Program Packet - Center for Court Innovation · Program Packet A Division of the Yolo County...

Program Packet

A Division of the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office.

Table of Contents Program Overview: About Neighborhood Court………………………………………………………….………….1 Common Qualifying Offenses……………………...…………………………………………..2 About Our Volunteers……………………………….…………………………………………..4 Volunteer FAQs…………….………………………..…………………………………………..5 Conference Documents: Contact Notice…………………………………………………………………………………...7 Letter to Participant……………………………….………………………………………...…..8 Offender Fee Memo…..………………………………………………………………………...9 Confidentiality Agreement Form………………………………………………………….......10 Davis Agreement Form……...…………………………………………………………….......11 West Sacramento Agreement Form………………………..………..……………………....13 Woodland Agreement Form…………………………….......………..……………………....15 Writing Form Supplement…………………………………..……………………………..…..17 Menu of Options – All County…...………………………..…………..……………………....19 Participant Post-Conference Evaluation……….…………..………..………………....…....27 Panelist Post-Conference Evaluation……….…………..…………...……………………....28 Apology Letter Template……...………………………………….…………………....….......29 Assignment Verification Form……...……………………….………………………….…......30 Completion Notices………………………………………………………………………….....31 Volunteer Forms: Panelist Application……………….……….…………..……………..………….…………....34 Facilitator Application…………………..….…………..……………..…………….………....36 Panelist Code of Conduct…………………..….……………………..……………………....39 Facilitator Code of Conduct…………………..……….….…………..……………………....43 Media & Press: 2014 Year-End Report…………………..……………..……………..……………....……....47 JAG Press Release..…………………..………...……..……………..……………………....58 Neighborhood Court Quarterly…...…..……….…………….………..……………...……....59 Newspaper Articles………………….……...…………..……………..……………...……....65

About Neighborhood Court

Neighborhood Court is a restorative justice program initiated by the Yolo County District Attorney’s office in cooperation with the Davis, UC Davis, and West Sacramento, and Woodland Police Departments. Neighborhood Court seeks to address nonviolent and low level crimes through community-based solutions to swiftly redress the harm caused by these offenses outside of the traditional criminal justice system. The purpose of this program is to address criminal violations that impact the quality of life of our neighborhoods.

Neighborhood Court utilizes restorative justice concepts which identify crime as acts that cause harm done to people and communities. Neighborhood Court emphasizes the offender repairing that harm done to the individual and the community. Another goal of Neighborhood Court is for all parties to understand the root cause of the crime so that the victim, community and offender can move forward in a positive direction. Neighborhood Court strengthens neighborhoods impacted by criminal activity in four ways:

Restore Victim Neighborhood Court is victim centered by placing emphasis on the victim’s needs. It is focused on offenders making things right to the greatest extent possible with their victims. Offenders pay restitution to victims who have suffered monetary losses or property damage.

Restore Community Neighborhood Court creates an atmosphere of inclusion and responsibility by providing a direct role for residents to oversee the resolution of offenses in their city. When appropriate the offender will complete community service that goes directly to improving conditions in the area impacted by the crime.

Restore Offender Neighborhood Court offers offenders a second chance by avoiding a criminal conviction on their record upon successful completion of the program. Offenders are also restored by helping them understand the consequence of their actions and by giving them the opportunity to pay back the community they harmed through community service.

Educate Offender Neighborhood Court educates offenders by helping them understand why they committed the offense which led to their current situation. Offenders can be educated in alcohol use, anger management, and how to be considerate to their community, as well as other topics designed to change or modify their behavior.

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Yolo County Neighborhood Court

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NHC Common Qualifying Offenses Revised 6/2/15

The below are the qualifying offenses for Neighborhood Court. Business & Professions Code 25620 Possess Open Container 25658(d) Drinking on Premises 25659(c) Possession of Keg w/o ID tag 25661 False Evidence of Age, Person Under 21 25662(a) Minor in Possession 22435.2 Shopping Cart Offenses Penal Code 242 Battery 372 Public Nuisance 374 Littering 374.3 Dumping on Roadway 374.4 Littering on Private Property 374(a) Urinating in Public 403 Disrupt Public Meeting 415 Disturbing the Peace 484/488 Petty Theft (also includes 490.5) 529.5(c) Possession of Forged/Altered Identification Card 537 Defrauding an Innkeeper 594 Vandalism 602 Trespassing 626.6 Disrupt Campus 626.7 Failure to Leave Campus 647(c) Accosting Person for Purpose of Begging 647(e) Lodging on Public/Private Property without Permission 647(f) Drunk in Public 647(h) Loitering/Prowling Vehicle Code 21200.5 Biking Under the Influence 23224(a) Driver Under 21 Knowingly Operating a Vehicle Carrying Alcohol 23224(b) Passenger Under 21 Possessing Alcohol in Vehicle Davis Municipal Code 24.05.010 Noise complaint 26.04.020 Open Container 26.01.050 Public Urination Yolo County Codes 5-4.02 Public Consumption of Alcohol 5-13.04(a) Prohibit Display of Private Parts 6-7.02(a) Littering 6-7.03 Deposit Contaminant in Public

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NHC Common Qualifying Offenses Revised 7/22/15

West Sacramento Municipal Code 8.36.030 Camping on Public Property 8.36.040 Camping on Private Property 9.08.020 Consumption From/Possession of Open Container on Public Property 9.08.020 Consumption From /Possession of Open Container on Private Parking Lot 9.08.040 Offering or Furnishing Alcoholic Beverage for Consumption 9.28.030 Aggressive Solicitation Woodland Municipal Code 7-3 Camping on Public Property 7-4 Camping on Private Property 15-26 (c) Loud Party 15-26 (l) Barking Dog 15-28 Alcohol in a Park 15-29 Alcohol in Public The below Code violations may be appropriate on a case-by-case basis. Business & Professions Code 25658(a) Furnishing Alcohol to Underage Adult Penal Code 148(a) Resisting Arrest (Lt approval required) 148.9 False Representation of Identity to Police Officer 308 Sale of Tobacco Product to Minor 459.5 Shoplifting 466 Possession of Burglary Tools 485 Appropriation of Lost Property 496 Possession of Stolen Property 626.10 Bringing or Possessing Weapons on School Grounds 21510 Possess switchblade 21810 Possess Metal Knuckles 22020 Possess Nunchaku 22210 Possess Billy, Sap, Slungshot, ... . Vehicle Code 20002(a) Hit and Run 2800 Failure to Comply with Lawful Order 23109(c) Exhibition of Speed

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Neighborhood Court Volunteers Each Neighborhood Court conference includes the person who committed an offense, the victim (when applicable), one Facilitator and 2-3 Panelists. Neighborhood Court Facilitators play an important leadership role in the program. Their duties include leading pre-conference meetings with victims (when participating), offenders, and community panelists in order to prepare all parties for restorative dialogue during the joint conference. During the conference the Facilitator guides participants through a restorative 3-Step Process in which victims, offenders and community panelists 1) name the harms created by the crimes in question; 2) determine how to make things as right as possible, and; 3) develop a specific agreement that clearly states how things will be made right and declares future intentions to assure that the actions will not be repeated. Neighborhood Court Panelists play a very important supportive role within the program. Panelists represent the community's needs, interests, and perspectives with respect to the crime(s) committed. Panelists agree to meet with the offender in a face-to-face conference facilitated by a trained, neutral mediator (the Facilitator). During the conference, Panelists 1) name the harms the community experiences as a result of the crime, 2) ask questions seeking to understand the circumstances around the crime, and 3) decide, together with the offender, the steps that are necessary to make things right (as much as possible). This face-to-face dialogue is designed to encourage accountability on the part of the offender and to arrive at the steps necessary to remedy the situation as fully as possible. Neighborhood Court strives to maintain a diverse pool of representatives from different segments of the UC Davis, Davis, Woodland, and West Sacramento communities (e.g., business, residential neighborhoods, students, etc.). Applicants need only the ability to work with others to solve problems, a willingness to learn how to apply restorative justice concepts to solve problems, and familiarity with the community and culture of their neighborhoods. Both positions receive in-depth training on the principles of restorative justice as well as the specific roles and duties of each position. All applicants undergo a Livescan criminal history background review and complete a code of conduct agreement designed to protect the integrity of the Neighborhood Court hearing, participants and process. Applicants cannot have any felony convictions or recent misdemeanor convictions.

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Neighborhood Court

Volunteers: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Neighborhood Court? A: Neighborhood Court is a Restorative Justice Program initiated by the Yolo County District Attorney in cooperation with local city governments and Police Departments. Neighborhood Court addresses nonviolent and low level crimes through community-based solutions. The purpose of this program is to address criminal violations that impact the quality of life in our communities. In Neighborhood Court, volunteer Facilitators and Panelists, trained in the principles of Restorative Justice, participate in conferences with criminal offenders and victims (when participating) to address the harms caused by criminal violations. Together, they seek to reach an Agreement on how to make things right in a restorative setting that allows the harm caused by these offenses to be swiftly resolved outside of the traditional criminal justice system. Q: How are the principles of Restorative Justice utilized? A: Restorative Justice defines crime as acts that cause harm to people and communities. Neighborhood Court emphasizes the offender’s reparation of the harm done to the individual and/or the community. Another goal of Neighborhood Court is for all parties to understand the root cause of the crime so that the victim, community and offender can move forward in a positive direction. Neighborhood Court strengthens neighborhoods impacted by criminal activity in four ways: Restore Victim - Neighborhood Court is victim centered and places emphasis on the victim’s needs. It is focused on offenders making things right to the greatest extent possible with their victims. Offenders pay restitution to victims who have suffered monetary losses or property damage. Restore Community - Neighborhood Court creates an atmosphere of inclusion and responsibility by providing a direct role for residents to oversee the resolution of offenses in their city. When appropriate the offender will complete community service that goes directly to improving conditions in the area impacted by the crime. Restore Offender - Neighborhood Court offers offenders a second chance by avoiding a criminal conviction on their record upon successful completion of the program. Offenders are also restored by helping them understand the consequence of their actions and by giving them the opportunity to pay back the community they harmed through community service. Educate Offender -Neighborhood Court educates offenders by helping them understand why they committed the offense which led to their current situation. Offenders can be educated in alcohol use, anger management, and how to be considerate to their community, as well as other topics designed to change or modify their behavior. Q: What is the role of a Panelist? A: Panelists play an important supportive role within the Neighborhood Court program. They represent the community's needs, interests, and perspectives with respect to the crime(s) committed. Panelists agree to meet with the offender in a face-to-face conference facilitated by a trained, neutral mediator. During the conference, panelists 1) name the harms the community experiences as a result of the crime, 2) ask questions seeking to understand the circumstances around the crime, and 3) decide, together with the offender, the steps that are necessary to make things right (as much as possible). This face-to-face dialogue is designed to encourage accountability on the part of the offender and to arrive at the steps necessary to remedy the situation as fully as possible.

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Q: What is the role of a Facilitator? A: Facilitators play an important leadership role in the program. Their duties include leading pre-conference meetings with victims (when participating), offenders and community panelists in order to prepare all parties for restorative dialogue during the joint conference. During the conference the Facilitator guides participants through a restorative 3-Step Process in which victims, offenders and community Panelists: 1) name the harms created by the crimes in question; 2) determine how to make things as right as possible, and; 3) develop a specific agreement that clearly states how things will be made right and declares future intentions to assure that the actions will not be repeated. Q: What qualifications do I need? A: We ask that volunteers meet a few requirements to ensure that they are familiar with the community and appropriate for this program:

Reside or work in the community for a minimum of three years and be familiar with different neighborhoods.

Ability to work with others to solve problems.

Complete a Live-Scan prior to participation and must have no felony convictions or recent misdemeanor

convictions.

Ability to commit to participation in the program for two years (students one year). Q: What is the time commitment for Neighborhood Court volunteers? A: Training is the largest time commitment for Neighborhood Court. Volunteers will be asked to attend a 1 day (Panelist) or 2 day (Facilitator) training course on Restorative Justice Concepts and the Neighborhood Court process, as well as an informational pre-training meeting and mock conference role play training. The total time commitment during training is approximately 14 (Panelist) -22 (Facilitator) hours. Once training is complete, volunteers typically serve 2 nights or 6hrs per month. Q: How can I find out more or apply to volunteer? A: To find out more, visit our website www.yoloda.org/nc, email [email protected], or call 530.666.8378 and speak to the Neighborhood Court Clerk.

