We are part of The Trust Project.
CROSBY — Brian Andrews, executive director of the Lakes Area Restorative Justice Project, will speak at a Lakes Area Unlimited Learning event at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 14, in the Forum Room at Crosby-Ironton High School.
Admission is free for members and $5 for nonmembers.
Since 2004, juvenile offenders in Crow Wing County have had an alternative to entering the court system through the Lakes Area Restorative Justice Project, resulting in significantly reduced recidivism and reduced crime rates.
Participant numbers are growing rapidly, and now young adults are being added to this successful program.
Andrews will talk about proven practices that focus on the needs of all those involved - victim, offender, family and community - rather than court justice that’s focused on the offender, guilt and punishment.
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Restorative justice helps return young people to the community as productive members. Approximately 92% of offenders will complete their Restorative Contract with a recidivism rate of 13.5%, compared to the national average of 67%.
Lakes Area Restorative Justice Project works directly with Crow Wing County police departments, the sheriff’s department, the county attorney’s office, social services and schools.
