Men As Peacemakers

I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice.

-Abraham Lincoln

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. Usually the session ends with offenders writing letters to those to whom they believe they need to make amends.

R.I.S.K. (Restorative Initiative Supporting Kids)

Each RISK Series at Men as Peacemakers will accept three 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 six and ten weeks, meeting once a week for two hours.

The additional time this program provides allows for extensive work with these juveniles exploring their values and beliefs. From this, they gain deeper insight and understanding of themselves and how by changing their underlying thinking they can change their unhealthy behavior patterns. They also explore the ripple effect of their negative behaviors and crime(s), and 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.

Several volunteers from the community are included in each RISK Series. When possible, trained community members are invited to co-facilitate these circles.

Juvenile Reintegration Program

The primary objective of this initiative is to provide a holistic, transitional correctional program for juveniles in out-of-home placement and who have been adjudicated of serious delinquency. Working in partnership, Arrowhead Regional Corrections (ARC) and Men As Peacemakers (MAP) will provide transitional services during a one-year period that interweaves sanctions, reparations, support and oversight, with the ultimate aim of successful reintegration into the home communities.

The range of services provided to juveniles referred to the Reintegration Program will include: the provision of a supervised mentoring program; community support provided through their participation in a Restorative Circle Process; the networking of their various care providers through the facilitation of MAP staff; and support to their families through-out their transition from out-of-home placement to their return to home and community. MAP will work closely with the referring Probation Officer throughout the duration of the juvenile's probation or upon their discharge from the program.

Whenever possible, MAP's Circle facilitator will partner with a community volunteer to co-facilitate the Circle Process. Additional community members will be included where their presence is of significance to supporting the healing and change process for the juvenile and family.