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________________________________________________

OFFICE OF THE

DISTRICT ATTORNEY COUNTY OF YOLO

JEFF W. REISIG DISTRICT ATTORNEY

____________, You are receiving this notice regarding cite/rpt # _______, issued to you on (date) _____. The Yolo County District Attorney’s office has determined that you may be eligible to participate in the Neighborhood Court Diversion program for the speedy resolution of your citation/charge. Neighborhood Court is an alternative to the traditional court process. Upon successful completion of Neighborhood Court there will be no conviction on you record and your case will be closed with no further action taken by the Court. In Neighborhood Court you will meet with community volunteers in a mediation process which utilizes the principles of restorative justice. This process is called a Conference, and is completely confidential. If you participate in this program you will not need to attend your previously assigned court date. There are no judges or juries involved, and this process is not meant to determine guilt or innocence. By participating in this process you accept the charge on your citation/arrest report. Neighborhood Court is a voluntary program. If you are interested in pursuing this option as a means of resolving your charge, you will need to contact the Neighborhood Court Clerk, using the contact information provided below, to confirm your desire to participate in the program and begin the scheduling process. A representative from Neighborhood Court may also attempt to contact you via phone or email prior to the court date of __/__/__ provided on your original citation/NTA in order to confirm your participation in the program. Please note, contact attempts may be made outside of normal business hours. If you fail to confirm participation in the program (either by initiation of / or response to this contact) within 21 days of your assigned court date, your case will be referred back to the appropriate agency for charging. If you have an attorney, direct them to contact Deputy District Attorney Christopher Bulkeley regarding this option. Thereafter, all future communication regarding your case will be directed to your attorney. To confirm participation: Call: 530.666.8378 Neighborhood Court Clerk 530.681.6323 DDA Chris Bulkeley Email: [email protected] For additional program info, visit: www.yoloda.org

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mailto:[email protected]

http://www.yoloda.org/

____________________________________________________

OFFICE OF THE

DISTRICT ATTORNEY COUNTY OF YOLO


[Re: Report/Citation # YY-####] [Offender name], Welcome to the Yolo County District Attorney’s Neighborhood Court (NHC) pre-charging diversion program. NHC is voluntary and confidential. This letter confirms your decision to participate in NHC. Any and all information you disclose pertaining to this case in connection with your participation in NHC will remain confidential, including previous telephone conversation(s). You will be participating in a NHC conference in a community setting, which will consist of a discussion between you, the Victim (if applicable), and community member volunteers. The content of the conference, and all pre-conferences, other discussions leading up to the conference, and the conference itself, is confidential. It is crucial to the restorative justice process that you have an open, honest discussion at your conference. To further this goal the District Attorney’s Office agrees not to use any potentially incriminating statements against you in a criminal court proceeding derived from this case if you later opt out of the program or fail the program. You will be required to discuss the harms to the community and yourself from your conduct, so if you believe you are innocent, this program is not a suitable option for you. The District Attorney’s Office and community member volunteers will not make public comments on the merits of your case or their private opinions about your case. Information obtained during the course of your participation in NHC will not be used for any personal or professional purposes, except information may: (1) Be disclosed to the District Attorney’s Office, Facilitators, Panelists, and trainers for any purpose related to this program; (2) Be used for educational and training purposes, however your name and information that would reveal your identify will not be disclosed; and (3) Be disclosed to other programs utilized by you as part of your written agreement prepared during your conference. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Neighborhood Court Deputy District Attorney, Chris Bulkeley, at your earliest convenience. Respectfully, Christopher Bulkeley Deputy District Attorney Yolo County District Attorney 530.666.8202 [desk] 530.681.6323 [cell] [email protected] [email]

Neighborhood Court Letter to Participant MM/DD/YYYY Page 8



Memo To: Neighborhood Court Facilitators From: Neighborhood Court Staff Re: Fee Waiver and Payment Plan Options

Fees for Neighborhood Court are $350.00 for misdemeanor level offenses* and $120.00 for infraction level offenses (*YCC 5-4.02 [open container] is charged at the infraction level cost). Payment is requested in the form of a Money Order or Cashier’s Check. Cash, Credit/Debit, or Personal Check are not acceptable forms of payment. Payment plans are available for all participants. Fee waivers may be available in certain situations, if the participant can provide proof that they are currently receiving public assistance, such as CalFresh (formerly Food Stamps), CalWORKS (Cash Assistance), General Assistance, and Medi-Cal. If a participant has any questions related to fee payment options please direct them to contact Neighborhood Court Attorneys Jennifer Davis or Chris Bulkeley (contact info below). Please do not attempt to determine eligibility for fee waivers or discuss payment details with participants. Thank you for your cooperation. Respectfully, Neighborhood Court Staff Christopher Bulkeley Deputy District Attorney Yolo County District Attorney 530.666.8202 [desk] 530.681.6323 [cell] [email protected]

Jennifer Davis Deputy District Attorney Yolo County District Attorney 530.406.4513 [desk] 530.681.3008 [cell] [email protected]

Nicole Kirkaldy Neighborhood Court Clerk Yolo County District Attorney 530.666.8378 [desk] 530.402.4454 [cell] [email protected]

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Neighborhood Court Confidentiality Agreement

Last, First

The Neighborhood Court (NHC) conference is a discussion in a community setting designed to address crime between the Offender, Victim, and residents. The content of this discussion, and all pre-conferences leading up to this conference, is confidential. I shall not make public comments on the merits of a pending matter or my private opinion about this case. I shall not use any information obtained in the course of this case and conversations about this case for any personal or professional purposes. I shall not disclose any information received in the course of my participation in today's conference to any person or entity, except as specified below. The content of NHC discussions may (1) Be disclosed to the District Attorney’s office, Facilitators, Panelists, and trainers for any purpose related to this program; (2) Be used for educational and training purposes, however the Offender’s and Victim’s names or information which would reveal their identity shall not be disclosed; and (3) Be disclosed to other programs utilized by the Offender as part of his or her written agreement prepared during this conference. Should the Offender fail to complete the terms of his or her written agreement, a criminal case may be filed. However, no information disclosed in the NHC process, including this conference, shall be used against the Offender in a criminal case filed as a result of the following citation/police report which is the subject of this conference: DPD / UCDPD / WSPD / WPD / YCSO Report/Citation Number: YY-#### Name Signature Date

Neighborhood Court Confidentiality Agreement MM/DD/YYYY

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CFI PHONE: 707.429.2411, EMAIL: [email protected], MAIL: CFI, ATTN: NHC, PO BOX 699, Fairfield, CA 94533

DAVIS NEIGHBORHOOD COURT #CaseNo

Yolo County District Attorney’s Office

AGREEMENT Name of Victim:

Name of Offender:

Offense:

Offense Date:

Conference Date:

We could not agree on how to best address the offense. Please refer the matter back to the District Attorney.

RESTORE EQUITY (Needs and concerns related to what happened)

We agree that harms have been recognized, restored, and future intentions clarified. Upon payment of the Neighborhood Court fee, this case is closed.

We affirm that __________ agrees to complete the following:

To write and forward (number of letters) _____ apology letter(s) to the Center for Intervention (CFI) by (date) ___ / ___ / ___ as indicated in attached Writing Assignment form.

A copy of the above-mentioned document(s) will be made available to the Facilitator and Panelists involved in this Agreement.

To write and forward (number of papers/essays) _____ research paper(s)/essay(s) to the Center for Intervention (CFI) by (date) ___ / ___ / ___ as indicated in attached Writing Assignment form.


To complete the following other project described below and forward proof of completion of project to the Center for Intervention (CFI) by (date) ___ / ___ / ___. Describe:


To work ______ hours / shifts (circle one) of Community Service for:

And to contact the organization by (date) ___ / ___ / ___ and complete service by (date) ___ / ___ / ___.

To pay restitution in the amount of $ _______________ to _____________________________ by (date) ___ / ___ / ___.

No restitution necessary. Explanation:

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To contact the UC Davis Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs (ATOD) program no later than (date) ___ / ___ / ___, and schedule an appointment to meet with the ATOD Program Intervention Services Coordinator as soon as the Coordinator is available and to participate in ATOD programs as directed by the ATOD Program Intervention Services Coordinator.

To meet with the ATOD Program Intervention Services Coordinator as directed and comply with the educational/counseling plan developed therein through (date) ___ / ___ / ___.

I understand that a copy of both the Police Report and this Agreement will be forwarded to the ATOD Program Intervention Services Coordinator to assist him/her in developing an appropriate education/counseling plan.

Initial Here:

To contact the UC Davis Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) program no later than (date) ___ / ___ / ___, to schedule an appointment to meet with a CAPS Counselor as soon as the Counselor is available.

To meet with the CAPS Counselor as directed and comply with the plan developed by the Counselor through (date) ___ / ____ / ___.

To complete the following Center for Intervention (CFI) program(s) by (date) ___ / ___ / ___.

Goal-Directed Behavior (home study, 7 hrs) Anger Management Component (7 hrs)

Drug and Alcohol Component (2 hrs)

Stress Management Component (7 hrs)

To complete the following Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) program(s) by (date) ___ / ___ / ___.

Victim Impact Panel (VIP) (2hrs)

Start Making A Right Turn (SMART) (3hrs) includes VIP

To attend ____ sessions of the following by (date) ___ / ___/ ___. Al Anon Alcoholics Anonymous SMART Recovery Alateen

Secular Organizations for

Sobriety (SOS) Women for Sobriety (WFS)

To attend _____ sessions of meditation at the Davis Shambhala Meditation Center (DSMC) by (date) ___ / ___ / ___.

___________________ has asked for help/assistance with the following concerns:

IN CONCLUSION

We talked about the importance of completing this agreement and how it would help to rebuild trust.

We further understand that failure to abide by the terms of this agreement will, most importantly, cause further harm to the victim/community and violate what we have agreed to do for one another. It may also lead to further accountability, sanctions, and could lead to the District Attorney initiating criminal charges against the offender in criminal court.

PARTICIPANT SIGNATURES Offender Signature

Victim Signature

Facilitator Signature

Panelist Signature(s)


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WEST SACRAMENTO NEIGHBORHOOD COURT #CaseNo



Name of Offender:

Offense:

Offense Date:

Conference Date:




We affirm that agrees to complete the following:











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Goal-Directed Behavior (home study, 7 hrs)

Anger Management Component (7 hrs)





Start Making A Right Turn (SMART) (3hrs)

includes VIP

To attend ____ sessions of the following by (date) ___ / ___/ ___.

Alcoholics Anonymous SMART Recovery

Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS) Women for Sobriety (WFS)


IN CONCLUSION




X

Victim Signature (when applicable)

X


X


X

X

X


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WOODLAND NEIGHBORHOOD COURT #CaseNo



Name of Offender:

Offense:

Offense Date:

Conference Date:




We affirm that __________ agrees to complete the following:











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Goal-Directed Behavior (home study, 7 hrs)

Anger Management Component (7 hrs)





Start Making A Right Turn (SMART) (3hrs)

includes VIP

To attend ____ sessions of the following by (date) ___ / ___/ ___.

Alcoholics Anonymous SMART Recovery

Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS) Women for Sobriety (WFS)


IN CONCLUSION




X

Victim Signature (when applicable)

X


X


X

X

X


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NEIGHBORHOOD COURT


WRITING ASSIGNMENT Name of Offender:

Conference Date:

Conference Location:

Davis / West Sacramento / Woodland (circle one)

APOLOGY LETTER(S) We affirm that the above-named Offender agrees to complete the following:

Write an apology letter to each of the recipient(s) listed below and forward to the Center for Intervention (CFI), by (date) ___ / ___ /___. Recipient #1: Recipient #2:

____________________________________________ _____________________________________________

__________ Pages(s) __________ Pages(s)

Topic Points: Topic Points:

1. ___________________________________________ 1. ___________________________________________

2. ___________________________________________ 2. ___________________________________________

3. ___________________________________________ 3. ___________________________________________

4. ___________________________________________ 4. ___________________________________________

5. ___________________________________________ 5. ___________________________________________

Provide mailing address to CFI. Provide mailing address to CFI.

Recipient #3: Recipient #4:

____________________________________________ ____________________________________________

__________ Pages(s) __________ Pages(s)

Topic Points: Topic Points:

1. ___________________________________________ 1. ___________________________________________

2. ___________________________________________ 2. ___________________________________________

3. ___________________________________________ 3. ___________________________________________

4. ___________________________________________ 4. ___________________________________________

5. ___________________________________________ 5. ___________________________________________

Provide mailing address to CFI. Provide mailing address to CFI.

CFI PHONE: 707.429.2411, EMAIL: [email protected], MAIL: CFI, ATTN: NHC, PO BOX 699, Fairfield, CA 94533 Page 17

NEIGHBORHOOD COURT


WRITING ASSIGNMENT Name of Offender:

Conference Date:

Conference Location:

Davis / West Sacramento / Woodland (circle one)

RESEARCH PAPER/ESSAY We affirm that the above-named Offender agrees to complete the following:

Write and forward a (# of pages) ______ page research paper/essay (circle one) to the Center for Intervention (CFI), by (date) ___ / ___ /___.

Topic Points:

1. _____________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

2. _____________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

3. _____________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

4. ____________________________________________________________________________________________

5. ____________________________________________________________________________________________

6. ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Additional Information:

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

CFI PHONE: 707.429.2411, EMAIL: [email protected], MAIL: CFI, ATTN: NHC, PO BOX 699, Fairfield, CA 94533 Page 18

All County 8/3/15

NEIGHBORHOOD COURT MENU OF OPTIONS

WRITING ASSIGNMENTS Letter(s) of Apology can be helpful if the Offender does not know the victim personally, or if the panel feels it is important for the Offender to apologize to the Victim or someone else in a formal way. Letters of Apology can also help the Offender sort out his/her feelings about his/her actions, and understand the consequences of making poor choices. The agreement should specify the length of the apology by either word or page counts. Research Papers can be helpful by educating the Offender on the impact of the incident. As part of the agreement Offenders can type a paper and provide a bibliography to cite the resources used (i.e., internet, books, periodicals, etc.) to explore the impact and consequences on both the Community and the Offender. Research papers can assist Offenders with an opportunity for further reflection concerning the harms of their actions, or help come to an understanding of various public policy reasons behind the law that was broken. The agreement should specify the length of the paper by either word or page counts. CENTER FOR INTERVENTION (CFI) PROGRAMS (Open to Everyone) Goal-Directed Behavior 7 hours CFI’s workbook aims to help participants understand and correct the faulty thinking and reasoning that contributed to their offense. The program teaches Offenders how to take responsibility for their behavior, realistically judge their self-worth and the worth of others, and assess the consequences of their behavior with respect to their ultimate goals. This is a good option for Offenders who are not UCD students or have committed crimes like petty theft that are not addressed by other programs. Anger Management Component (Classroom) 7 hours This program offers participants a basic understanding of the dynamics of anger while providing them with strategies to prevent aggressive behavior. Examples of such strategies include learning how and when to take a "time out", and ways of utilizing effective communication skills while under emotional duress. This and other classroom courses are offered once a month, if there is sufficient demand, in Fairfield, Vacaville, and Davis. Stress Management (Classroom) 7 hours Participants will learn how to identify their internal and external stressors, and how to recognize the difference between adaptive and maladaptive responses. They will develop a Personal Stress Management plan that will assist them in appropriately handling stressful situations. Drug and Alcohol Component (Classroom) 2 hours Participants will learn how different classes of drugs are identified, for example, stimulants vs. depressants, and their psycho-pharmacological effects on the individual. The participants will also learn how to differentiate between the levels of drug/alcohol usage from experimentation to addiction. Treatment options are suggested for people that fall into the latter category. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS (AA) Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experiences with each other in an effort to solve their common problem and aid the recovery process. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. The primary purpose of participation in AA is to achieve and maintain sobriety, and aid others in pursuit of the same.

