>
> Hi Friends around the world,
>
> We have passed this idea around for a few weeks to get feedback, and the
> response has been all positive and refreshing.
>
> We are looking at a proposal to include a mentoring scheme as an extension
> of the restorative justice structure.
>
> The suggestion is to have a person trusted by the offender, in a
> one-to-one relationship on a daily basis, sometimes live-in, fully paid to
> give support and guidance. A person who would be a role model and a
> friend.
>
> People accused of serious offences may not be sent to jail if this more
> controlled option were available. And it is a clear expression of
> community support, putting money in a positive way where it is needed. It
> would be important to have the mentor position recallable by the offender
> and accountable to the offender's community.
>
> Precedents are there. Bail - release from jail - is presently granted on
> the basis of individuals being prepared to offer personal and community
> support and carry responsibility. But that is unfunded. It would be easy
> to save money on the youth imprisonment costs presently at $115,000 in
> NSW, adults at $70,000, and so clearly failing. All the negative aspects
> of prison would be removed.
>
> We would like to collate experiences in the area. In the US apparently
> there is a YMCA/YWCA big brother/sister scheme for urban youth. Others are
> called buddy schemes in schools in Australia, even "carers" for disabled
> people carry some similarities.
>
> Would people provide feedback as soon as they can. Maybe the idea can be
> developed into something to put down government throats? It would be nice
> to offer an alternative crime-fighting option that works without
> punishment.
>
>
> Brett
>
> Brett Collins
> Breakout Design & Print (coordinator)
> Justice Action (a spokesperson)
> 19 Buckland St, Chippendale, NSW 2008, Australia
> P.O. Box 386, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia
> email: brett@justiceaction.org.au
> voice: 61-2-9281-5100 fax: 9281-5303
>
> Please log into the Justice Action Web site, designed and sponsored by
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> http://www.justiceaction.org.au
>
>