Public Meeting Notice  Restorative Justice Advisory Committee Meeting

1. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Andrew Peck at 11:05am.

Note: Becky Michaels, John Millett and Scott Taberner left the meeting at 12:00pm.

Ret. Chief Fred Ryan and Carolyn Boyes-Watson left the meeting at 12:30

EOPSS Staff: Anjeza Xhemollari and Spencer Lord

Others in attendance: 

Over 25+ members of the public attended this meeting.

2. Welcome

Chairman Andrew Peck welcomed all Committee members and attendance was taken.

3. Review/Approval of Meeting Minutes from September 8, 2020

Since the meeting was held virtually, roll call was taken to approve the meeting minutes. All present members voted in favor to accept the meeting minutes.

4. Presentation by Jon Wilson, Director JUSTAlternatives: “Considering the Need for Rigorously Victim-CenteredVictim Offender Dialogue/Restorative Justice Practices”

Jon Wilson provided a combination of discussion points and video clips to illustrate the critical need for Restorative Justice practices to be Victim-Centered in order to properly address the post-traumatic-stress needs of Victims/Survivors, and the criminal thinking-error needs of Offenders.

Each video shown lasted between 5-15 minutes. Victim/Survivors in three different kinds of crime described how the crimes had impacted them, and another described how her dialogue with the offender allowed her to get answers to some of her questions, and enabled her to courageously face the person who caused her such severe loss and trauma to her and her family. The videos showed the many different ways that Victims/Survivors are able to express some of what they have Lost, and some of what they are still Carrying, emotionally. The presentation was followed by a brief Q&A session. 

Erin Freeborn asked Jon about his current work in Massachusetts.

Jon talked about his early work in MA with Janet Connors. Her initial dialogue with one of the offenders in her case was the first one held in MA. Jon also indicated that in early 2000, only 6 states were practicing RJ in crimes of severe violence. Now there are 34 states with such programs.    

Strong Oak mentioned using terms like ‘person who offended,’ rather than nouns like ‘offender.’  

Jon indicated that he’s a strong advocate of following the language needs of the survivor, and that most survivors want the freedom to call the offenders exactly what they feel they should be called. Because this work must be victim-centered, they lead the way, and whatever language they choose, we must follow them.  

5. Funding Update

Chairman Peck provided funding update to the Committee. Chairman Peck reported that funding wasn’t available to fund the RFP. In light of current events, COVID-19 has made everything very difficult fiscally and we cannot move forward.

Sen. James Eldridge and Rep. Sean Garballey echoed budget concerns as well. Senator Eldridge indicated that earmarks were unlikely to pass this year.

Chairman Peck wants to find alternative ways of funding the RFP. This item will be added to a future agenda.

6. Massachusetts Sheriffs' Association-New Member Update

Mary Quinn is appointed by the MSA as a new member.

7. Public Comment (10 minutes)

Several members of the public gave positive feedback on the presentation. Brenda Nolan asked if observers could get access to RJAC meeting handouts ahead of time. Anjeza Xhemollari indicated that approved agenda and meeting minutes by the Committee should be online.

8. Open Session for Topics not Reasonably Anticipated within 48 Hours of the Meeting

Susan asked about plans for Strong Oak’s circle process for the RJAC and it was confirmed that this would happen at the December meeting.

9. Adjourn

Meeting ended at 1:07pm

1. Call to Order
2. Welcome
3. Review/Approval of Meeting Minutes from September 8, 2020
4. Presentation by Jon Wilson, Just Alternatives, "Considering the Need for Rigorously Victim-Centered Victim Offender Dialogue/Restorative Justice Practices"
5. Funding Update
6. Massachusetts Sheriff's Association - New Member Update
7. Public Comment (10 minutes)
8. Open Session for Topics Not Reasonably Anticipated Within 48 Hours of the Meeting