What to Expect in a Conference

A facilitator will ask the offender(s) to tell what they did and what they were thinking about when they did it. They also are asked how they think the incident has affected the victim and the community.

The victim(s) and their family and/or friends then give their perspective.  They tell how the incident has affected them.  The offender's family and friends are asked to do the same.

Next, the victim(s) and their support groups are asked what they would like the outcome of the Conference to be, and how they would like the harm repaired.  The offender and their support group are given a chance to respond and add their comments and ideas.

All parties discuss how best to repair the harm.  They will seek to arrive at an agreement by consensus.  This means they all have to give approval.

The plan to repair the harm is then written down in an agreement to be signed by all participants. Part of this agreement will cover how compliance will be monitored, and when actions have to be completed by.

While it is being written up, all of the Conference participants share some refreshments together.

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