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All County 8/3/15

AA meetings are held nightly, at a variety of times and locations in the area, including: 96 W. Main Street in Woodland, CA (12pm Mon-Sat, 6pm Sun, Mon, Wed-Fri) 1040 Soule Street in West Sacramento, CA (7pm Sat/Sun, 12pm Mon-Sat, 6pm Mon-Wed & Fri) 640 Hawthorn Lane in Davis, CA (Mon/Wed 6:30pm, Thur-Sat 7pm w/ Fri night youth program) For a complete list of locations and meeting times, please visit: http://www.aasacramento.org

AL-ANON / ALATEEN Al-Anon is a mutual support group of peers who share their experience in applying the Al-Anon principles to problems related to the effects of a problem drinker in their lives. It is not group therapy and is not led by a counselor or therapist; this support network complements and supports professional treatment. Alateen is a peer support group for teens who are struggling with the effects of someone else’s problem drinking. Many Alateen groups meet at the same time and location as an Al-Anon group. Alateen meetings are open only to teenagers. No advance notification or written referral is necessary to attend an Al-Anon or Alateen meeting. Anyone affected by someone else’s drinking is welcome to attend. AA: Davis Young People’s Group - Friday 7:00 - 8:30 PM, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 640

Hawthorne Ln. (Off Sycamore). Alateen: 510 Arthur St, Davis, CA 95616, (530) 758-6907

MOTHERS AGAINST DRUNK DRIVING (MADD) SMART Program 3 hours MADD developed the Start Making a Right Turn (SMART) program, specifically for individuals under the age of 21. The program’s primary goal is to educate teens about the dangers of underage drinking, its consequences in their development and decision-making, and its impact on their future goals as well as the lives of others. It promotes responsibility and accountability for one’s actions. Pre- and Post-tests are given to determine increased knowledge and perceptions around program topics. Education is emphasized to help reduce teen recidivism. This option is ideal for underage and/or non-UCD students. Victim Impact Panel 2 hours MADD Victim Impact Panels (VIPs) are designed to help offenders understand the impact of their crimes on victims and communities. VIP’s can provide a nonjudgmental forum for victims to speak to offenders about the physical, emotional, and financial impact of their actions. This program is aimed at increasing offenders’ realization of the harms and potential harms of their actions. It can be a great tool for offenders with DUI or drunk in public priors. VIP’s have been used in prisons, with parolees, in youth education programs, and treatment YOLO COUNTY ONE-STOP CAREER CENTERS AND WORKSHOPS One-Stop provides employment assistance, workshops, and various resources at sites in Woodland, and West Sacramento and is open to all Yolo County residents. FREE Employment Center: Employment Center Staff are available to assist participants in job search

techniques and computer research. Resources include Internet access, job leads, on-site recruitments, and help wanted ads from regional newspapers. A copy/fax machine is also available for employment-related activities only.

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FREE Career Workshops: These fifteen-day workshops are divided into three sections. The workshop focuses on career exploration, job applications, résumés, interview techniques, and job search techniques. New fifteen-day workshop sessions begin approximately every 15 days. Participants may attend one or more of the three sections. Please register in advance. Locations:

25 N. Cottonwood Street (Woodland) 500-A Jefferson Boulevard (West Sacramento)

Contact: Sandy Jack @ (530) 661-2750, Ext. 4359 or email: [email protected]

WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT Available to Yolo County Residences or those who worked for an employer in Yolo County that closed. Offers vocational training, paid work experience and/or some financial assistance for school and work expenses for the unemployed or underemployed.

Locations: 25 N. Cottonwood St. in Woodland 500-A Jeffereson Blvd., Suite 100 in West Sacramento Services available Mondays, starting at 8:15am.

ADULT EDUCATION Available to individuals who have not earned a High School Diploma or GED. Offers academic counseling to give an assessment of the requirements to earn a GED, and assistance for students with learning disabilities. Students are required to sign a release form to transfer their High School records to Adult Education.

Locations: 575 Hays St. in Woodland 215 W. 14th St. in Davis 919 Westacre Rd. in West Sacramento

RESTITUTION Restitution should be awarded to Victims for their economic loss resulting from the Offender’s criminal conduct and included in the agreement. An example of economic loss would be the replacement cost for a car window broken by an Offender. The cost of booking an Offender in the jail or the time it takes a police officer to conduct the investigation, write a report and transport an Offender to jail does not qualify as an economic loss. COMMUNITY SERVICE Community Service is appropriate when it is mutually agreed upon by the Panelists and the Offender as a contribution to the community that was harmed in order to restore the community. The work should be connected to the offense as much as possible and should not exceed twenty hours, absent some unusual circumstance. Community service must be performed in the community that was harmed. Community service is not designed to be punitive.

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DAVIS OPTIONS DAVIS SHAMBHALA MEDITATION CENTER (DSMC) Mindfulness Meditation The Davis Shambhala Meditation Center (DSMC) offers free mindfulness meditation instruction and sitting meditation followed by community conversation over coffee, tea and light snacks weekdays (Monday through Friday) at 7AM. This activity is appropriate for individuals wanting to learn to: quiet one's mind, be more present (vs. wrapped up in discursive thoughts) and connect into the larger Davis community. Many Shambhala meditation practitioners are volunteers in Neighborhood Court and other community projects. Contacts: Gene Tashima or Bill Fell. 530.758.1440; 133 D Street, Suite H, Davis. UCD RESOURCES (UCD Students Only) Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drug (ATOD): ATOD Intervention Services works to empower students to make healthy and responsible choices concerning use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. The ATOD Intervention Services Coordinator provides professional assessment and intervention services for ATOD concerns. No-use and low-risk behaviors are supported while the realities of the negative consequence of high-risk use are addressed. Strategies to reduce ATOD-related barriers to academic and social success are primary intervention goals. ATOD issues, alcohol poisoning and decision-making skills are addressed. Services and referrals are provided in collaboration with Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and Student Health and Counseling Services medical Staff.

Part 1: Online BASICS Assessment: The student can expect to complete an assessment of his or her alcohol, marijuana, or other drug consumption patterns, history and related issues. This assessment is designed to assist students in examining their drinking and other drug behavior(s) in a judgment free environment. This assessment helps the student identify his or her alcohol, tobacco, and other drug consumption patterns, history, and related issues. It is the first step to participate in One-on-One Meetings or the ATOD Education Groups. This assessment, which is completely confidential, is completed online before the student meets with the ATOD Intervention Services Coordinator. Part 2: One-on-One Meeting: The student will meet with the ATOD Intervention Services Coordinator. Personalized feedback is provided based on the BASICS Assessment and focuses on ways the student might choose to reduce future health, social and legal risks. The number of sessions will be determined by the ATOD Intervention Services Coordinator. Education Groups: These 90-minute sessions are provided in a confidential and nonjudgmental environment for students referred from the conduct system or students who self-refer. After completing the BASICS Assessment, students may be referred to the Education Groups by the ATOD Coordinator. The ATOD Coordinator determines if the student should attend the Education Groups or personal One-on-One counseling. Panelists should not directly refer a student to the Education Groups as part of the Agreement.

Counseling And Psychological Services (CAPS) Personal Counseling: Provides free individual counseling that is confidential short-term therapy available to all registered UCD students. This program is appropriate if the student indicates that stress, depression, or some other mental health condition was a factor relating to the offense. For example, it would be appropriate to refer a student who drinks alcohol to deal with stress to the CAPS program. The initial appointment will help clarify if short-term individual counseling is recommended, and an appointment will be made with a staff member as soon as possible. If longer term services are needed, referral to a community professional will be made.

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UCD Safe Party website: Provides information on how to throw a responsible party. The site has tips for reducing the risks of alcohol-related and noise complaint problems, as well as other tips on how to keep a party from ending on a low note with law enforcement intervention.

Volunteer sites for community service options include:

All Things Right and Relevant Purpose: Support 10 Yolo County mental health charities from proceeds of Davis resale stores. Duties: Stock/straighten merchandise; assist customers, staff fitting rooms in main store and workroom. Special skills/requirements: 10hr service requirement w/ 4hr/week minimum, no referrals for weapons/theft/drug violations, initial interview/orientation and screening under Megan’s Law, Present a pleasant personality and neat appearance, No special skills required. Contact: Nadia Trauner – 530.759.7807 Davis Cemetery and Arboretum Purpose: Strengthen cemetery as a space for remembrance, contemplation, and healing, memorialize the history of Davis, its people, and Central Valley landscape through art, architecture and design. Duties: Landscape maintenance. Special skills/requirements: willingness/ability to do hard physical labor, M-F 8-12pm. Contact: Joseph Finkleman - 530.756.7807 Davis Community Meals Purpose: Provide food/housing for individuals and families in need. Duties: Food and dining room preparation, food service, clean up, and other duties as requested. Special skills/requirements: TB test required for shelter volunteers, No special skills needed. Contact Harmony Scapozzi - 530.756.4008 Graffiti Abatement Program Purpose: Rid the City of unsightly graffiti. Duties: Remove graffiti using cleaning supplies and paint. Special skills/requirements: none. Contact: Kellie Vitaich, Volunteer Coordinator – 530.747.5419

Elderly Nutrition Program Purpose: Provide group meals, and home delivery to homebound seniors. Duties: Kitchen aide at Davis Senior Center nutrition site, wash dishes, clean prep area, and load/unload food*, M-F between 9:30-1pm. Special skills/requirements: Orientation w/ site manager required, *(if loading/unloading food) must be able to lift 50 pounds with another person, No referrals for theft violations. Contact: Cecilia Plascencia - 530.747.5870 Tree Davis Purpose: Expand and care for Davis’ urban forest. Duties: Plant and care for trees during work events scheduled throughout the year (esp. October-May), occasional office support. Special skills/requirements: none. Contact: Keith McAleer, Executive Director - 530.758.7337 Village Harvest Davis Purpose: Harvest fruit trees for donations. Duties: Pick fruit trees. Special skills/requirements: none. Contact: Joe Schwartz - 530.759.9792 YCSPCA Thrift Store Purpose: To increase awareness and raise money to help fund SPCA animal rescue programs. Duties: Processing donations, assisting the public, and/or helping with output and organization of clothes. Special skills/requirements: Must have proof of health insurance. Shifts are self-scheduled and must be a minimum of 1hour in length. No referrals for theft or violent crimes. Contact: Emma Kurtz, Volunteer Coordinator – [email protected]

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WEST SACRAMENTO OPTIONS

Volunteer sites for community service options include: Habitat for Humanity of West Sacramento Purpose: Habitat for Humanity “ReStore” offers quality used and surplus building materials at a fraction of normal prices. Proceeds from the sales help to fund the construction of Habitat houses within local communities. Duties: Help process donated merchandise, clean facilities in Habitat for Humanity “ReStore”. Volunteers will not have direct interactions with customers. Special skills/requirements: Service with the organization is conditional upon an interview with Habitat for Humanity staff. Contact: [email protected] / 916-379-9734 / 916-440-1215ext 1109

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 94981 Purpose: The VFW works closely with other national organizations, such as Boy Scouts of America, Citizen Corps, March of Dimes, and America's Promise-The Alliance for Youth, among others. USO provides VFW members with additional opportunities to volunteer in their communities and give back to our troops and their families. Duties: Participate in community service options for various activities with the Post. Special skills/requirements: Participants do not need to be veterans to volunteer with the VFW. Contact: Karen – 916.371.9126; 708 Lisbon Street, West Sacramento 9560

WOODLAND OPTIONS

Volunteer sites for community service options include: Woodland Tree Foundation: Neighborhood Shade Tree Campaign Duties: Tree watering/mulching during the summer and fall, and tree planting in winter and spring. Most of the opportunities would be on Saturday mornings. 1-3 times during fall and winter we plant seedlings out along SR 113 between Willow Slough and I-5. We work about 2-3 hours each time we are out. In summer we weed, mulch and water trees planted during the fall and winter. We do this every other Saturday during the dry months for a couple of hours each time. We conduct 3-4 fall and winter shade tree plantings in neighborhoods, parks and schools of Woodland. We rely on volunteers working in teams, each with a team leader. Each event last about 3-4 hours. Contact: Ken Trott, Coordinator (530) 867-3130 Heidrick Ag History Center Duties: Cleaning, data entry, filing, and site beautification. 100,000 square feet of museum space, 45, 000 square feet of even space. Volunteer hours: Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Contact: Tatianna Ortega, Coordinator (530) 661-6888

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City of Woodland: Literacy Services Woodland Public Library 250 First Street Woodland, CA 95695 Contact: Trina Camping at 530.661.5987 or [email protected]. One in five Americans is considered functionally illiterate. It is the goal of Woodland Public Library Literacy Services to meet the needs of Woodland community members by providing one-on-one tutoring for adult learners in reading, writing, and comprehension skills. This goals-oriented program allows students to work not only on basic skillls but also on skills that can lead to improved job performance, completion of citizenship and GED preparation and a more fulfilling life though improved education. “Learner Application” forms are available online. Learners will take an assessment test that takes approximately 30 minutes. Assessments are conducted on Mondays through Thursdays from 8am to 1pm. Learners will then be assigned a tutor. The learner and tutor will arrange to meet for a one-hour tutoring session at a convenient day and time in a public location. Learners have the option of scheduling future tutoring sessions. Woodland Community College 1. Career Planning and Development Course GNBUS 25 Career Planning and Development 3 units Lecture: 54 hrs CSU Survey of techniques of career exploration and selection. In the context of a study of the changes that occur during a typical life span. Each student constructs a personal profile of current and projected interests, aptitudes, skills, values, personality, and life and personal circumstances. Not open to students with credit in COUNS 25. (L) CA Residents: $46 per unit/Non-residents $190 per unit Admissions and Records (530) 661‐5720, Building 700, Lobby Hours: Monday-Tuesday 9am-6pm, Wednesday-Thursday 9am-5pm, and Friday 9am-12pm. Students can obtain information on regarding admission, enrollment, classes, grade information on, assessment/placement testing, parking, petitions, payment of fees, graduation and various other processes are available. Financial Aid (530) 661‐5725, Building 700, Lobby Hours: Monday-Tuesday 9am-6pm, Wednesday-Thursday 9am-5pm, and Friday 9am-12pm. Their goal is to assist students in bridging the gap between their own resources and the cost of attending college. They offer assistance with completing applications and providing information about the requirements of the various financial aid programs. Financial aid consists of federal grants, work study, state grants, fee waivers, loans, and outside scholarships.

