The BCJC provides a continuum of restorative justice programming and services. We intervene to help resolve conflict before it turns into criminal action, provide a restorative resolution after a crime has been committed, and offer reentry services to individuals after they have been incarcerated. We serve Brattleboro and the nearby towns of Brookline, Dummerston, East Dover, Guilford, Halifax, Jacksonville, Jamaica, Londonderry, Marlboro, Newfane, Putney, Readsboro, Saxtons River, Somerset, Stratton, Townshend, Vernon, Wardsboro, West Dover, Westminster, Whitingham, Williamsville, Wilmington, and Windham.
Programs and Services
Restorative Victim Services
Victims are invited to participate in all restorative justice programs to the extent that they feel comfortable.
Restorative Justice Programs
Restorative justice programs allow for direct community involvement in the resolution of criminal offenses through participation in Restorative Justice Panels, restorative conferences and/or restorative circles. People directly affected by a crime have an opportunity to participate in a justice process where they can articulate their needs, ask questions, seek restorative actions and receive support from their community. Those responsible for a crime can learn about the harm, make amends, and build a positive connection with their community.
Restorative Reentry Programs
These programs enhance community safety as people return to their communities from prison. Services offered include facilitating dialogue between inmates and family to promote healing and reintegration and the opportunity to learn new skills and make amends.
Those who have committed serious offenses may join a Circle of Support and Accountability (COSA), a personalized network of community members who volunteer their time to support the person’s actions as he or she builds a crime-free life.
Community Conflict Assistance
This program facilitates dialogue related to neighborhood and community issues. Professional mediation services help community members talk about and find solutions to their conflicts, which may involve such issues as noise, pets, boundaries, and landlord-tenant disputes.
Additional Offerings
Community Education
BCJC hosts general educational events and events that promote awareness of restorative justice practices.
Returning Prisoner Simulation
This program is a half-day experiential learning event that allows participants to develop a clearer understanding of the tasks and demands put on an individual who leaves prison and returns to the community. By “walking in their shoes,” each participant learns to appreciate the stressors and conflicting priorities that a returning prisoner must negotiate to avoid violating his or her furlough conditions.
Sex Offender Notification and Education Committee
This committee is made up of local professionals who inform community groups about the challenges of working with sex offenders. Participating groups may be neighborhood associations or others interested in current information on sex offenses and community safety.
Annual Celebration of Restorative Justice Week
Our center hosts a yearly event, or series of events, to recognize restorative justice practices in our community. The events raise community awareness about the difference between restorative and retributive practices.
Restorative justice practitioners provide the great majority of the services at BCJC. These practitioners are trained volunteers who carry out the delivery of restorative justice across all of our programs. Our 50 volunteers serve as mediators, members of COSA teams, Restorative Justice Panel members, and mentors to at-risk youth. Contact us at (802) 251-8142 for more information and to get involved.