Community Justice Philosophy Statement

Jen Smisson facilitating an evening education class.

The Youth Service Bureau’s community justice philosophy is based on four restorative justice values:

<“I see the YSB as a point where we can start to unite the community.” –Roberta Tauer, Parent of former client and currently a YSB adult volunteer

Service components include:

Educational Class:  Youth will learn decision-making skills and receive assistance with defining their values, setting goals & improving family communication.

Community Panel:  Youth appear before a panel of community volunteers to see first hand that the community cares and wants them to understand the important role they play in the community.  Parents are offered resources related to parenting, given the opportunity to support each other, share ideas and discuss asset building.

Research Paper:  By writing a research paper related to their offense, youth will understand the effects that similar offenses have on the community.

Community Work Service:  Youth are assigned meaningful service projects to help them learn the value of making things right and take pride in their ability to give back to the community.

Peer Groups:  Youth participate in groups facilitated by YSB staff and/or trained community members to better understand interpersonal skills including decision-making and conflict resolution.

Counseling: Counseling provides an opportunity for youth to share concerns, discuss issues, and learn skills to help them face difficult issues in their lives.

Community Panel Volunteers & Parents

“It helps kids see that they are not the only ones who make mistakes.” –Youth comment about the Community Justice program

“I learned only do what you know is right and don’t do what you have to question.  If you have to question the situation, then it is definitely wrong.” --Youth comment after attending the Community Panel