Restorative Justice Creates Additional Options for Juvenile Offenders

Public Defenders have a free opportunity to improve the skills they bring to represent juveniles. On Monday, February 7, the West Virginia Public Defender’s office will host the first day of a free 40-hour virtual training for any West Virginia attorney representing children in status offenses and delinquency cases

My workshop, "Plead or Go to Trial--​Finding More Options for Juvenile Offenders" is scheduled from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on February 7. Given that the entire session is virtual, my first objective is to create a workshop that will be fun for participants with ample opportunities for online engagement. We will participate through role-plays, small group discussions in break-out rooms, and polls. In addition, a unique online version of “Never Have I Ever” will provide the chance to share our experiences in alternative dispute resolution methods. During informational sessions, I’ve combined some short video clips and informational charts that are interesting to look at. (These intervals may also provide a chance to turn the camera off and check Instagram.)

My primary topic is that most near and dear to my heart: alternative dispute resolution. After viewing a short presentation on options, participants will test their skill at explaining alternative processes to clients with juvenile charges in small group role-plays.

Most of the program will be dedicated to restorative justice and restorative practices.  

Participants will hear how restorative justice processes such as victim-offender conferences, talking circles, and family group conferences create options for juveniles accused of criminal wrongdoing. Participants will work in small groups to look at the different questions posed by a retributive versus a restorative justice process. Then, after gaining some confidence working in teams, they will practice roles as co-facilitators and advocates in restorative justice processes.

In addition to learning how restorative justice may apply in the court system, participants will also be introduced to restorative practices in education that typically include a change in school culture and the school discipline system. Participants will work in small groups as members of an MDT to explore procedural options available with restorative practices in one case study.

I enjoy bringing my education and experience to this topic. My interest in Restorative Justice extends to 1999 when I was first introduced to an early RJ program, VORP, while working as an assistant prosecutor in Berkeley County. 

In 2009 I completed my master’s degree in Restorative Justice at Eastern Mennonite University. Since that time, I have conducted workshops throughout the United States in Restorative Justice, taught a master’s level course at Eastern Mennonite University, and authored two law review articles on the topic of restorative justice. I have also put my education into practice, facilitating Victim Offender Conferences and Talking Circles. My work with restorative practices in education has included training programs in Calhoun and Hancock County. In addition, I am currently involved in a multi-year project to bring restorative practices to a residential, educational/vocational rehab community in Fishersville, Virginia.  

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention funds the program through a grant awarded by the Division of Justice and Community Services.

The Boot Camp begins Monday, February 7, 2022, and occurs on Mondays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. through March 7, 2022. The training is​ approved for 8 CLE hours each day, a total of 40 hours of CLE credit for the Boot Camp. ​Registration is free and can be done here. When registering, please plan to attend all five sessions. If you cannot attend, public interest legal professionals may view the PowerPoint and download a copy of my white paper for a limited time at no cost after February 15, 2022, at waugh-law-mediation.teachable.com.

To learn more about restorative justice programs for juveniles and restorative justice law in West Virginia, Virginia, and D.C., contact Brenda Waugh today.