Description

The Community Restorative Court (CRC) receives misdemeanor referrals from the District Attorney's office, and municipal citation referrals from law enforcement agencies. CRC staff work with victims, respondents, and community stakeholders to help provide a non-traditional approach to restoring balance and harmony in neighborhoods affected by crime.  The CRC initiative began in Madison’s South District. The program has expanded to include all Dane County law enforcement agencies that have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with CRC.

The CRC provides young adults who are 17-25 years old the opportunity to have their case addressed in a Restorative Justice Circle. In addition to the respondent, victim, and CRC staff, circles also utilize community members called Peacemakers. These volunteers attend 16 hours of training through the CRC in order to serve our community in this way. The goal of this process is to ensure accountability, determine alternative sanctions and to help repair the harm done to the victim of the crime. Support may be offered to the respondent, as needed, in areas related to employment, healthy relationships, basic needs, and education.
The restorative process is victim-based, offender focused, and community driven.