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2. Career Center (530) 661‐5777, Building 700, Room 744 The Career Center is available to all students and community members who seek assistance in identifying and selecting career and personal goals, desire information regarding the career exploration process, and those interested in decision-making tools for college major selection and/or resume and interviewing skill development. They offer FREE interest and personality career assessments, access to a current library of occupation specific references and resources and innovative career and job search workshops and seminars. They offer FREE one-on-one career counseling by appointment. Call Admissions and Records at (530) 661-5720 to schedule a FREE career counseling appointment. All are welcome to stop by the Career/Transfer Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:00pm-3:00pm during the drop-hours where no appointment is necessary.

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Yolo County Neighborhood Court Participant Evaluation Form

Name _____________________________ Date ____________________ In order to continue to improve the Neighborhood Court (NHC) program, we are asking you to complete this evaluation form. On the items below, please circle the number that best represents your feelings and opinions. Please also include any additional comments or suggestions. Thank you for your cooperation.

1. Based on the information provided to me prior to this Neighborhood Court (NHC) meeting, I felt prepared to fully participate in the joint meeting with community members.

5 4 3 2 1

Strongly Agree

Somewhat Agree

Strongly Disagree

2. The overall atmosphere of the NHC meeting was respectful and constructive.

5 4 3 2 1

Strongly Agree

Somewhat Agree

Strongly Disagree

3. The NHC meeting helped me to “make things right” with the community and with myself.

5 4 3 2 1

Strongly Agree

Somewhat Agree

Strongly Disagree

4. The agreement reached was fair and satisfactory.

5 4 3 2 1

Strongly Agree

Somewhat Agree

Strongly Disagree

5. I would recommend the NHC program to others involved with a similar

crime/infraction.

5 4 3 2 1

Strongly Agree

Somewhat Agree

Strongly Disagree Additional comments or suggestions: Page 27


Conference Evaluation for Panelists

Name (optional): Name of Facilitator(s): NAME

Conference Date: DATE

Conference #1 Offender Name: Restorative Level (5=Completely Restorative, 1=Not Restorative)

5 4 3 2 1

Comments (What worked, what did not work?): Conference #2 Offender Name: Restorative Level (5=Completely Restorative, 1=Not Restorative)

5 4 3 2 1

Comments (What worked, what did not work?):

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Letter of Apology Guidelines

Date Dear (Name, if known; “To Whom It May Concern,” if person is unidentified):

1. First Paragraph Write about what happened. Be specific about what you personally did, not about what others did if more people than just yourself were involved. Also, be honest about what was going through your thoughts as you were doing this and right after the police got involved. [Note: If, due to intoxication, you are not able to remember some or all of what happened, state this. Describe everything you are able to remember, including your thoughts and feelings once you became sober after the incident. In addition, describe what has gone through your thoughts since then.]

2. Second Paragraph Tell them what you think might be helpful for you to do to make things as right as possible. (This can include things like attending an alcohol education course, writing an essay about what you’ve learned through this experience, doing community service, etc.)

3. Third Paragraph Write about the changes you are making for the future. Talk about personal, school, family, friendship, work, community service, sports, or other goals you plan to work toward. Tell how you are going to keep an incident like this from happening again in the future, and how you want your friends, family, and community to help you.

4. Fourth Paragraph Write your apology here. This is about your personal thoughts and feelings about the person or people this happened to. This is the place to say you are “sorry for what happened,” “regret what you did because it caused them trouble (or hurt them).” You can use whatever words here you think might best express that you can see how your actions negatively affected another person or people. Close with any final positive words or hopes you might have for their future and yours.

Respectfully, (Sign your name here.) PRINT your full (first and last) name here.

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Assignment Verification Form

Name: ______________________________________ Please verify the above‐named individual’s attendance at the program indicated by initialing below. (Examples of Programs: AA/NA, Al‐Anon, Alateen, Meditation, Community Service, Adult Education, Community College, One‐Stop Career Center, etc.)

Date

Name & Location of Program

Tasks (specify if applicable)

Initials

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301 SECOND STREET WOODLAND, CALIFORNIA 95695 530.666.8180 FAX 530.666.8185

OFFICE OF THE

DISTRICT ATTORNEY

COUNTY OF YOLO


___________________________________________________ [Date]

Re: Citation/Report #: Charges:

[Name], This letter confirms that you successfully completed the Yolo County District Attorney Office’s Neighborhood Court (NHC) program. The Center For Intervention (CFI) notified us that, as of [date] (completion date), you fulfilled the terms of your Agreement reached at your NHC conference. Thus, you have satisfied all of your requirements for the NHC program. The Yolo County District Attorney Office’s NHC program qualifies as a prefiling diversion program under Penal Code 851.87 (see attached). "Prefiling diversion" is a diversion from prosecution that is offered to a person by the prosecuting attorney in lieu of, or prior to, the filing of an accusatory pleading in court as set forth in Section 950. Since you successfully completed the NHC program, the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office will not be filing any formal charge or complaint with the Superior Court pertaining to this case, and your case has been closed. Although you will not have a criminal court file or conviction on your record, you may still have an arrest on your record. You will be eligible to petition the Superior Court to have your arrest record sealed two years from the date of your successful completion of this program. If the Superior Court grants your petition, you will no longer be required to disclose this arrest on certain employment related questionnaires or applications pursuant to Penal Code section 851.87. Regardless of whether the Superior Court grants your petition or not, you will still be required to disclose this arrest on certain employment related questionnaires or applications. Please seek legal advice if you have any questions regarding when you must still disclose this arrest on employment related questionnaires or applications. The Yolo County District Attorney’s Office cannot offer any legal advice or guidance on this matter. If you are interested in having your arrest record sealed, or you have questions regarding when you must disclose this arrest, please consult an attorney. Thank you, Nicole Kirkaldy Neighborhood Court Clerk Yolo County District Attorney 301 2nd Street, Woodland, CA 95695 (530) 666-8378 Enclosure

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Effective: January 1, 2014 West’s Ann.Cal.Penal Code § 851.87

§851.87. Completion of prefiling diversion program; petition to seal records of arresting agency and related court files and records; order; use of record;

disclosure of arrest; application of sealing order to records or documents maintained by the Department of Justice

Currentness (a)(1) In any case where a person is arrested and successfully completes a prefiling diversion program administered by a prosecuting attorney in lieu of filing an accusatory pleading, the person may, two years after successful completion of the program as determined by the prosecuting attorney, petition the superior court that would have had jurisdiction over the matter to issue an order to seal the records of the arresting agency and related court files and records, and the court may order those records sealed if the court finds that doing so will be in furtherance of justice. A copy of the petition shall be served on the law enforcement agency and the prosecuting attorney of the county or city having jurisdiction over the offense, who may request a hearing within 60 days of receipt of the petition. The court may hear the matter no less than 60 days from the date the law enforcement agency and the prosecuting attorney receive a copy of the petition. The prosecuting attorney and the law enforcement agency, through the prosecuting attorney, may present evidence to the court at the hearing. (2) If the order is made, the clerk of the court shall thereafter not allow access to any records concerning the case, including the court file, index, register of actions, or other similar records. (3) If the order is made, the court shall give a copy of the order to the person and inform the person that he or she may thereafter state that he or she was not arrested for the charge. (4) The person may, except as specified in subdivisions (b), (c), and (d), indicate in response to any question concerning the person's prior criminal record that the person was not arrested. (5) Subject to subdivisions (b), (c), and (d), a record pertaining to the arrest shall not, without the person's permission, be used in any way that could result in the denial of any employment, benefit, or certificate. (6) A sealing order made pursuant to this subdivision shall not be forwarded to the Department of Justice to be included or notated in the department's manual or electronic fingerprint image or criminal history record systems. Any sealing order made pursuant to this subdivision and received by the Department of Justice need not be processed by the department. (b) The person shall be advised that, regardless of the person's successful completion of the program, the arrest shall be disclosed by the Department of Justice in response to any peace officer application request, and that, notwithstanding subdivision (a), this section does not relieve the person of the obligation to disclose the arrest in response to any direct question contained in any questionnaire or application for a position as a peace officer, as defined in Section 830. (c) The person shall be advised that, regardless of the person's successful completion of the program, the arrest shall be disclosed by the Department of Justice or the court in which the matter was heard in response to any subsequent inquiry by the district attorney, court, probation department, or counsel for the person concerning the person's eligibility for any diversion program administered by a prosecuting attorney in the future. (d) A sealing order made pursuant to this section shall not apply to any record or document received or maintained by the Department of Justice. Upon issuing the sealing order, the court shall advise the person that, notwithstanding the issuance of a sealing order pursuant to this section, the Department of Justice shall continue to be able to maintain and disseminate any records or documents received or maintained by the department, as authorized by law. (e) As used in this section, "prefiling diversion" is a diversion from prosecution that is offered to a person by the prosecuting attorney in lieu of, or prior to, the filing of an accusatory pleading in court as set forth in Section 950. Credits (Added by Stats.2013, c. 798 (S.B.513), §2.)

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OFFICE OF THE

DISTRICT ATTORNEY

COUNTY OF YOLO


____________________________________________________ [Date]

Re: Citation/Report #: Charges:

[Name], This letter confirms that you successfully completed the Yolo County District Attorney Office’s Neighborhood Court (NHC) program, which is a prefiling diversion program. The Center For Intervention (CFI) notified us that, as of [date], you fulfilled the terms of your Agreement reached on [date of conference] at your conference. Thus, you have satisfied all of your requirements for the NHC program, and your case has been closed. Since you received a citation for an infraction only, you will not have an arrest on your criminal record. Furthermore, you will not have a court file or conviction on your criminal record. Thank you, Nicole Kirkaldy Neighborhood Court Clerk Yolo County District Attorney 301 2nd Street, Woodland, CA 95695 (530) 666-8378

301 SECOND STREET WOODLAND, CALIFORNIA 95695 530.666.8180 FAX 530.666.8185 Page 33

NEIGHBORHOOD COURT Yolo County District Attorney’s Office

VOLUNTEER APPLICATION

Tell us about yourself! Please write clearly and fill out the entire application. Thank you!

Date of Application

Full Name

Home Address

City Zip Code

Home/Alt Phone Cell Phone

Email Address

Best way to contact you? Home/Alt Phone Cell Phone Email

Date of Birth

Place of employment/School attended (if retired or unemployed, please list previous employment)

Position or Title/Year

What are your interests and hobbies?

Current and/or previous community involvement?

Do you speak any foreign languages? Please list:

How did you become interested in Neighborhood Court?

Why would you like to participate in Neighborhood Court?

What qualities do you have that would make you a good Neighborhood Court panelist? (You may include

special skills or strengths you believe are applicable)

What do you hope to gain or learn by being a Neighborhood Court panelist?

Do you follow sources that focus on the criminal justice system such as novels, blogs, the internet, newspapers,

TV, or radio? If so, what sources?

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Please describe your experiences with the criminal justice system?

Have you ever had any adverse experiences or contact with a law enforcement agency or the court system?

If so, please explain:

Have you ever been a victim of a crime? Yes No

If yes, please explain:

When are you available to volunteer?

Are there any days, hours, or times of year you are NOT available to volunteer?

Do you have any special needs requiring accommodation?

References – Please list 2 contacts familiar with your work ethic and capabilities (No relatives please)

Name Phone

Relationship to you

Name Phone

Relationship to you

Emergency Contact

Name Phone

Relationship to you I hereby certify that the information I provided in this application is true and correct. My signature authorizes the District Attorney’s Office to contact my references.

Signature of Applicant: Date:

Please return completed application to [email protected] Christopher Bulkeley Yolo County District Attorney’s Office 301 Second Street Woodland, CA 95695 (530) 666-8180 Page 35


VOLUNTEER FACILITATOR APPLICATION

Tell us about yourself! Please write clearly and fill out the entire application. Thank you!

Date of Application

Full Name

Home Address

City Zip Code

Home/Alt Phone Cell Phone

Email Address

Best way to contact you? Home/Alt Phone Cell Phone Email

Date of Birth

Place of employment/School attended (if retired or unemployed, please list previous employment)

Position or Title/Year

Current and/or previous community involvement?

Do you speak any foreign languages? Please list:

How did you learn about Neighborhood Court?

Why would you like to participate as a trained Facilitator in Neighborhood Court?

Please list any formal training you have received in mediation, facilitation or other related conflict resolution

processes including name of training provider and dates.

Please describe your mediation, facilitation or other related experience, including types of mediation and number

of years.

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What other qualities do you have that would make you a good Neighborhood Court Facilitator? (You may

include special skills or strengths you believe are applicable)

What do you hope to acquire or learn by being a Neighborhood Court Facilitator?

What are your interests and hobbies?

