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Community Restorative Justice Partnership
The Urbandale Community Restorative Justice Partnership offers an
opportunity to juvenile offenders to handle their offense(s) without
prosecution in exchange for participation in a multi-faceted restorative
justice program.
Participation in the program is offered by the Urbandale Police Department as an alternative to a referral to juvenile court services to youth who meet program referral criteria. Participation in the program is voluntary and there is a $125 fee, paid prior to scheduling. Youth must accept responsibility for their crime prior to participation. One of the primary goals of the program is to change the youth’s behavior. Participation in the program involves a comprehensive intake screening to assess the youth’s strengths and deficits in functioning and family living situation. Referrals for assistive services may be recommended depending on the youth’s needs. In addition, each youth will receive a referral to a restorative justice intervention (Victim-Offender Meeting, Community Circle, or Mediation) where they will address their specific offense(s). The youth’s parent(s) and/or guardian(s) may also be required to participate. As a result of their participation in a restorative justice circle, meeting, or mediation, each youth will come away with a personalized agreement that will include 3-5 items that they will complete in the next 30 days to repair the harm of their offense. The items on the agreement are a result of input from the youth and their parents, the victim(s), and the restorative justice facilitator. For some offenses, a referral for mental health or substance abuse evaluation may be required. The youth and his or her family assumes all financial responsibility for any referrals that are included in the agreement. If a youth successfully completes ALL requirements of the program, no conviction record or referral to juvenile court exists. If a youth is unsuccessful with ANY requirement of the program, the case is forwarded to Polk County Juvenile Court Services. For more information, please contact the Cindy Crouch, the Program Coordinator. Her office is located in the Urbandale Police Department and the phone number is 515.331.6816. See Also: |