Family Group Conferencing
Family group conferencing is an innovative approach intended to divert young offenders from the courts. Young offenders who admit to the commission of a crime have the opportunity to participate in a conference.
During the conference victims and their families are able to explain how the incident has affected them and help come up with a restorative outcome. The offender has the opportunity to apologize, make amends, and pay restitution or do community service work. The conference is coordinated by a trained police officer. During the conference, the officer acts only as a facilitator, not as a participant. Family group conferencing demonstrates how citizens can resolve their own problems when provided with a constructive forum to do so.