Do you follow sources that focus on the criminal justice system such as novels, blogs, the internet, newspapers,

TV, or radio? If so, what sources?

Please describe your experiences with the criminal justice system?

Have you ever had any adverse experiences or contact with a law enforcement agency or the court system?

If so, please explain:

Have you ever been convicted of a crime? Yes No


Have you ever been a victim of a crime? Yes No


When are you available to volunteer?

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Are there any days, hours, or times of the year you are NOT available to volunteer?

Do you have any special needs requiring accommodation?

References – Please list 2 contacts familiar with your work ethic and capabilities (No relatives please)

Name Phone

Relationship to you

Name Phone

Relationship to you

Emergency Contact

Name Phone

Relationship to you I hereby certify that the information I provided in this application is true and correct. My signature authorizes the District Attorney’s Office to contact my references.

Signature of Applicant: Date:

Please return completed application to [email protected] Christopher Bulkeley Yolo County District Attorney’s Office 301 Second Street Woodland, CA 95695 (530) 666-8180

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Code of Conduct for Neighborhood Court Panelist 12/18/14


COUNTY OF YOLO

OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY JEFF W. REISIG, DISTRICT ATTORNEY

CODE OF CONDUCT AGREEMENT NEIGHBORHOOD COURT PANELIST

A. Introduction

1. Neighborhood Court is a restorative justice pre-charging diversion program designed to address lower level crimes. Residents are trained to serve as Panelists and develop community-based solutions to redress the harm caused by these offenses. Pursuant to Penal Code §14150 – 14156, the District Attorney’s Office empowers Panelists with the authority and responsibility to adjudicate certain infraction/misdemeanor offenses. Typically, the offenses are petty theft, disorderly conduct, vandalism, assault/battery, alcohol control violations, and other quality of life crimes. Neighborhood Court is a partnership with the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office, volunteers from the community, the Davis Police Department, the UC Davis Police Department, the West Sacramento Police Department, the Center for Intervention (CFI), and community groups.

2. Serving as a Neighborhood Court Panelist is an important responsibility.

Panelists uphold the integrity of the program and ensure fairness in resolving each case. A Panelist shall personally adhere to the high standards as specified in the Code of Conduct Agreement for Neighborhood Court Panelist (Code) so that the integrity of the hearing process is preserved. This Code of Conduct Agreement describes the roles and responsibilities required for each participant to serve as a Panelist.

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B. A Panelist Shall Adhere To Appropriate Standards In Performing His Or

Her Duties.

In performing the duties prescribed by the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office, the following standards apply: 1. A Panelist shall respect and comply with the law pursuant to the Penal Code

of California. A Panelist shall report any violation or attempt to violate this standard of this Code to the CFI and the District Attorney Representative.

2. A Panelist shall be patient, dignified, respectful, and courteous to all persons

with whom the Panelist deals in an official capacity, including the Victim, Offender, Victim Advocates, the general public, Facilitators, and other Panelists.

3. A Panelist shall diligently discharge the responsibilities of the position in a

prompt, efficient, and professional manner.

4. A Panelist shall not engage in unfair discrimination based on age, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language, socioeconomic status, or any basis proscribed by law.

5. A Panelist shall not allow his or her personal opinion or beliefs to detract from

the dignity of Neighborhood Court, interfere with the performance of official duties, or adversely reflect on the operation and dignity of Neighborhood Court.

6. A Panelist shall, to the best of his or her ability, utilize the principles of

restorative justice in deciding the best course of action in cases.

7. A Panelist shall engage in face-to-face dialogue with Offenders, Victims, and other Panelists in the conference and seek to reach an agreement about how to restore the Offender, the Victim, and the community and ensure the agreement is specific, measurable, attainable, reasonable, respectful, timely, and restorative (SMARRT-R).

8. A Panelist shall promote, support, and maintain a safe, respectful, and

confidential process.

9. CONFIDENTIALITY: Except when deliberating with the Victim, Offender and other Panelists, a Panelist shall not make comments on the merits of a pending matter or the Panelist’s private opinion about a case.

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10. CONFIDENTIALITY: A Panelist shall not disclose any confidential information received in the course of his or her service to Neighborhood Court about any case or any participant to any person or entity, except to District Attorney Representatives, CFI, Facilitators, Panelists, and trainers for purposes related to this program.

11. CONFIDENTIALITY: A Panelist shall not use any information obtained in

the course of case deliberations for any personal or professional purposes. 12. CONFIDENTIALITY: A Panelist may disclose confidential information for

the educational and training purposes of this program; however, Offender and Victim names, or information which would reveal their identity, shall not be disclosed.

C. A Panelist Shall Avoid Conflicts Of Interest In The Performance Of His Or

Her Duties.

1. A conflict of interest arises when a Panelist knows that he or she might be personally or financially affected by a matter such that a reasonable person with knowledge of the relevant facts would question the Panelist’s ability to properly perform duties in an impartial manner.

2. When a Panelist believes a conflict of interest may be present, the Panelist

shall promptly inform his or her co-Panelists and the CFI and the District Attorney Representative at the conference. After determining that a conflict or the appearance of a conflict of interest exists, appropriate steps shall be taken to restrict the Panelist’s involvement in such matter so as to avoid a conflict or the appearance of a conflict of interest.

D. A Panelist May Be Removed From Neighborhood Court For Violation Of

Standards As Set Forth In This Code Of Conduct.

1. A Panelist shall respect and comply with the standards of this Code. Failure to do so may result in removal of the Panelist from his or her responsibilities.

2. Should a Panelist believe that there has been an ethical breach of this Code by

another Panelist, he or she should attempt to resolve the issue by bringing it to the attention of that Panelist and to the CFI and the District Attorney Representative.

3. The affected Panelist shall have the opportunity to meet with the District

Attorney Representative.

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4. The District Attorney’s Office shall be the final arbiter on the removal of the Panelist.

The Code of Conduct shall be in effect for two years commencing on the date below and, at the discretion of the District Attorney’s Office, is renewable at the end of the current term for a successive two year term.

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Code of Conduct for Neighborhood Court Facilitator 12/18/14


COUNTY OF YOLO


CODE OF CONDUCT AGREEMENT

NEIGHBORHOOD COURT FACILITATOR

A. Introduction

1. Neighborhood Court is a restorative justice pre-charging diversion program designed to address lower level crimes. Residents are trained to serve as Panelists and develop community-based solutions to redress the harm caused by these offenses. Pursuant to Penal Code §14150 – 14156, the District Attorney’s Office empowers Panelists with the authority and responsibility to adjudicate certain infraction/misdemeanor offenses, and it empowers Facilitators with the authority to facilitate the restorative justice process. Typically, the offenses are petty theft, disorderly conduct, vandalism, assault/battery, alcohol control violations, and other quality of life crimes. Neighborhood Court is a partnership with the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office, volunteers from the community, the Davis Police Department, the UC Davis Police Department, the West Sacramento Police Department, the Center for Intervention (CFI), and community groups.

2. Serving as a Neighborhood Court Facilitator is an important responsibility.

Facilitators uphold the integrity of the program and ensure fairness in resolving each case. A Facilitator shall personally observe high standards as specified in the Code of Conduct Agreement for Neighborhood Court Facilitator (Code) so that the integrity of the hearing process is preserved. This Code of Conduct Agreement describes the roles and responsibilities required for each participant to serve as a Facilitator.

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B. A Facilitator Shall Adhere To Appropriate Standards In Performing His Or

Her Duties.

In performing the duties prescribed by the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office, the following standards apply: 1. A Facilitator shall respect and comply with the law pursuant to the Penal Code

of California. A Facilitator shall report any violation or attempt to violate this standard of this Code to the CFI and the District Attorney Representative.

2. A Facilitator shall be patient, dignified, respectful, and courteous to all

persons with whom the Facilitator deals in an official capacity, including the Victim, Offender, Victim Advocates, Panelists, the general public, and other Facilitators.

3. A Facilitator shall diligently discharge the responsibilities of the position in a

prompt, efficient, and professional manner.

4. A Facilitator shall not engage in unfair discrimination based on age, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language, socioeconomic status, or any basis proscribed by law.

5. A Facilitator shall not allow his or her personal opinion or beliefs to detract

from the dignity of Neighborhood Court, interfere with the performance of official duties, or adversely reflect on the operation and dignity of Neighborhood Court.

6. A Facilitator shall, to the best of his or her ability, utilize the principles of

restorative justice in deciding the best course of action in cases.

7. A Facilitator shall, to the best of his or her ability, effectively facilitate the restorative justice process by building trust, and preparing and empowering Victims, Offenders and Panelists for restorative dialogue through pre-conferences.

8. A Facilitator shall, to the best of his or her ability, guide and assist Offenders,

Victims, and Panelists in face-to-face dialogue in the conference, assist them in reaching an agreement about how to restore the Offender, the Victim, and the community, create a safe space throughout the duration of the conference, and ensure the agreement is specific, measurable, attainable, reasonable, respectful, timely, and restorative (SMARRT-R).

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9. A Facilitator shall promote, support, and maintain a safe, respectful, and confidential process.

10. CONFIDENTIALITY: A Facilitator shall not disclose any confidential

information received in the course of his or her participation in Neighborhood Court about any case or any participant to any person or entity, except to District Attorney Representatives, CFI, Facilitators, Panelists, and trainers for purposes related to this program.

11. CONFIDENTIALITY: A Facilitator shall not use any information obtained in

the course of case deliberations for any personal or professional purposes.

12. CONFIDENTIALITY: A Facilitator may disclose confidential information for the educational and training purposes of this program; however, Offender and Victim names, or information which would reveal their identity, shall not be disclosed.

C. A Facilitator Shall Avoid Conflicts Of Interest In The Performance Of His

Or Her Duties.

1. A conflict of interest arises when a Facilitator knows that he or she might be personally or financially affected by a matter such that a reasonable person with knowledge of the relevant facts would question the Facilitator’s ability to properly perform duties in an impartial manner.

2. When a Facilitator believes a conflict of interest may be present, the

Facilitator shall promptly inform the CFI and the District Attorney Representative. After determining that a conflict or the appearance of a conflict of interest exists, appropriate steps shall be taken to restrict the Facilitator’s involvement in such matter so as to avoid a conflict or the appearance of a conflict of interest.

D. A Facilitator May Be Removed From Neighborhood Court For Violation Of

Standards As Set Forth In This Code Of Conduct.

1. A Facilitator shall respect and comply with the standards of this Code. Failure to do so may result in removal of the Facilitator from his or her responsibilities.

2. Should a Facilitator believe that there has been an ethical breach of this Code

by a Facilitator or Panelist, he or she should attempt to resolve the issue by bringing it to the attention of that Facilitator or Panelist and to the CFI and the District Attorney Representative.

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3. The affected Facilitator or Panelist shall have the opportunity to meet with the District Attorney Representative.

4. The District Attorney’s Office shall be the final arbiter on the removal of the

Facilitator or Panelist.

The Code of Conduct shall be in effect for two years commencing on the date below and, at the discretion of the District Attorney’s Office, is renewable at the end of the current term for a successive two year term.

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COUNTY OF YOLO


NNEEIIGGHHBBOORRHHOOOODD

CCOOUURRTT 22001144 YYEEAARR--EENNDD

RREEPPOORRTT

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An Innovative Initiative from the Office of District Attorney Jeff Reisig

In 2013 the Yolo County District Attorney, in collaboration with the City of Davis and the University of California at Davis, began an innovative program based on the principles of Restorative Justice. The Yolo County Neighborhood Court Program (NHC) addresses nonviolent and low-level crimes through community-based solutions. Neighborhood Court is an alternative to Criminal Court. Instead of charging cases for criminal prosecution, the District Attorney’s Office may refer certain criminal cases (misdemeanors and infractions) to the panel of community volunteers who comprise the Neighborhood Court. The purpose of this program is to swiftly redress harms that impact the quality of life in our neighborhoods. Neighborhood Court utilizes restorative justice concepts which identify crime as acts that cause harm to people and communities. The Program focuses on bringing the offender back into the community by focusing on the social harms caused by the offense rather than the crime itself. Emphasis is placed on the offender voluntarily accepting responsibility for their conduct and repairing the harm done to the victim and the community. One goal of Neighborhood Court is for all parties to understand the root cause of the crime so that appropriate agreements can be entered into which help rehabilitate the offender and reduce the likelihood that the offensive conduct will be repeated. Participants who successfully complete Neighborhood Court agreements have their case closed. This means they do not have an embarrassing and potentially detrimental criminal conviction on their record that could impact

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future employment or licensing. Participants are able to quickly resolve their case instead of going through multiple expensive court appearances. Ultimately, Neighborhood Court is a process that creates an opportunity for the victim, the offender and the community to communicate directly with each other in a safe environment. Here they can work towards repairing the harms in a way that will allow all the parties to move forward in a positive direction as equal members of the community. The pilot program administered by the District Attorney in the jurisdiction of Davis has been active and well received within the community by many stakeholders.

Eligibility and Statistics

NHC ELIGIBLE OFFENSES Public Intoxication

Noise Violation Minor in Possession / False ID

Public Urination Open Container in Public

Resisting Arrest Petty Theft

Sale of Tobacco to Minor (w/ victim consent)

Battery/Trespassing/Vandalism

Neighborhood Court is designed to resolve cases restoratively and in the best interest of the victim and community. Only certain misdemeanor and infraction offenses are eligible for Neighborhood Court (see above). To be eligible for Neighborhood Court, an offender cannot be on probation or parole, or pending any other criminal charges. Neighborhood Court is primarily a first offender program, but has begun expanding its eligibility restrictions for transition aged youth (18-25) offenders, especially those with previous alcohol-based offenses and no history of violent crime. The goal of this expansion is to provide a restorative outcome which addresses the underlying issues that lead to multiple alcohol-based offenses and to educate the offender, with the aim of discouraging repeat offenses. This year we have seen the inclusion of several participants with misdemeanor or infraction priors, some of whom had previously participated in Neighborhood Court. These offenders were deemed eligible on a case-by-case basis, with the goal of their inclusion being to provide an opportunity for more intensive education and counseling for their developing pattern of

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alcohol abuse. More than 50% of the offenders who participate in this program are cited for directly alcohol-related offenses, such as public intoxication or open container violations, and nearly 90% of the citations referred to Neighborhood Court involve alcohol in some capacity. Neighborhood Court allows participants an opportunity to undergo educational and counseling options for their alcohol issues. Such options are not currently available for these offenses in Criminal Court.

