Community Justice
LAYSB’s Community Justice Program is a community-based program that works with the offender, the victim and the community when a criminal offense occurs. The program revolves around the young person taking responsibility for his/her actions and understanding that their behavior affects more than themselves. They are asked to think of the person they hurt with their actions and apologize for any damage they may have caused. The youth also learn that they are a valued part of their community and that there are many people who want to see them succeed. This program works in conjunction with schools, law enforcement and counties. Parents are involved through the whole process to be a support system to their child, as well as receive support from other community members.
“This was an exceptional program that teaches kids the overall effect of their choices. I would recommend the program for any child.”—quote from a parent about the Community Justice Program
Youth involved in the Community Justice Program are asked to participate in weekly peer groups, attend educational classes, complete community service hours and appear before a panel of community volunteers who will emphasize the young person’s value in the community. The volunteers who participate in the panel are average community members that have a special concern for youth who are making negative choices. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer on the Community Panel, please contact LAYSB at 651-464-3685.
Mom and daughter put their heads together for a class project.
“I’m quite impressed with the work your volunteers are doing. I feel much better knowing what I’m sending these children to do. I know it is worthwhile.”—Quote from Chisago County Judge John McBride
Participants under the age of twelve go through a program that teaches them about making good choices and how their actions affect everyone around them. This program teaches them life skills to use in the future so they can make positive decisions.
Parent’s Role
The LAYSB believes the advice, guidance and involvement of parents is essential for a teen’s success in life. Through parent involvement in this program, positive values are reinforced and integrated into daily life.
Philosophy
The Lakes Area Youth Service Bureau’s community justice philosophy is based on four restorative justice values:
- Crime is a violation of people & relationships
- Crime creates obligations to make things right
- Justice involves the victim, offender & community
- Justice seeks solutions which promote repair, reconciliation and reassurance
“I see the LAYSB as a point where we can start to unite the community.” –Roberta Tauer, Parent of former client and currently a LAYSB adult volunteer
Service components include:
Educational Classes
Chemical Awareness Class: A two night class for youth and parents about chemicals. This prevention education class focuses on alcohol, marijuana and prescription drugs. In the class participants learn the current facts about these commonly used substances and about ways they lose control when if they use them.
Choice and Consequence Class 15 and Under: A one night class for youth and parents about decision making. In this class youth will process how their decisions are affecting others and their futures. A variety of activities get youth thinking about victims of crime. Youth and parents also get a chance to talk about trust and family relationships that are affected when young people make bad decisions.
Choice and Consequence Class 16 and Older: A one night class for youth and parents about decision making. In this class youth will hear from current prison inmates about the decisions that landed them in jail. Using a variety of cognitive skill activities and discussion topics, youth and parents process through the affects of bad decisions on the youth’s future.
Tobacco Awareness Class: A one afternoon class for youth about tobacco. In this class youth learn about the addictive properties of nicotine. They learn about the effects of smoke and chew tobacco on the body. Youth also talk about making quit plans and get ideas and resources to aid them in that process if appropriate.
Community Panel: Youth appear before a restorative justice panel of trained community volunteers that represent the victims of crime and the community as a whole to each youth. Panels use the restorative principle of getting offenders face to face with victims of crime and make it apply to every juvenile offense that we process. Our panel members are affected community members with a stake in seeing each youth learn from their mistake and repair the harm they caused.
Youth come to the meeting prepared to present three pieces of homework to the panel of two to three adults:
- An apology letter to whomever was most affected by their offense.
- A cost analysis worksheet that details how much their offense has potentially cost all involved.
- A research paper relating to their offense or an appropriate essay on what they have learned through this experience.
Parents are offered resources related to parenting, given the opportunity to support each other and discuss asset building in a separate parent support meeting while their youth is being processed through the panel.
Community Work Service: Youth are assigned meaningful service projects to help them learn the value of making things right and take pride in their ability to give back to the community.
Peer Groups: Youth participate in groups facilitated by Lakes Area Youth Service Bureau staff and/or trained community members to better understand interpersonal skills including decision-making and conflict resolution.
Counseling: Counseling provides an opportunity for youth to share concerns, discuss issues, and learn skills to help them face difficult issues in their lives.
 Community Panel Volunteers & Parents |
“It helps kids see that they are not the only ones who make mistakes.” –Youth comment about the Community Justice program
“I learned only do what you know is right and don’t do what you have to question. If you have to question the situation, then it is definitely wrong.” –Youth comment after attending the Community Panel
Program Forms
Apology Letter (pdf)
Community Service Time Sheet (pdf)
Cost Analysis Worksheet (pdf)
Essay Assignment (pdf)
Community Justice Referral Forms (pdf)
Community Service Component
Mission
To provide service opportunities that will enrich a community and foster positive learning experiences for youth.
Goals
1) Support youth as they work to fulfill their contracts with the Lakes Area Youth Service Bureau.
2) Coordinate with work sites that best match the interests of youth.
3) Allow youth to evaluate and reflect on how their service was meaningful for them and their community.
4) Prepare and implement work crews for group projects.
Community Connection
This program will be constantly changing and adapting to meet the needs of the community. It is our hope that there will be no shortage of new and innovative ideas shared between community organizations and the Lakes Area Youth Service Bureau.
Time and effort will be put into making face-to-face connections with community members and organizations.
