History of Restorative Justice in Larimer County
The Restorative Justice Task Force for Larimer County
A community-wide task force met regularly from 1998-2000 to study services in our area and how to bring more restorative practices to our community. This task force was comprised of about 50 community members, including representatives from most areas of our law enforcement and justice systems as well as many other service providers. Many of the restorative efforts in our county today have roots in the work done by this original task force.
Loveland Police Department
The City of Loveland Police Department actively sponsored a restorative justice program for youth who committed misdemeanor crimes in the City of Loveland from 2000 to 2006 when the program was closed. The program used community volunteers to hold family/group conferences for young offenders, the same model used by neighboring Fort Collins.
Restorative Justice Community Council (RJCC)
This 501 c 3 nonprofit agency was established in 2010 for the purpose of supporting the existing Restorative Justice Services in Fort Collins, and expanding restorative justice services throughout Larimer County to meet identified community needs. The nonprofit is very new, and is currently seeking funding to pursue its mission.
A community-wide task force met regularly from 1998-2000 to study services in our area and how to bring more restorative practices to our community. This task force was comprised of about 50 community members, including representatives from most areas of our law enforcement and justice systems as well as many other service providers. Many of the restorative efforts in our county today have roots in the work done by this original task force.
Loveland Police Department
The City of Loveland Police Department actively sponsored a restorative justice program for youth who committed misdemeanor crimes in the City of Loveland from 2000 to 2006 when the program was closed. The program used community volunteers to hold family/group conferences for young offenders, the same model used by neighboring Fort Collins.
Restorative Justice Community Council (RJCC)
This 501 c 3 nonprofit agency was established in 2010 for the purpose of supporting the existing Restorative Justice Services in Fort Collins, and expanding restorative justice services throughout Larimer County to meet identified community needs. The nonprofit is very new, and is currently seeking funding to pursue its mission.
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RESTORE meeting covers shoplifting
City of Fort Collins Police Services
In November 2000, the City of Fort Collins Police Services started a restorative justice program for juveniles. The program is still in operation and has provided RJ services for more than 2,200 youth and young adults (age 10-20) through 2011.. In 2002, Restorative Justice Services developed the RESTORE Program, a restorative justice group process designed specifically for young shoplifters, their victims and community. The 8th Judicial Probation Dept. supports this program by donating staff time to help administer it.
In November 2000, the City of Fort Collins Police Services started a restorative justice program for juveniles. The program is still in operation and has provided RJ services for more than 2,200 youth and young adults (age 10-20) through 2011.. In 2002, Restorative Justice Services developed the RESTORE Program, a restorative justice group process designed specifically for young shoplifters, their victims and community. The 8th Judicial Probation Dept. supports this program by donating staff time to help administer it.
RJ conference
Estes Park Police and Community
In November 2002, the Estes Valley Restorative Justice Partnership was formed from a community task force that studied bringing RJ into the community and partnered with the Estes Park Police Department. Over forty volunteers and 250 community members have participated in community group conferences to complete more than 120 cases. In 2004 and since then, the organization expanded its programs to include adult offenders and more specialized processes to serve parolees (Community Circles Program), and students.
In November 2002, the Estes Valley Restorative Justice Partnership was formed from a community task force that studied bringing RJ into the community and partnered with the Estes Park Police Department. Over forty volunteers and 250 community members have participated in community group conferences to complete more than 120 cases. In 2004 and since then, the organization expanded its programs to include adult offenders and more specialized processes to serve parolees (Community Circles Program), and students.
Restorative Justice integrated into existing agencies
In many other areas of the justice system, restorative justice philosophy, language and approaches have been integrated into existing agencies that service both youth and adults.
8th Judicial District Probation Department (Larimer and Jackson Counties)
The Probation Department began offering restorative justice services in 2001. The services offered, include:
Larimer County Department of Human Services
The Department of Human Services offers mediation services and family/group conferences for families and youth. The purpose of Family Group Conferencing is to establish plans that provide for the safety and permanency needs of children and youth. This is an opportunity for families to build on their strengths and plan for their children's future. The department’s mediation services help families in conflict by bringing them together with an impartial mediator to find mutually agreed upon solutions. The mediator facilitates the process while the participants retain control over the decisions and agreements.
Division of Youth Corrections
A restorative approach is part of the mission of DYC, and more restorative practices have been put into place in the past few years.
Community service, victim empathy classes and restitution payments are part of what DYC clients participate in. A victim services unit was also established to deal with the concerns, needs and questions that the victims of the youths’ crimes might have. In addition, DYC employees receive training now on Victim’s rights and perspectives.