REFERRALS DPD UCD OTHER2014

TOTALS 2013

TOTALS CONFERENCES HELD 267 54 17 338 154 PENDING COMPLETION 55 7 0 60 0 GRADUATED PROGRAM 208 45 17 272 150 FAILED PROGRAM 4 2 0 6 4

The case load for Neighborhood Court has continuously increased since the program’s inception. In 2013 Neighborhood Court held 154 conferences. In 2014, the number of conferences more than doubled to 338. The types of offenses handled in the program have also shifted towards a greater proportion of misdemeanor offenses. The percentage of participants for misdemeanors has increased from 37% to 57%.

2013

37%

63%

MISDEMEANORS

INFRACTIONS

2014

57%

43% MISDEMEANORS

INFRACTIONS

Neighborhood Court aims to provide restorative solutions for its growing case load and expanding range of violations, which include an increasing percentage of misdemeanor offenses, direct victim cases, and a high volume of noise violations.

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0

20

40

60

80

100

120

2014 15 8 9 36 5 6 85 27 25 25 97

2013 3 2 1 17 0 2 27 8 10 11 73

Other Petty TheftResisting

ArrestMIP/ False

ID

Sale of Tobacco to

MinorBattery

Public Intoxication

Open Container

(M)

Open Container

(I)

Public Urination

Noise

Multi-Offender Noise Conferences From 2013-14, Neighborhood Court has seen 170 participants for noise citations alone. In an effort to efficiently handle this high volume offense type in a restorative and effective matter, a modified conference format with multiple offenders was introduced. These multi-offender noise conferences are held monthly, and managed by Neighborhood Court’s Legal Secretary. The multi-offender noise conference includes a Facilitator, two Panelists, and 6-10 offender participants who have all received citations for noise violations. The aim of these group sessions is to create a real sense of community between offenders and Panelists. The offenders, with guidance provided by the Panelists, are provided a forum for exploring the communal effects and harms of this offense through group discussion, while also allowing them to share their own personal experiences. The Facilitator and Panelists help provide clear preventative options and tools for noise management and avoidance of future violations. With this format, multiple offenses can be addressed in a manner appropriate to the scope and scale of the offense, while still allowing an opportunity for community restoration. This helps manage the high case volume while still maintaining a focus on restorative outcomes.

Direct Victim Participation

In cases where individual citizens are the victim of a crime, such as battery, theft, vandalism, or trespassing, the primary goal of Neighborhood Court is

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to change the focus from the defendant to the victim, to make the process more victim-centric. When a victim chooses to participate in the Neighborhood Court program through a direct victim-offender conference, they are given the opportunity to express directly to the offender how they were personally affected by the offender’s criminal conduct. They also participate in the creation of the agreement that will determine how the offender repairs the harm caused by their criminal offenses. Research suggests these conferences between victim and offender have the highest rates of victim satisfaction, offender accountability and the lowest levels of recidivism. Following each Neighborhood Court conference, surveys are distributed to all participants asking them to rate their levels of satisfaction based on five key tenants of the program: preparedness, atmosphere, restorativity, fairness, and overall satisfaction. Tracking these surveys allows for program accountability, and provides a concrete means of identifying areas that need improvement.

VICTIM SATISFACTION

4.75 4.75

4.25 4.254.5

1

2

3

4

5

PREPAREDNESS

ATMOSHPERE

RESTORATIVIT

Y

FAIRNESS

OVERALL S

ATISFACTIO

N

RA

TE

D 1

-5

Moving forward, the goal for Neighborhood Court is to increase victim participation and provide more options for victim involvement. The aim in this is to increase the ability to reach an agreement that the victim feels is fair and fully restorative. Neighborhood Court is working in partnership with the Yolo County Victim Services Unit in an effort to increase available modes of victim representation and assistance to victims interested in

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participating in the program. Victim Services Advocates work alongside Neighborhood Court Attorneys to assist with contacting, tracking, and providing victim rights information to potential participating victims. They can also provide services as an advocate or surrogate for victims seeking modified means of participation. One victim of a battery, who participated in a direct victim-offender conference with the Neighborhood Court program, stated: “I appreciate the positivity and space to be honest. The stage for my voice was more than viable.” This process gives victims a voice; not only to express the harms they have suffered and be acknowledged, but also to articulate what they need in order to repair those harms. Through this process victims have the opportunity to achieve an outcome that is truly restorative. Victims, offenders and community members all sitting together and coming to an agreement on what is needed to repair the harms that have been caused by an offense embodies the mission of the Neighborhood Court program.

Our Partners and Service Providers

Neighborhood Court is able to provide counseling and other program options to offenders through our partnership with reliable service providers such as the Center for Intervention (CFI) and UC Davis’ Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs (ATOD) program. CFI not only offers a variety of class and program options, they also manage the receipt and tracking of all offender agreement documents. ATOD offers conveniently accessible program options for students of UC Davis to analyze and address their alcohol management skills. Recently, Neighborhood Court has embarked upon an exciting new partnership with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). This will allow the program to better address the needs of non-student youth offenders cited for alcohol-related offenses by utilizing the Start Making a Right Turn (SMART) program and the MADD Victim Impact Panel (VIP). The SMART program is designed to educate youth about the dangers of underage drinking and driving under the influence, while VIP provides a forum for victims to help offenders understand the personal impact of their crimes. These partnerships are vital to ensuring that the Neighborhood Court program has a diverse variety of restorative options available for use in the creation of agreements that truly address the harms caused by criminal offenses.

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The Volunteers Volunteers play an integral role in the Neighborhood Court program. Community volunteers for Neighborhood Court serve as “Panelists” and “Facilitators.” Panelists are community residents from the affected communities who have agreed to meet with the parties involved in an effort to reach an agreement about how to repair the harm. Panelists have been trained in restorative justice principles and problem solving techniques. Facilitators are also trained community volunteers who serve as a type of mediator in the Neighborhood Court process involving the Panelists, the victim and the offender. The volunteers are NOT defense attorneys, prosecutors, or judges. They are local residents, merchants, students, parents, and retired folks who are committed to improving the quality of life in their community. Volunteers have taken initiative, informing themselves about the various factors and root causes for some of the most commonly seen offenses. During conferences, Panelists present their personal perspectives on harms caused by offenses while maintaining a safe and honest environment for the offender-participants to reach a truly restorative agreement. Volunteer Facilitators conscientiously manage conferences, and have spearheaded the mentoring of incoming volunteers, sharing openly from their collected wealth of knowledge. The volunteer-centric Neighborhood Court conference model makes those who donate their time to the program truly indispensible for the sustainability and continuation of this program. As Neighborhood Court progresses towards a regular schedule of volunteer recruitment and training sessions to build a sustainable pool of community volunteers, it is impossible to ignore the selfless work and dedication of the foundational and current volunteers, without whom none of this would be possible.

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Volunteer Recruitment and Training

The foundational Neighborhood Court volunteers were vital to the initial implementation of this program, and their experience and involvement has been instrumental in continued recruitment and training efforts. However, it is also clear that in order to remain sustainable as the program expands, maintaining a large and diverse pool of volunteers is a necessity. In the interest of recruiting an increasingly diverse group of volunteers, Neighborhood Court has enacted a variety of grass-roots recruitment efforts. These include attendance at local Farmers Markets, Community Informational sessions, Social Media utilization, and presentations at local universities, churches and community groups. Additionally, Neighborhood Court has partnered with a local non-profit to offer regular training opportunities for new recruits. These trainings cover the basic principles of Restorative Justice, a detailed program description, 1 and 2-day training sessions on the Panelist and Facilitator volunteer roles, respectively, practical application, observation, and mentoring. Following completion of training, Neighborhood Court has also taken steps to improve communication with active volunteers to increase their ability to effectively contribute to the program.

Stakeholders’ Meetings and Advisory Board

As part of a continued effort to expand and improve communication and collaboration amongst all parties involved in the Neighborhood Court program, regular Stakeholders Meetings were initiated in the fall of 2014. The inaugural meeting took place on October 30th. The goal of these monthly meetings was two-fold: 1.) to provide a forum for discussion between Neighborhood Court / District Attorney staff and Neighborhood Court volunteers/stakeholders; and 2.) to discuss the development of an Advisory Board designed to address programmatic concerns.

The Yolo County District Attorney’s Office invited Neighborhood Court volunteers to sit on an Advisory Board designed to tackle concerns brought forth regarding the Neighborhood Court program management, conferences, volunteer training, best practices, etc. Members of the Advisory Board will address issues brought forth by Neighborhood Court staff and volunteers and make recommendations geared toward the resolution of those concerns. Participants will meet monthly and are required to make a 12-18 month commitment. The purpose of the Advisory Board is to provide a concrete system for hearing and resolving concerns amongst those with a stake in the sustainability of the Neighborhood Court program.

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Neighborhood Court Staff

Neighborhood Court staff has grown from a single managing Deputy District Attorney IV in 2013, to 3 full time staff members, in order to accommodate the growing case load and volunteer management requirements. The program is currently staffed by two Deputy District Attorneys and one Legal Secretary. Since its original implementation in 2013, the program’s case load has more than doubled and the number of active volunteers has more than tripled. The Davis case load and volunteer requirements alone are growing beyond the staff’s capability to handle further program expansion. In an effort to more sustainably manage the program while continuing to grow and expand, in 2014, the District Attorney’s Office applied for a grant to further fund the Neighborhood Court program.

JAG Grant Application

The application for this grant was motivated by a developing need to address three major program goals: 1) Expansion into the cities of West Sacramento and Woodland 2) Need for a Manager/Coordinator of the volunteers who are critical to the success of the program 3) Need for a Social Worker Practitioner who will meet the needs of the offenders, particularly the homeless, to assist them in what is hoped to be a successful transformation once they are held accountable for their actions. The additional funding provided through this grant would allow the District Attorney’s Office to expand the Program to the cities of West Sacramento and Woodland. The grant would also allow the District Attorney to expand the Program scope and ability to handle the needs of both volunteers and participants.

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Expansion: West Sacramento and Woodland Expansion into Woodland and West Sacramento is a future Neighborhood Court program goal. Pending grant funding approval, regular training sessions, as well as ongoing recruitment efforts will provide the resources to begin training new volunteers and laying the foundation for future program expansion. West Sacramento promises a new focus on primarily resource-based offenses and participants who face more advanced socio-economic challenges than those previously seen in Davis. These differences necessitate increased resources and an adjustment in how both staff and volunteers manage and interact with participants. Similar assumptions can be made regarding prospective program expansion into the City of Woodland. Success in expansion requires not only extensive grass roots community outreach efforts, supportive cooperation from city governments, and multiple volunteer training opportunities, but also motivation and resourcefulness on behalf of the inaugural volunteers in the community. Limited numbers are to be expected at the outset, and will necessitate coordination of schedules, duties, information, and resources, as processes are smoothed out through time and practice.

Neighborhood Court looks forward to the new and diverse opportunities Woodland and West Sacramento present for this program’s continued pursuit of restorative solutions to crime.

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COUNTY OF YOLO


301 SECOND STREET - WOODLAND, CALIFORNIA 95695 - 530.666.8180 - FAX 530.666.8185

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: February 19, 2015 Contact: Jonathan Raven, Chief Deputy District Attorney Phone: [email protected]

Yolo County Receives $1.9 Million Grant for Neighborhood Court Program

Federal Grant Supports Restorative Justice Based Diversion Program Initiated By Yolo County District Attorney And Staffed With Community Volunteers

(Woodland, CA) — February 19, 2015 - District Attorney Jeff Reisig announced that on February 12, 2015, the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) approved the awarding of $1.95 million in federal grant funds over three years to augment the Yolo County District Attorney's Neighborhood Court program. Neighborhood Court is an adult criminal diversion program based on restorative justice that addresses criminal violations that impact the quality of life in the community.

Restorative justice is accomplished in Neighborhood Court by involving the victim, the offender and community members in a process focused on the hann to the victim caused by crime and the offender's obligation to repair that harm. This process empowers those most affected by the crime. Neighborhood Court outcomes, to the extent possible, repair the harm done to the victim, emphasize offender accountability and responsibility while addressing the reasons for the offense.

Neighborhood Court offers an alternative to criminal court. Rather than charging a case for prosecution, the District Attorney's Office will refer certain misdemeanors and infractions to Neighborhood Court. In Neighborhood Court, a panel of trained volunteers from the community participate in a facilitated conference with the offender. All conferences are confidential and participation by the offender is completely voluntary. In addition, any victim must also consent to the program for a case to be diverted into Neighborhood Court. If either the victim or the offender does not agree, the matter will be handled in the traditional criminal justice system.

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NEIGHBORHOOD COURT QUARTERLYJune 2015

CELEBRATING NEIGHBORHOOD COURT'S 2nd ANNIVERSARY

Back row from left to right: Judy Hecomovich, Jeanne Lejardi, Cyrus Soltani, Jonathan Corbett, Jay Norvell, Claire Black Slotton, RalphHexter (U.C. Davis Provost), James Grieshop, Fred Gaives, Lorna Robles, Bob Bain, Jon Parro, and Matt McCarthy. Middle row from left to right: Linda Wayne, Pat Grieshop, Rosanne Mandel, Elvia Garcia, Manny Mederos, Teresa Spradau, JanetRegnell, Diane Colborn, Jennifer Davis (Deputy D.A.), Chris Bulkeley (Deputy D.A.), Peggy Tahan, Barbara Sommers, and MichaelKoltnow. Front row from left to right: Heather Blair (Victim Advocate), Pia Johnson, Jeff Reisig (District Attorney), Rhonda David, Nicole Kirkaldy(Legal Secretary), Jonathan Raven (Chief Deputy D.A.), Vietnam Nguyen (Deputy D.A.), and Jake Whitaker (Legal Process Clerk).

