Stop bullying

Restorative justice (RJ) practices, especially “circle processes,” have been found to be very effective for adolescents in bullying. These practices are used at the federal level and by the Department of Public Safety in Missouri.

RJ is more effective than traditional counseling or punishment. The goal is to heal the harm, while holding the offender fully accountable. Missouri is considered a forerunner in this area with juveniles.

We are attempting to set up RJ program for adults in Sedalia, Mo., to try to keep the prison population from ever expanding and to address the recidivism rate (estimated at 60 to 70 percent) in our prisons.

For specific information, contact me, the Community Mediation Center in Independence or the Juvenile Justice Specialist (State of Missouri, Department of Public Safety) in Jefferson City.

Margaret L. Harlan
Licensed psychologist
Sedalia, Mo.

Comments

[Karinwildeisen]

How does the average American tell their child that violence is not the answer and then sit down with that child for a TV show or movie that is all about romanticized or "comedic" violence? How do I teach my child the police officer is your friend, after the funeral of a 17-year old boy, killed by KCPD in their high speed pursuit of some drunk who clipped a telephone pole? Children live what they see, and what they see everyday around them is successful bullying...in politics, in the justice system, in church, even car insurance ads! The responsibility of education begins at home and continues in the school. However, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. True American culture has been supressed under decades of "sex, drugs and rock and roll", so how do we alter the content of our media without the use of censorship? With our dollars and our votes. Why ship adult entertainment out of Missouri, when my kids can watch Stripper Lily on a pole or catch a quickie in daytime soaps right in my living room?

[NoMoreMrNiceGuy]

I have a RJ program that costs $5, works, and costs nothing to maintain.
It's called a leather belt.

[Rogue]

Your tax dollars at work........