Most people have never heard of the mediation or restorative justice programs unless they have been involved in a case.

That’s why we are announcing our 2017 community awareness project. We want more Fort Collins residents to know about and understand the services the Mediation and Restorative Justice Service’s office provides. This year our staff will host quarterly open houses so you can come by and learn more about it.

Our first meeting will focus on the City’s Restorative Justice Services. The program was established in 2000 to offer youth offenders a court diversion option that promotes resolution for victims and repairs the community harm caused by the youth’s actions. Our program strongly encourages offender accountability, personal development, and re-integration so they can return to productive community life with a clean record. Participants range in age from 10-22 years old, and have typically committed a misdemeanor offense such as shoplifting, trespassing, or damaging someone’s property. 

During the last 16 years, the program has served 2,805 youth, most of whom successfully complete the program and never commit another offense. We can’t do it alone; we partner with the City of Fort Collins Municipal Court, Larimer County District Attorney’s Office, Fort Collins Police Services, and the state’s probation department.

Speaking of partners, Restorative Justice certainly could not exist without a dedicated team of volunteers. In 2016, our team of 66 volunteers donated a total of 2,310 hours to the program.

The first community awareness meeting will be held from 5-6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1 at the Mediation and Restorative Justice Services office, 112 N. Howes Street. Seating is limited, so please RSVP to (970) 416-2290 or email Kailee at kmelendez@fcgov.com.

We can also come to you – contact us to schedule a private presentation for your organization.

Patsi Maroney is the mediation program coordinator for the City of Fort Collins. She can be reached at 970-224-6022 or pmaroney@fcgov.com.