Victim Comments:

 

“The conference went well – everyone had their say and it was comfortable enough for all even with the seriousness.” 

 

“I am glad that there are programs like this to give our youth a second chance.”

 

“Offender is fortunate to have such a forum.  I trust he will do well.”

 

“This is very helpful to have such a setting to help young offenders.”

 

“Very good program to help youth realize there is re-action for every action.  This is a great way for the youth to know there was help and support even though they think everyone is against them when they do something wrong.”

 

“It seemed very helpful. It allowed me to get my views across peacefully and safely.”

 

“I was very satisfied right from the start with the officer that took the report, the sergeant at the desk and all parties involved with this conference.”

 

“I like the calm, deliberate format and having this as an intervention before the police have to be involved.”

 

“We are glad to see that Chatham-Kent has this kind of program in place.”

 

“I think this was a great idea.  It let everyone involved vent frustrations and concerns.  It provided closure.”

 

 

 

Parent /Guardian Comments:                                                                         

 

“Facilitated very well. Pleased with the conference.”

 

“Great program – gives the kids an informal way to participate in being accountable for what they had done.”

 

“I thought this was a positive circle. I saw the sincerity in the girls. I also benefitted from this situation. I think that this is a good way of giving a second chance. We all make mistakes.”

 

“I think this is a good way to hold an offender accountable without having a police record follow them.  It gives them a chance to apologize and learn who they have affected.”

 

“I thought it was very relaxed and calm conference.  I got a lot off my chest and it helped to get the facts straight.”

 

“Good interaction process, effective outcome and knowledgeable leaders.”

 

“The session was positive not punitive. The community representatives gave a good perspective for the girls.  I am optimistic for the future.”

 

“The volunteers were excellent examples, caring, concerned and gave interesting ideas/concerns of the community.”

 

“Excellent program! Very positive way to handle a difficult situation.”

 

“Good to have a chance to voice my opinion and not be judged”.

 

“This process was very helpful in terms of providing both the youth and the community a voice. Often in the court process there is not an opportunity for open discussion.”

 

“This was a good session, thank you very much for taking the time to be with us as parents and children. All the girls will know personally how it affected everyone.”

 

“This was something I think every at-risk child should try.”

 

“It is positive to see that each individual circumstance is treated as such; that my child had an opportunity to express her feelings of disappointment in herself in an open minded forum.”

 

Offender Comments:

 

“I am very sorry for the people that were involved with this problem and it will never happen again.  P.S. I’m really sorry about all this.”

 

“I was pleased with the “community” for having a very non-biased opinion of the situation and for what has happened.”

 

“Thanks for being understanding and no judging.”

 

“I feel RJCK is a very fair program especially in dealing with a person who has made a one-time mistake. Thank you.”

 

“I thank Mark again for letting us come back to the store and that I am sorry for what happened.”

 

“I think that this was very helpful and I thank you for that.”

 

“I believe that this was and is a great eye opener on how the problem affects people and I know it is not something I would do again. I would recommend this program to any other youth in trouble with the law.”

 

“Thank you for giving us this opportunity to make up for this incident.”

 

“I found the conference has helped me see what I caused on the city worker’s behalf and the community. It helped me to see what I did was wrong. I’m glad that I had a chance to correct my mistake instead of jail.”