The Monte Vista City Council accepted a proclamation recognizing November as Restorative Justice Month and heard a presentation from a representative of the Center for Restorative Programs (CRP).

CRP described its work across the San Luis Valley with schools, courts, probation, law enforcement and defenders to divert youth and adults where appropriate. The presenter said the organization runs several programs including circles, victim–offender dialogues and wraparound intensive case management. CRP staff told the council the diversion-from-courts program typically serves about 200 individuals from court services across the valley; school support work is harder to quantify because it often consists of training and coaching school staff.

Councilors asked about CRP’s relationship to a national body and about funding sources. The presenter said CRP is a member of the National Association for Community and Restorative Justice and that funding comes from roughly 15–18 different sources at times including state funding through the Department of Criminal Justice (DCJ), school contracts, social services contracts, local government contracts and foundation grants.

Council thanked the presenters and acknowledged the local history of restorative justice work.

Next steps: proclamation recorded; council and staff may coordinate with CRP on local referrals and program information.