Week 9- November 19th

This past week, we did get a new case thankfully. We have already received much interest from mediators and observers, and have put all the necessary people on the case. This case is very interesting in the scheme of our normal work in juvenile RJ mediation. Usually we get cases that are about graffiti, trespassing, or criminal mischief. This case is different in that it is about two older youth (17). One has damaged the other's car in the high school parking lot. Normally, we would want to focus on the wrong to the individual and community, but in this case, I have a feeling that it will be more on the wrong to the individual's car. Also, I can imagine that there will be more of a lean toward how to repay the damage. Crimes like damaging property on accident are much different from the usual crimes we see that were done intentionally. I honestly like this new type of case. I hope we get more cases like this. It would promote a more communicative process in youth people, especially in junior high and high school.
I have also been trying to make sure that one of the cases has their community service scheduled properly. I have been getting many angry emails from the parents, worried that they will not be able to get their kids scheduled before the end of the year (as their agreement stated). I have been trying very hard to get a hold of the representative from the organization in question, but it is seemingly impossible. I have told the parents not to worry, and that if the organization does not contact me in a week, the youth will be able to amend the agreement and complete community service through an organization of their choice.