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County restorative-justice program reports small but steady caseload, expanding school and jail programming
Summary
Program staff reported five criminal-legal referrals this year with several successful circle-based resolutions, ongoing restorative learning dialogues in the county jail, and expanding school and community engagement including Keene High School and a college hockey team initiative.
County restorative-justice staff gave an update on referrals, jail programming and community outreach, saying caseload referrals through the criminal legal system remain low but the program has produced notable outcomes in several cases.
Staff said since January there have been five referrals from the criminal-legal system. Three involved relationship harm (described as domestic-violence–related referrals); two were resolved through restorative intervention and one was returned to the prosecutor at the harmed party’s request. Two burglary cases were also discussed: one resolved with restitution and returned items; the second is ongoing and complicated by cross-jurisdictional issues.
The presenter described voluntary restorative learning dialogues at the Cheshire County House of Corrections that run eight to 10 weeks and focus on accountability, acknowledging harm and reintegration. One participant who completed the program entered residential rehab, later returned to volunteer as a co-facilitator and had a sentencing outcome the presenter described as far more favorable following the restorative work.
The program is expanding outreach into local schools (Keene High School and freshman groups), college athletics (a series with Keene State men’s hockey), and community dialogues on bullying and violence. The presenter said volunteers and community partners are essential to the work and that invitations to continue restorative processes remain open to harmed parties. The presenter thanked commissioners and noted continued coordination with judges, public defenders and prosecutors on complex referrals.
No formal county action was required or taken on this agenda item; the session was an informational update.