Colorado State University
Colorado State University's office of Conflict Resolution and Student Conduct Services began utilizing restorative group conferencing in 2003 as a way to repair harm between students going through the conduct system and those whom their actions impacted. Restorative mediations are another option for students to discuss the effect of their actions, and these are primarily conducted between students and police officers. Over the years, restorative principles have become a cornerstone philosophy of the office. Restorative questions and approaches are used in conduct hearings and the peer conduct board so as to encourage students to consider the affect of their actions on others and their community.
Thompson School District
Thompson School District in Loveland has been using restorative practices for 10 years, but beginning in the 2010-11 school year, it created a Restorative Justice Specialist position to serve the district. Some of the services offered are mediation, family group conferencing, and Peace Circles for students as well as staff. In collaboration with Ft. Collins Restorative Justice Services and Estes Valley Restorative Justice Partnership, volunteer training will be provided several times per year to more efficiently serve respective communities with training needs in RJ and Peace Circle facilitation.
Larimer County Community Corrections
Larimer County Community Corrections (LCCC) began providing services to the 8th Judicial District in 1974. The agency’s guiding principles are based on a commitment to community safety, restorative justice, quality customer service and excellence in programming. The agency added the Victim Services Program in 2007.
The mission statement of LCCC is “Larimer County Community Corrections is dedicated to improving the quality of life of the community, victim and offender through effective and innovative services that support positive choices, constructive behavior and accountability, thereby reducing criminal actions.”
Steppin' Out
Our Mission is to support ALL youth 18 to 21 years of age who, as they exit out of home placement, chose to have their new residence in Larimer County.
In many other areas of the justice system, restorative justice philosophy, language and approaches have been integrated into existing agencies that service both youth and adults.
8th Judicial District Probation Department (Larimer and Jackson Counties)
The Probation Department began offering restorative justice services in 2001. The services offered, include:
- Part-time Restorative Justice Coordinator on staff
- Impact of Crime classes (victim empathy) for both adults and juvenile
- RESTORE - shoplifting diversion (in collaboration with Fort Collins Police)
- RJ assessments
- Family Group Conferences
Larimer County Department of Human Services
The Department of Human Services offers mediation services and family/group conferences for families and youth. The purpose of Family Group Conferencing is to establish plans that provide for the safety and permanency needs of children and youth. This is an opportunity for families to build on their strengths and plan for their children's future. The department’s mediation services help families in conflict by bringing them together with an impartial mediator to find mutually agreed upon solutions. The mediator facilitates the process while the participants retain control over the decisions and agreements.
Division of Youth Corrections
A restorative approach is part of the mission of DYC, and more restorative practices have been put into place in the past few years.
Community service, victim empathy classes and restitution payments are part of what DYC clients participate in. A victim services unit was also established to deal with the concerns, needs and questions that the victims of the youths’ crimes might have. In addition, DYC employees receive training now on Victim’s rights and perspectives.
Colorado State University
Colorado State University's office of Conflict Resolution and Student Conduct Services began utilizing restorative group conferencing in 2003 as a way to repair harm between students going through the conduct system and those whom their actions impacted. Restorative mediations are another option for students to discuss the effect of their actions, and these are primarily conducted between students and police officers. Over the years, restorative principles have become a cornerstone philosophy of the office. Restorative questions and approaches are used in conduct hearings and the peer conduct board so as to encourage students to consider the affect of their actions on others and their community.
Thompson School District
Thompson School District in Loveland has been using restorative practices for 10 years, but beginning in the 2010-11 school year, it created a Restorative Justice Specialist position to serve the district. Some of the services offered are mediation, family group conferencing, and Peace Circles for students as well as staff. In collaboration with Ft. Collins Restorative Justice Services and Estes Valley Restorative Justice Partnership, volunteer training will be provided several times per year to more efficiently serve respective communities with training needs in RJ and Peace Circle facilitation.
Larimer County Community Corrections
Larimer County Community Corrections (LCCC) began providing services to the 8th Judicial District in 1974. The agency’s guiding principles are based on a commitment to community safety, restorative justice, quality customer service and excellence in programming. The agency added the Victim Services Program in 2007.
The mission statement of LCCC is “Larimer County Community Corrections is dedicated to improving the quality of life of the community, victim and offender through effective and innovative services that support positive choices, constructive behavior and accountability, thereby reducing criminal actions.”
Steppin' Out
Our Mission is to support ALL youth 18 to 21 years of age who, as they exit out of home placement, chose to have their new residence in Larimer County.