Milestones For Restorative Justice

On June 16, 2015, Neighborhood Court celebrated its second anniversary in Davis. Representatives from theDistrict Attorney's Office, Yolo County Board of Supervisors, Davis Police Department, and U.C. Davis all sharedtheir appreciation for the volunteers. Representatives from the District Attorney's Office included District AttorneyJeff Reisig, Chief Deputy D.A. Jonathan Raven, Deputy D.A. Chris Bulkeley, Deputy D.A. Jennifer Davis, DeputyD.A. Vietnam Nguyen, Legal Secretary Nicole Kirkaldy, Victim Advocate Heather Blair, and Legal Process ClerkJake Whitaker. Don Saylor was present on behalf of the Yolo Board of Supervisors. Police Chief Landy Blackappeared on behalf of the Davis Police Department. Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Ralph Hexter appearedfor the University of California, Davis. Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig awarded several volunteers inrecognition of their longstanding commitment to Neighborhood Court.

On June 3, 2013, Neighborhood Court held its first conference in Davis using the “facilitated conference” model. Bythe end of 2013, Neighborhood Court successfully held 154 conferences including three victimoffender conferenceswhere the victims directly participated in the process. In 2014, the number of conferences more than doubled to 338.On February 12, 2015, the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) awarded $1.95 million in federal grantfunds to the Yolo County District Attorney’s Neighborhood Court program.

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With a successful track record in Davis and the federal funding, Neighborhood Court expanded to West Sacramentoand Woodland. Since the beginning of this year, Neighborhood Court has held a combined total of 157 conferencesfor all three cities. Since its inception approximately two years ago, Neighborhood Court has successfully diverted649 offenders from traditional criminal court. The conferences are currently staffed by 121 community volunteers forall three major cities. The Neighborhood Court team has expanded to now include: three staff attorneys, a victimadvocate, a legal secretary, a paralegal, a legal process clerk, and a social worker practitioner.

FROM THE DESK OF THE DA

This month marks the two year anniversary of Neighborhood Court's first conference in Davis with a smallinnovative coalition of volunteers. Since our very humble beginnings, Neighborhood Court has successfully soaredto over 120 volunteers from all over Yolo County who have helped handle over 600 cases. The restorative justicebased facilitator conference model that our collaborative team designed has helped shape a new form of justice inYolo County that is generating interest from folks all over the state. As Yolo County's Neighborhood Court continuesto innovate and expand in the coming year, I look forward to establishing new partnerships with community membersand organizations alike that are committed to looking for brave new ways to restore victims, communities andoffenders.

Jeff Reisig, Yolo County District Attorney

The Restorative Justice Model For Success

The Yolo County District Attorney's NeighborhoodCourt program is the first adult program in Californiathat addresses certain misdemeanor violations usingthe principles of restorative justice in a "facilitatedconference" model. The Yolo County DistrictAttorney's Office collaborated with several communitymembers in designing and implementing this"facilitated conference" model.

For example, one can analogize the dialogues in thetraditional criminal justice system between the courtand defendants to that of parent and child. However, inNeighborhood Court, the conversation is more akin toa discussion between peers, colleagues, or neighbors.One anonymous offender said, "I really appreciate thata program like Neighborhood Court exists in thecommunity. I think treating cases like mine in this moreintimate, reflective manner is much more effective thanfull on criminal court."

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The model opens a direct line of communicationbetween the offenders and the community becausediscussions are led by community representatives.The model fosters better dialogue because all activeparticipants (offenders, victims, and panelists) havean equal voice in the discussion of the harm(s) andthe resolution. The model aims to facilitate an opendialogue by eliminating any actual or perceivedpositions of power among the active participants.

The Yolo County District Attorney’s NeighborhoodCourt model was validated as a successful approachwhen it was adopted by one of the largest public lawoffices in the country, the Los Angles City Attorney’sOffice, for use in its prosecution of misdemeanors andinfractions in their Neighborhood Justice Program. TheSanta Clara District Attorney's Office will implement apilot program in the city of Los Gatos based on theNeighborhood Court model. Other prosecutionagencies, including Shasta County District Attorney'sOffice, have also expressed an interest in creatingtheir own restorative justice programs similar toNeighborhood Court.

DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE RECOGNIZES VOLUNTEERS ATNEIGHBORHOOD COURT'S 2nd ANNIVERSARY

From left to right: Jeff Reisig (District Attorney), Chris Bulkeley (Deputy D.A.), and Pat Grieshop.

UPCOMING TRAINING FOR NEW RECRUITS

Learn about Neighborhood Court! This summer, we are holding a series of training dates where new recruitscan learn about the Neighborhood Court process, the principles of restorative justice, and other topics. For

Neighborhood Court to be successful, the District Attorney's Office relies on dedicated community volunteers. If you

know anyone who may be interested in volunteering, please contact Nicole Kirkaldy at

[email protected] or come out to a training session listed below. All recruits from any city are

encouraged and welcome to participate regardless of the training's location.

July 11, 2015 "New Panelist" training in WoodlandAugust 29, 2015 "New Panelist" training in West Sacramento or Woodland (location to be determined)Page 61

UPCOMING TRAINING FOR CURRENT VOLUNTEERS

Learn more about Neighborhood Court! This summer, we are holding a series of training dates where existingvolunteers can freshen up on familiar topics as well as learn new ones. All volunteers from any city are encouraged

and welcome to participate regardless of the training's location.

July 1, 2015 "Introduction to Police Practices" training in DavisJuly 13, 2015 "Peer to Peer Best Practices" training in West SacramentoJuly 30, 2015 "Mental Health Resources and Referral" training in West SacramentoAugust 18, 2015 "Peer to Peer Best Practices" training in Davis

NEIGHBORHOOD COURT'S ADVISORY BOARD

The Advisory Board meets monthly to address issuesand concerns brought forth by Neighborhood Courtstaff and volunteers and make recommendationsgeared toward the resolution of those concerns.

HotButton Topics

This quarter, the Advisory Board discussed thefollowing hotbutton topics among others: (1) whetherNeighborhood Court should create an "offender aspanelist" policy to address when it would beappropriate and eligible for an offender to volunteer asa panelist; (2) what supplementary or periodic trainingis desired or needed by the volunteers; (3) whatchanges, if any, should be made to the existing policyregarding indigent feewaiver; and (4) how to improvethe program's evaluation process.

Status Updates

1. The proposal of an "offender as panelist" policy isstill pending consideration. If the proposal is approved,there is a possibility of a pilot program starting inDavis.

2. Volunteers have expressed an interest for furthersupplementary training in the areas of peertopeerbest practices discussion; mental health resourcesand referrals; introduction to police practices;description of the programs offered in the menu ofoptions; and training for direct victim cases. Inresponse, the Neighborhood Court Team hasscheduled four upcoming training dates with moreexpected in the near future. Please see page 3 forupcoming training sessions.

What's New?

1. Offense List

NHC has expanded the eligible offense list to include 22 additionaloffenses. The new offense list is now available for review atyoloda.org/nc.

2. Agreement Form

The agreement form was recently modified. The form now includes acheck box that allows volunteers to receive a copy of the writtenproducts (e.g., apology letters, research papers, etc) of the offenders.

3. Menu of Options

Page 62

"Onestop career centers and workshops" was added as a resource inthe menu of options. Onestop offers a free employment center wherestaff members assist participants in job search techniques. Onestopalso includes a free fifteenday career workshop. For a complete list ofthe recent additions to the menu of options, please visit yoloda.org/nc.

NEIGHBORHOOD COURT WELCOMES JAKE WHITAKER TO THE TEAM

Jake Whitaker is the most recent member added to the Neighborhood CourtTeam. As a legal process clerk, Jake will primarily provide administrative support,maintain offender case files, and track statistical data. Although his childhooddream was to be a racecar driving timetraveler, Jake is excited to live out hissecondarychildhood dream of being a public servant.

Since the age of two, Jake has been a Woodland resident. He earned aBachelor's degree in Political Science with a minor in Philosophy from WillametteUniversity in Salem, Oregon. While living in Oregon, Jake worked in the StateLegislature, first as an intern, and later as a paid legislative assistant.

Jake loves to sing! One of his most enjoyable memories from college was singingin choir. As a high school student, he performed in musical theater. Some mayrecognize Jake from Les Miserables at the Woodland Opera House back in2010.

BEST PRACTICES

This section is an opportunity for volunteers to ask trainers and staff members questions about best practices. The

Neighborhood Court Team encourages volunteers to submit questions regarding training or live experiences. After

the Neighborhood Court Team reviews the questions, a trainer or a staff member will provide a written response to

the selected question(s). Please email questions to Vietnam Nguyen, Deputy District Attorney and Editor of

Neighborhood Court Quarterly, at [email protected].

Question: Why do we need to debrief after the conferences?

Answer: It’s 9:00pm, you had a full day at work then came to NHC to be a panelist in two cases and you areexhausted! You gather your things to leave but the facilitator asks you to sit down because you are not done yet—what?!?

The postconference debrief is a vital part of the entire NHC process. A good debrief allows panelists to reflect onwhat worked well and most importantly on what didn’t work well, so that all participants benefit from continuedlearning. We all have something to learn and unless we take the time to reflect, give and receive feedback, andcommit to improving our skills, we can get stuck in old or destructive habits that compromise the quality of theservices we offer. A good debrief is well structured, efficient and effective. The facilitator should take the lead with the process byhaving panelists complete a written evaluation. Then, allowing for some space to “vent” is often helpful. Rememberthat because of confidentiality, we cannot discuss what happened outside the conference room or with anyone noton staff so this venting addresses our need to process our experience.

Page 63

Next, each panelist shares one thing they did that worked well for them. And finally, each panelist shares one thingthat did not work so well and a specific skill, knowledge or attitude they would like to improve. The facilitator thenprovides specific feedback to panelists and addresses any lingering questions so that everyone leaves theconference with a sense of accomplishment and direction for their next time at NHC. So next time you participate in a NHC conference, remember the importance of the post conference debrief andwork with your fellow panelists and facilitator to make this a productive, efficient and educational experience.

Answer Submitted By: Elvia Garcia, NHC Facilitator and Trainer

PREVIEW OF OUR NEXT EDITION

In our next edition, Neighborhood Quarterly will feature an article regarding the Yolo County District Attorney’s Officenew "Homeless Diversion Program" (working title). The "Homeless Diversion Program" will use the principles ofrestorative justice to address certain criminal violations committed by the homeless population in the cities of Davis,West Sacramento, and Woodland.

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

The purpose of this newsletter is to provide volunteerswith information on the program, such as a story onbest practices, future training events, updates in eitherthe menu of options or agreement form, introductionsto staff members, or a space for articles written byvolunteers. In the future, publications will be sent outquarterly in the months of March, June, September,and December.

Neighborhood Court Quarterly welcomes ideas forfuture articles, submissions of articles, comments,questions, or concerns. Please email any feedback toVietnam Nguyen, Deputy District Attorney and Editorof Neighborhood Court Quarterly, [email protected].

CONTACT US530.681.6323

[email protected]

CONNECT WITH USwww.facebook.com/YoloCountyNeighborhoodCourt

www.yoloda.org/nc

Page 64

TH :.JRSDAV, JUNE 18 20 15

A two-year birthday party was held in Davis on Tuesday night for the Yolo County Neighborhood Court Program, complete with cake and recognition of volunteers by District Attorney Jeff Reisig, right. The program is now being expanded to Woodland and West Sacramento.

Neighborhood Court program celebrates birthday in Davis By Democrat staff

The Yolo County Neighborhood Court program took over the Community Room at the Davis Police Department to celebrate its two-year anniversary Thesday.

The Neighborhood Court program began in 2013 in the city of Davis and the UC Davis and has recently branched out to the cities of West Sacramento and Woodland.

Neighborhood Court is an adult criminal diversion program based on restorative justice that addresses criminal violations which affect the quality of

,life in the community. It of~fer_s an alternative to crim;inal court.

At the Davis party, there In 2013, Neighborhood was a traditional cake cut- Court in Davis held 154 canting as well as words of ferences and the number of appreciation from District conferences more than douAttorney Jeff Reisig to the bled to 338 in 2014. men and women volunteers Neighborhood Court who hear and decide cases continues to expand the brought before them. program's list of eligible

Rather than charging a offenses. case for prosecution, the By the end of this year, District Attorney's Office the program will also exrefers certain low-level pand and begin focusing misdemeanors and in-·. its attention on cases infractions to Neighborhood volving the population of Court where a panel of homeless offenders in the trained community volun- county. teers participates in a facil- For Neighborhood Court itated conference with the to be successful, the Disoffender. trict Attorney relies on

All conferences are con- volunteers, and in Davis fidential and participation more than 100 people have by the offender is com- stepped forward to make pletely voluntary but vic- contributions. tims must consent to the Volunteers are needed offender participating in on weekday evenings and the program. the t ime commitment is

very flexible. People interested in vol

unteering for Neighborhood Court - particularly those in Woodland and West Sacramento - are needed. The next presentation of the program is set from 6:30 to 7 p.m., Thursday, July 9, at the Woodland Police Department Public Safety Room, 1000 Lincoln Ave.

For more information about the Neighborhood Court program or to download a volunteer application, go to www.yoloda. orgjnc.

People can also contact the program directly by email at neighborhood[email protected] or by phone at 666-8378.

