To ensure that the people it serves have the resources they need to resolve conflicts and promote problem solving in creative ways that encourage feelings of fairness, safety, and inclusion.

Restorative Justice Alternative – At the discretion of the police and / or State’s Attorney’s Office, people who commit certain lower level offenses are referred to the MCJC for a restorative justice process. This provides an opportunity for dialogue, understanding, accountability and amends making with the direct participation of the people who have been affected and other community members. The Restorative Justice Alternative Program results in a quick, low cost resolution where matters are typically settled for all concerned.

Reparative Probation - People sentenced by the court to Reparative Probation are required to meet with a group of trained citizen volunteers (the Reparative Board) to be accountable to their community. Victims and other affected parties are welcomed into the process. Those responsible for offenses are expected to engage in a dialogue with the Board and the affected parties in order to deepen their understanding of the harm they caused to individuals and the community; collaboratively develop and complete activities to make amends; and engage in activities that lessen the likelihood of repeating the offensive behavior.

Offender Re-entry The MCJC supports the successful re-entry into the community of people following incarceration through Circles of Support and Accountability (COSAs). COSAs are made up of citizen volunteers who work with participants to help them learn to manage the challenges of everyday life, be accountable for their actions, and become responsible citizens.

Conflict Assistance Program - The Conflict Assistance Program is a service that helps neighbors find a way out of conflict by making it possible for them to work through problems and find solutions. When someone in conflict asks the MCJC for help, experienced mediators work with all the people involved, listen to their stories, encourage good communication, and act as go-betweens to help them find a solution that works for everyone.

Conflict Education - The MCJC offers Insights Into Conflict classes for diverse audiences within the community, including one tailored for those charged with assault or similar crimes of violence. These classes explore the choices individuals have when they find themselves in a conflict and teach productive ways of responding, techniques for managing conflict, and how to have difficult conversations.

Community education about restorative justice - The MCJC sponsors special events that highlight the work of local and national/international restorative justice practitioners. Events have included peace circles conducted by an Inuit healer, sponsorship of film festival entries, a community forum with a participant in a Victim-Offender dialogue, and a presentation on the use of Nonviolent Communication and Restorative Circles to address serious safety issues in poor communities.

Organization of public forums - The MCJC offers its services to manage potential or actual public conflicts by designing processes to disseminate accurate, unbiased information and by offering neutral facilitation of structured dialogue.

Conflict resolution skills development - The MCJC trains and supervises volunteer service providers in conferencing, mediation, and Reparative Board processes.

Montpelier Community Justice Center
39 Main Street, City Hall
Montpelier, VT 05601-0533
(802) 223-9606
E-mail: mcjc@montpelier-vt.org

Yvonne Byrd, Executive Director
E-mail: ybyrd@montpelier-vt.org

Judy Gibson, Caseworker
Email: jgibson@montpelier-vt.org