Programs
Youth begin HOPE Court at just about 17 years of age, and are given an adult support team of child welfare professionals that may include a social worker, life coach, attorney ad litem, and guardian ad litem.
Our adult support teams are provided trainings in restorative practices and nonviolent communication. These amazing professionals, from many different community agencies, join together in service and mission!
Restorative Legal Processes
Special HOPE court hearings are conducted every 6 weeks (instead of every 6 months, as required by statute.) Court proceedings are held in circle, and begin with a relationship building circle go-around. The proceedings are youth led and interactive.
The circle format ensures that all voices are heard, and empower our youth to be involved in their “case” and take ownership of their life. Rather than merely hearing about themselves, and what will be happening TO them, these court hearings are restorative in nature and place emphasis on connecting the youth WITH their legal involvement.
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Maya Angelou
Supportive Youth Circle Services
Pre-court listening circles are conducted with youth and their adult support team prior to each court hearing. These circles allow for relationship building, celebrations, and mournings. They are also a safe space to discuss conflict and brainstorm effective ways to meet needs. Restorative Conferencing, a foundational process in the implementation of restorative justice, is utilized to address major problems arising during the course of the case.
Additionally, Independent Living Skills workshops are provided throughout the year prior to the youth’s 18th birthday. Workshop topics may include:
“I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.”
Brene Brown
Transitional Independent
Living (TIL) Planning
State required TIL planning is provided through an interactive restorative process called “My Virtual Vision Board.” The vision boards are completed in supportive youth circles adapted from EPIC OHANA. Youth invite their support team, and are encouraged to dream their biggest dreams in a safe space.
Vision boarding begins and ends with specific circle go-arounds designed to encourage our youth and build community connections. Specific areas of independent living, such as education, employment, and housing, are explored. Detailed to do lists are created where youth are paired with adult support team members for support in completing necessary tasks to achieve youth goals. The process is an uplifting and joyful celebration of near-adulthood, as well as being informational and vital.
