Community Accountability Panel
Overview
The Community Accountability Panel is used when the victim agrees to the referral but chooses not to participate in a Community Justice Forum. This model involves the ffender meeting with a panel of three volunteers who represent the community and the victim.
The circumstances of the offence are discussed, as well as any other relevant issues that arise.
The panel attempts to identify and address any underlying problems that may have contributed to the behavior. A Resolution Agreement is agreed upon, signed and a mentor is introduced.
Process
The Program Coordinator contacts the victim and confirms that they agree to the referral but choose not to participate. The Coordinator requests a Victim Impact Statement and asks if the victim has any suggestions for the resolution.
The Program Coordinator contacts the offender (and his/her guardians, if applicable) to set up a meeting with a CAP Committee. The committee proceedings are explained and a meeting date and time are scheduled.
When the parties arrive at the meeting, the Coordinator or Chair will meet with each of them to briefly review the process and ensure that all parties are there voluntarily and with appropriate support.
The offender is asked to tell in his/her own words what happened and committee members will ask questions as deemed necessary. The offender, if a youth, may only be interviewed separately, with the approval of the guardian(s).
To remain true to restorative principles, the Young Person (and their Guardian) or the adult should be involved in the agreement process. The agreement should be restorative, reasonable, and relevant
Once the committee believes all issues have been fully discussed, the conditions of the Resolution Agreement are agreed upon.
The volunteer Mentor assigned to do the follow-up with the young person will act as liaison between the family and organization until the Resolution Agreement is completed. The Mentor should follow up regularly with phone calls and visits with the offender.
The Mentor will arrange for community service hours, with the assistance of the program coordinator. The Mentor will ensure all conditions are met and will assist the offender with the completion of each item specified in the Resolution Agreement.
Follow-up
A Resolution Agreement is a contractual agreement between the Offender (and his guardian if applicable), his Mentor, RCMP and/ or the Committee. Each party must meet his / her obligations under the Resolution Agreement. It is the Mentor's responsibility to ensure to the best of his / her ability that the Resolution Agreement is completed in full.
Due to unforeseen circumstances (medical emergency, etc.) it may be necessary to consider extension of the timeline or amendments to the Resolution Agreement. In such circumstances the Mentor must contact the coordinator and propose changes to the original Resolution Agreement.
Closure meeting
When a Resolution Agreement has been completed, the offender is invited to meet with a CAP Committee accompanied by his/her Mentor. The individual is asked to review his/her specific restorative agreement and experience with the program. He/she is given a letter of completion. Finally the offender and guardian(s) are requested to provide comments on the process by completing an evaluation form.
You'll find this process outlined in more detail in this Facilitation Guide.