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We affirm that the community bears responsibility for the re-integration of offenders and the restoration of victims. Although judicial and correctional systems have assumed this responsibility historically, we believe that it is essential to the life of the community that it reclaims its role in dealing with criminal conflict, with victims and offenders.

The purpose of the Brattleboro Restorative Reentry Program is to engage the community in repairing the relationships that are damaged by criminal behavior. The specific relationships are: between the victim and the community; between the person who has committed the crime, and the community; between the person who has committed the crime and the victim. In order to resolve the harm done, all three relationships must be addressed. The program supports the successful transition into the community and speaks to the fears and concerns of victims and the community. The project involves volunteer community members who serve on the Community Advisory Panel (CAP) or who form support groups called Circles of Support and Accountability (COSA) with individuals who are re-entering the community on conditional release (under the Department of Corrections supervision). The participation of the returning individual is voluntary. Increasing community safety, reducing recidivism, planning and supporting successful reintegration drive this program.

Who is eligible?
The Restorative Reentry Program works with individuals who have been convicted of a felony, serve at least a six month sentence, will be returning to the Brattleboro area on Conditional Release (furlough), are 18 years or older and can agree to explore and acknowledge the impact of their past behavior on family, community, victim and themselves.

How does the Program work?
A minimum of 30 and ideally 90 days before release, a Probation Officer (PO) and the Justice Center Restorative Reentry Program Coordinator meet with the incarcerated individual, referred by the Department of Corrections, to begin the intake and needs assessment process. Once the individual is accepted into the program, these three individuals develop the initial restorative reentry plan.

The intake assessment covers in detail needs and resources pertaining to livelihood, past education and future training or education goals, transportation, debt, housing and living arrangements, basic daily living skills, family, health and sobriety, social and civic connections including any spiritual affiliation.

The Restorative Reentry plan addresses:

Vermont Public Radio profiles the role of the Community Justice Center's Restorative Reentry Program: http://www.vpr.net/episode/42776/

Volunteer with the CAP or a COSA!

"[We're here] to help articulate standards, not pass judgments."

-Ian, a COSA volunteer

The Community Advisory Panel (CAP)
The CAP convenes once a month, or less frequently as needed, to screen and review restorative reentry plans. In addition to the CAP members, the Probation Officer and Restorative Reentry Coordinator will attend to present and explain reentry plan. The CAP gives input, feedback, raises questions, and concerns. Victim or victim advocate input is strongly encouraged and sought. The goal is meaningful dialogue between community, professionals, victim or victim advocate and offender. This begins as the group and the participant engage in connecting on a human level, as fellow community members. Meaningful dialogue also requires individuals to bring their authentic, non-judgemental curiosity and active listening skills. The Probation Officer and Restorative Reentry Coordinator will provide training for CAP members and will facilitate the meetings.

Circles of Support and Accountability (COSA)
Comprised of 3 to 5 trained community volunteers, the COSA meets with participants once they have reentered the community. The goals of the COSA are to support successful reintegration, enhance community safety and hold the participant accountable for fulfilling his or her Reentry Plan. In addition, the COSA supports the participant to understand and address who has been affected by past criminal behavior and how.

Specifically, the COSA assists the participant to meet the challenges of everyday living, e.g., doing laundry, transportation, budgeting, shopping, cooking, preparing for job interviews. The COSA also works with the participant to identify triggers that might lead to re offending and together create a Relapse Prevention Plan. Finally, the COSA helps the participant determine how to make amends to those impacted by her/his past behavior.