Actions can’t be reversed

but there’s a process that can help you move forward.

If you’ve harmed someone, or know someone who has, you can help take responsibility through a facilitated dialogue process called “restorative justice conferencing” with those who’ve been affected.

No matter the offense, we provide opportunities for you to tell your part. If you want to make things right and make sure that the incident doesn’t happen again, restorative justice may help you and everyone involved move forward.

How does this process work?

If you are a youth in the Lancaster County Juvenile Court system and you’ve been involved in causing harm to another person or their property, your case will be referred to Advoz by your probation officer and the court. If you are a youth meeting with a community Youth Aid Panel, the panel may also refer you to Advoz. Please talk with either the probation officer or the Youth Aid Panel about being involved with a restorative justice conference.   You can expect a call from Advoz up to several weeks after we receive your referral. You can also call our Restorative Justice Program Coordinator directly to check on the status of your referral or to see if your particular incident qualifies for our Restorative Justice Dialogue program.

What happens next?

1. You will be assigned a professionally trained Advoz facilitator and volunteer who will contact you to schedule time to meet with you and your family.
2. When you meet with the facilitator, you will talk about the incident and how to address the harm that you caused in a way that involves you and the other person.
3. If the other person agrees to meet, you can participate in a facilitated face-to-face dialogue to help make things right.

Is the process safe?

Yes. Emotional and physical safety is a priority. A face-to-face dialogue will take place only if:

• You are comfortable meeting with the other person.
• The facilitator has determined there is no potential harm or risk to either person.
• Both sides agree to be respectful and not cause any harm to the other person.

The restorative justice dialogue will take place in a publicly accessible location. You will also talk with the other person about what you will need to ensure safety in the future.

Do I get a chance to tell my story?

Yes. The face-to-face dialogue between you and the other person will be conducted by a facilitator so that everyone’s stories, concerns, and ideas for resolving the incident are heard.

How will this process help me?

Being involved in Restorative Justice Dialogue will help you:

• Move towards making things right for you, the victim and everyone impacted.
• Understand and meet the needs of the person you harmed.
• Seek healing for the harms that contributed to the offending behavior.
• Transform blame and shame into responsibility.
• Fulfill the conditions that the court or your youth aid panel has given you.
• Establish a fresh start by putting the incident in the past.

Call us to find out how to get started:

Phone: (717) 397-2404, Monday through Friday, 9 AM – 4 PM or by appointment.   Email: restorativejustice@advoz.org

Advoz does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or age. Advoz does not retaliate against persons who file a complaint about discrimination or participate in a discrimination proceeding.