Education ~ Choices ~ Hope

What is Community Outreach?

Community Outreach is a unique unit created by the District Attorney to seek out programs and opportunities to help reduce and prevent crime. Community Outreach is described as the “eyes and ears” of the office – sensing community issues and needs. The Community Outreach Unit works to identify and develop programs that are designed to meet the needs of our distinct community.

Community Outreach offers a variety of programs developed to provide juvenile offenders with an opportunity to improve their decision-making skills by holding the offender accountable for their actions.

Referrals are received from a variety of sources including Municipal Court, Juvenile Court, Probation, Juvenile Diversion and upon recommendation by our Juvenile Deputy District Attorneys. In addition, parents can volunteer their child(ren) to participate prior to any formal contact with law enforcement.

It is the goal of the Community Outreach Unit to educate juveniles on the impact crime has on themselves, their families and their community. Through this knowledge, juveniles become empowered to make better choices, thus providing them with hope for their future.

What Programs Does Community Outreach Offer?

Community Outreach oversees the following juvenile programs offered through the District Attorney’s Office:

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE

What is Restorative Justice?

• Restorative Justice focuses on repairing the harm done to the victim rather than punishment.
• Restorative Justice allows those most affected by the harm to participate in the decision making process of how to make the situation right.
• Restorative Justice emphasizes the importance of sharing perspectives, experiences, history, and hope for the future.
• requires the active involvement of the community in restoring and maintaining justice.

Why is Restorative Justice Needed?

• When an offender takes responsibility for their actions, they have the ability to restore order and relationships in the lives they have disrupted.
• Punitive measures often have the effect of further discouraging those who need encouragement the most.

How does the program work?

If the offender meets the Restorative Justice criteria, contact is made by the Restorative Justice Office to offer the offender the opportunity to participate in the program as an alternative to the traditional court system. The offender must take responsibility and admit guilt for the offense committed. The program is a voluntary program, which means that at any time, the offender may opt not to participate in the program. In this case, the offender will be referred back to the court for further handling.

The Community Accountability Board (CAB) conference may involve the victim as well as community members. A discussion regarding how the crime has affected them will take place. At the conclusion of the CAB, an agreement will be developed listing sanctions the offender must complete within a three month time frame. The sanctions may include, but are not limited to, a verbal or written apology, community service, and participation in educational programs offered within our community. The program is unique in that the sanctions can be creative and tailored to each individual and the crime committed.

Upon successful completion of the program requirements, the offense will not be filed in court. Should the offender become non-compliant with the program, the case will be referred to the court for further handling.

Who are the Stakeholders and what is their role in the Restorative Justice process?

The Victim(s)

• Have the opportunity to share their feelings about what happened
• Have a voice in how the offender can repair the harm
• Are able to move toward the process of forgiveness and healing

The Offender(s)

• Are held accountable for their actions by repairing the harm
• Are given the opportunity to be a part of the solution
• Have the opportunity to develop an understanding of the impact their actions have on others
• Are encouraged to see themselves as important members of our community

Families and Community Members

• Have the opportunity to share their feelings about the crime that was committed
• Have a voice in how the offender can repair the harm
• Have the opportunity to be a part of a process that builds stronger communities
• Have the opportunity to strengthen their relationship with Pueblo’s youth and the community