are invited to co-facilitate these circles.
The additional time this program provides allows youth to gain deeper insight and understanding of themselves and their behavior patterns. They address what amends need to be made to those they have harmed. When applicable, juveniles write a Social Compact regarding the reparations they have agreed to make. Some follow-up is provided.
Note: Occasionally cases referred to the R.I.S.K. program are understood to be more appropriate for a longer term, individual Circle. Some of these juveniles are in out-of-home placement when referred to Men as Peacemakers Restorative Justice program. If the case is accepted, Men as Peacemakers may provide transitional services for a period of up to one-year that interweaves sanctions, reparations, support and oversight, with the ultimate aim of successful reintegration into the home community.
PEER TO PEER CIRCLE
Organized and staffed by community volunteers with oversight by Men as Peacemakers staff, youth involved in the Peer-to-Peer Circle draw on the support of the community and their peers in working out the changes they desire in their lives.
The Circle is open and on-going. Meeting from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., there is a Monday Circle and a Wednesday Circle to accommodate a variety of schedules and needs. Each Circle includes an hour of Circle discussion, a light supper, and an hour of activity time. Once a month the Circle will do extended Activities planned by the youth that may include field trips, projects or other events. Parental permission will be needed for all activities held off-premises.
For more information contact Mary Skillings at Men as Peacemakers
218-727-1939 Ex 13
mary@menaspeacemakers.org
JUVENILE SENTENCING CIRCLES
Men as Peacemakers is open to receive referrals from St. Louis County Court for Juvenile Sentencing Circles.
A Sentencing Circle is a community-directed process, conducted in partnership with the criminal justice system, to develop consensus on an appropriate sentencing plan that addresses the concerns of all interested parties. Sentencing Circles use traditional Circle ritual and structure to involve the victim, victim supporters, the offender, offender supporters, judge and court personnel, prosecutor, defense counsel, possibly the police, probation officers and community members. Within the Circle, people can speak from the heart in a shared search for understanding of the event, and together identify the steps necessary to assist in healing all affected parties and prevent future crimes.
Much preparation goes into a Sentencing Circle. The Circle itself may meet once a week for one or more months until consensus has been reached regarding the sentence. The sentence will then be submitted to St. Louis County Court in a hearing before a Judge and the sentence will be entered into the Court Record. Follow-up Circles will be scheduled as needed until the juvenile has completed his or her agreement and is released from probation.