Circles stop cycle of crime and time

The Toronto Star's Jim Coyle reports on Eva Marszewski's Youth Circles project , which will seek to break the cycle of juvenile crime by giving a young person in trouble a chance to take responsiblity and make amends, rather than entering the court system. Trained volunteer teams of attorneys and mental health workers will act as "circle-keepers":

Youth could be referred, say, by a school vice-principal as the alternative to suspension or expulsion, by a police officer prior to a criminal charge being laid, by a Crown prosecutor before trial, or a judge prior to sentencing.

Referrals will be screened prior to acceptance in the program, Marszewski said, the key being that they are willing to take responsibility and 'come to terms with their behaviour.'

'It is a detour essentially from the usual disciplinary or justice system,' she said. But it will be no easy way out. 'Each of those people who refer retains the discretion to decide if the product of the circle process is good enough or if it doesn't cut it.'

In fact, proponents say participation in the circle process is usually more difficult than attendance in court. It requires taking full responsibility for behaviour and consequences, including making amends for damages and – something no court is equipped to demand – committing to personal change.

The process also takes place outside school hours, to make sure youth involved aren't missing classes or, if suspended, being 'sent home to watch TV or hang out or whatever they're doing.'

Depending on circumstances, preliminary circles will be held with family or school staff or – if an offence has been committed – with victims willing to participate in the confidential sessions.