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Comment Share

Gary Sand·y Ye;:, terdc y a 8:58 P

This is a great program that ne~eds Woodland volunteers to serve on the panel. Step up for positive change in our c~ommunity! Let me know if you need more info1

Nei ~ghborhood Court a s.uccess story Woodland just celebrated a success story of sorts in Da ...

, ly en1 c at.co

15 Likes 5 Cornn :nts Page 66

http://www.dailydemocrat.com/opinion/20150620/neighborhood-court-a-success-story

Page 1 of 1 Jul 16, 2015 04:37:30PM MDT

Neighborhood Court a success storyPosted: 06/20/15, 3:28 PM PDT Updated: 3 weeks, 4 days ago DailyDemocrat.com

Woodland just celebrated a success story of sorts in Davis. Now wait, before you go all “Woodland” on us,this celebration affects those of us in the City of Trees just as much as it does anyone lives in Yolo County.

This past Tuesday evening, there was cake, punch and a lot of good cheer at the second birthday party forthe Yolo County District Attorney’s Office Neighborhood Court.

The Neighborhood Court program began in 2013 in Davis and is now branching out Woodland and WestSacramento. A presentation on the program is planned at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, at the Woodland PoliceDepartment, 1000 Lincoln Ave. because volunteers are needed to help get this program underway here.

Neighborhood Court is an adult criminal diversion program based on a concept called “restorative justice,”which means that people with criminal violations that affect the overall quality of life in the community aregiven an alternative to criminal court. Rather than charging a case for prosecution, the DA’s Office referssome low-level misdemeanors and infractions to Neighborhood Court, where a panel of trained volunteerswork with the offender and the victim to mete out justice.

In 2013, the Neighborhood Court in Davis held 154 conferences. In 2014, the number of conferences morethan doubled to 338. Neighborhood Court is also expanding the list of those eligible for consideration toinclude people who are homeless.

To date, more than 100 community volunteers have supported this program and more are needed.Volunteers are given the opportunity to help improve the quality of life in their city by working with others toaddress harms to their community caused by the effects of crime, and working together to identify solutionsto help offenders avoid repeating the same mistakes that led to their original offense. Volunteers areneeded on weekday evenings, and the time commitment is very flexible.

Here’s your chance to stop complaining about “criminals” and actually administer community justice. It’sup to you.

Page 67

http://www.dailydemocrat.com/opinion/20150620/neighborhood-court-a-success-story

Neighborhood Court volunteers convene for a session of restorative justice in

October at 600 A St. Facilitator Elvia Garcia, left, and community panelists

James Cubbage, Joe Schwartz and Amanda Uhrhammer listen while "Katie"

talks about her arrest for public intoxication. Wayne Tilcock/Enterprise photo

By Lauren Keene

From page A1 | November 19, 2013 | Leave Comment

Neighborhood Court puts restoration over punishment

Katie did her best to recall that August night.

The 20-year-old UC Davis student remembered going to a

friend’s house and downing multiple shots of tequila “as a

stress reliever.” Her next memory was of arriving at a

downtown nightclub, where a friend of hers was the bouncer

on duty.

Search on for Winters shooting suspect

Page 1 of 10Neighborhood Court puts restoration over punishment Davis Enterprise

11/19/2013http://www.davisenterprise.com/local-news/crime-fire-courts/neighborhood-court-puts-restoration-...

Page 68

“He saw I was really drunk, so he offered to walk me home,”

Katie recalled as a panel of three Davis residents listened. “The

next thing I remember, I was in the back of a (police) car with

my hands handcuffed behind me,” an experience followed by a

night in the “drunk tank.”

The police report tells more — how Katie seemed confused

about which house was hers, prompting her concerned friend

to summon the cops. An expletive-laced confrontation

between Katie and the officers ensued, leading to the young

woman’s arrest on public intoxication charges.

Not long ago, the arrest likely would have required Katie to

hire an attorney and go to court, an expensive and time-

consuming process resulting in a lingering criminal record

and, some say, no real insight into why Katie committed her

alleged crime in the first place.

As a first-time offender, Katie was invited to take part in the

Yolo County district attorney’s new Neighborhood Court

program, where participants avoid a potential conviction while

collaborating with community members to repair the harm

they caused.

“They made a mistake, and we’re allowing them an alternative

— to take care of it without going to court,” said Chris

Bulkeley, the deputy district attorney who oversees the

program. The court system benefits as well, with fewer low-

level misdemeanors and infractions crowding the docket.

Hearings confidential

Neighborhood Court is modeled after a similar program

initiated several years ago in San Francisco under the concept

of “restorative justice” — focusing on the unique needs of the

victim, the offender and the community at large.

The hearings, which are confidential, comprise a three-step

process: with the help of a facilitator, offenders tell their

stories to a panel of local volunteers, who respond by

describing how such conduct affects their town’s quality of life.

Together, the offender, facilitator and panelists discuss

possible methods for restoring the community harm.

“The idea is that if they’re part of the solution, they’re more

likely to follow through and less likely to reoffend,” Bulkeley

said. “Our program is not designed to be punitive. It’s

designed to be restorative.”



Page 69

District Attorney Jeff Reisig said feedback from the

participants so far has been overwhelmingly positive.

“I sincerely believe that Neighborhood Court is so much more

meaningful for the parties,” Reisig said. Community members

“are happy to be part of the solution. We’ve totally engaged

them in the restorative justice process, and that alone is such a

huge benefit of this program.”

UCD Police Chief Matt Carmichael agreed.

“My first take on this is I am absolutely impressed with the

level of dedication of the people who are volunteering,”

Carmichael said. Reisig “is totally looking out for the needs of

the community, and that’s also impressive.”

There are several requirements for taking part in the voluntary

program, which so far has focused on Davis-area crimes but is

slated to expand into other Yolo County communities. Reisig

said West Sacramento will launch its own Neighborhood

Court early next year.

First, participants must be first-time offenders. They and the

victim — if there is one — must agree to the process, and

offenders must acknowledge their wrongdoing before going

into the hearing.

“We’re not talking about guilt or innocence. We’re focusing on

the harm caused by the conduct,” Bulkeley said.

Alcohol a common factor

Just over 100 hearings have been held since the program got

its start in April, with officers handing out yellow

Neighborhood Court “tickets” along with their citations. To

participate, offenders pay fees ranging from $120 for

infractions to $350 for misdemeanors.

Bulkeley said a majority of the hearings have involved so-

called “quality of life” crimes, such as public intoxication,

noise complaints and vandalism, but are expanding to include

more serious offenses such as batteries, thefts and resisting

arrest in which a victim is involved.

Many of the offenses share alcohol as a common denominator,

which Davis Police Chief Landy Black said has surprised some

of the volunteer panelists.



Page 70

ε

“It highlighted that alcohol was an issue, and they wanted to

know how to handle this better,” Black said of the volunteers

he has spoken with. Panelists have sought out information

about alcohol counseling and other resources that are

available to the offenders.

“Many of the issues are longer-term processes — how can we

make certain we get them on the right track?” Black said.

In Katie’s case, the restorative agreement called for her to

meet with UCD’s alcohol and drug intervention coordinator to

identify alternative methods for dealing with stress,

particularly during high-pressure periods such as midterms

and finals. Katie also offered to write a letter of apology to her

arresting officer, along with one of thanks to the bouncer who

took care of her.

“This is a really good outcome to this night,” panelist James

Cubbage, a UCD employee, told Katie. “There are a lot of

potential outcomes to that night that are not pretty. But you’re

here with us, and that’s great.”

At another hearing, a UCD graduate who received a noise

violation ticket a few months earlier offered to speak to friends

who were with her that night about the importance of living

peacefully among their neighbors.

“I’m sure people were trying to sleep,” said the woman, who

now works in the Bay Area. “I understand — I have to be up at

6 in the morning.”

Many of Neighborhood Court’s participants are UCD students,

some of whom may not see themselves as members of the

community, “but they are, and one of our goals is to make

them understand that,” Bulkeley said. “You have to be

considerate of the people around you.”

Volunteer panelist Carlos Matos, a retired substance-abuse

therapist for Yolo County, said by delving deeper into their

behavior, offenders receive other valuable lessons as well: an

understanding of why they committed their crimes, insight

into how their actions are perceived by others, and tools to

prevent them from happening again.

“This process is a lot better than paying fines and having a

record that can affect you for the rest of your life,” he said. “It

restores you and it restores the community.”



Page 71

Local residents, including members of the UCD community,

are still being sought to serve as panelists and facilitators for

the Neighborhood Court program. For more information, or to

apply online, visit www.yoloda.org.

— Reach Lauren Keene at [email protected] or 530

-747-8048. Follow her on Twitter at @laurenkeene



Page 72

2.10-NEWS DAILYDEMOCRAT.COM

Neighborhood Court expanding to deal with homeless people

Citizens work with a person in the Yolo County District Attorney's Neighborhood Court program. The program is now expanding to include those who are homeless.

By Democrat Staff

Growing in popular-ity, Yolo County's Neigh-borhood Court system is expanding to delve into homelessness and ways of forcing people who live on the streets to get help if needed.

District Attorney Jeff Reisig announced that the Yolo County Neighborhood Court program has created the Homeless Restorative Justice Program.

The new homeless pro-gram is a collaboration be-tween the District Attor-ney's Office, the Health and Human Services Agency, local law enforcement agencies and coniumunity members.

According to Chief Dep-uty District Attorney Jon-. athan Raven, Neighbor-hood Court is an adult criminal diversion pro-gram based on restorative justice that addresses criminal violations which affects the quality of life in the community. It offers an alternative to criminal court.

"Rather than charging a case for prosecution, the District Attorney's Office will refer certain misde-meanors and infractions to Neighborhood Court," according to Raven. "In Neighborhood Court, a, panel of trained volun-teers from the community participates in a facilitated conference with the of-fender. All conferences are confidential and participa-tion by the offender is com-pletely voluntary. In addi-tion, any victim must also consent to the program for a case to be diverted into Neighborhood Court. If ei-ther the victim or the of-fender does not agree, the matter will be handled in the traditional criminal justice system."

The new Homeless Re-storative Justice Program expands the existing pro-gram by focusing on the homeless populations in Davis, Woodland and West Sacramento.

"Emphasis will be placed on health, behavioral health, housing and self-sufficiency of the home-less or situational home-less offender," according to Raven. "This expansion will not be limited to first time offenders but will ad-dress homeless individuals with varied criminal histo-ries. The program will use the conferences to come to agreements with these of-fenders that include access to state, county and non-profit resources that can assist these individuals to change their current living situation. A social worker practitioner will provide short term case manage-ment services, including information and assis-tance, goal oriented coun-seling, and linkages to em-ployment, mental health and substance abuse ser-vices if needed."

Raven noted that a ma-jor addition to the exist-ing conference process is that the social worker will also hold a pre-conference

meeting with the homeless offender to access the of-fender's needs.

"This assessment will lead to the creation of a six month case plan that ad-dresses health, behavioral health, housing and self-sufficiency which will as-sist the conference partici-pants with information for the agreement and also as-sist the offender in deter-mining how they will avoid the criminal conduct in the future," Raven reported. "The social worker will be able to assist the home-less offender in following through on the case plan and the agreement by ob-taining access to resources and then following up with the offender to help them. succeed in using these re-sources to complete their agreement."

Homeless people tend to be fearful of attending court, yet their outstanding warrants limit their reinte-gration into society, deter-ring them from using social services and impeding their access to employment, ac-cording to the District At-torney's Office. Much like the homeless courts in San Diego and Los Angeles the conferences will be held in community facilities to al-

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low homeless individuals to feel more comfortable.

"For Neighborhood Court to be successful, the District Attorney's Office relies on the dedicated vol-unteers who are given the opportunity to help im-prove the quality of life in their city by working with fellow citizens to address harms to their commu-nity caused by the effects of crime, and they work to-gether to identify solutions

TESSA TERRILL — DAILY DEMOCRAT to help offenders avoid re-peating the same mistakes that led to their original of-fense," Raven stated. "This program creates an atmo-sphere of inclusion and re-sponsibility by providing a direct role for residents to oversee the resolution of offenses in their city.

To date 'more 150 com-munity volunteers have supported this innovative program and more are needed. The conferences with the offenders are held on weekday evenings and the volunteer commitment is very flexible. Volunteers must complete the appro-priate training and must complete a Live-Scan back-ground check.

The next training ses-sion for volunteers will be held at the Davis Police Department on Saturday, Oct. 10. Volunteer applica-tions are available online. The application deadline is Oct. 8, for this training. Re-. cruiting is ongoing, and fu-ture training dates will be available. For more infor-mation on the Neighbor- hood Court program go to www.yoloda.org/nc. There will also be an informational meeting from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, at the Davis Police Depart- ment. People can also con-tact the program directly by email at [email protected] or by phone at 666-8378.

4NERMINCOMOSIEBNINNK<P.. -

DA seeks volunte t, h

rs for Neighborhoo der • ro rai

ENTERPRISE STAFF

The Yolo County District Attorney's Office is seek-ing volunteers to partici-pate in the Neighborhood Court program and the new Homeless Restorative Justice Program.

Neighborhood Court is an adult criminal diversion program based on restor-ative justice that addresses criminal violations impact-ing a community's quality of life. Rather than char-ging a case for prosecution,

the District Attorney's Office will refer certain low-level misdemeanors and infractions to a panel of trained community volun-teers in a facilitated confer-ence with the offender.

The new Homeless Restorative Justice Pro-gram is an expansion of Neighborhood Court that takes the homeless offend-ers out of court and into a program that emphasizes social services. All confer-ences are confidential and

require the consent of both the victim and the offender.

Anyone interested in learning more about these programs or volunteering is invited to attend a pre-sentation at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Davis Police Department, 2600 Fifth St.

For more inthrmation about Neighborhood Court, visit www.yoloda.org/nc, call 530-666-8378 or email neighborhoodcourt@yolo county.org.

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