GCC Finalizes Partnership With DA Deborah Gonzalez' Office

December 6, 2022

It’s official!  GCC is moving forward with our formal partnership with District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez’ office to offer a restorative justice diversion pathway for certain high level misdemeanor and felony juvenile cases.  According to the press release related to the Memorandum of Understanding that DA Gonzalez and GCC Executive Director, Danny Malec, signed on November 16:

“This program highlights the viewpoint of the DA’s office that restorative justice and diversion programming are essential components of an effective justice system. Restorative justice is the evidence-backed philosophy that focuses on the rehabilitation of offenders through reconciliation with victims and the community at large, in which the offender takes accountability for their actions in an effort to repair harm and prevent it from happening again. This method has shown high satisfaction rates for offenders, victims, and the overall communities in which restorative justice is practiced.”

As we begin to receive and facilitate restorative justice diversion cases, we will look forward to sharing more information.  In the meantime, feel free to take a look at some of the recent press that we have received about this restorative justice diversion program:

Athens Banner Herald

11-Alive News Atlanta

DA Gonzalez’ Interview with WGAU’s Alexia Ridley

other blogs and recommended reading

Restorative Justice

Elderly and Imprisoned: 'I Don't Count It as Living, Only Existing.'

A recent opinion piece from The New York Times discusses the peril of elderly incarcerated individuals. As the article states, the ACLU estimates that "by 2030, people over 55 will constitute a third of the country's prison population", even though elderly people are significantly less likely to reoffend.

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The Unexpected Gift of GCC: The First in our Story Series

The best gifts are experiences. Especially those that fundamentally change you, help you evolve.

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Restorative Arlington Partners with Arlington Public Schools to Support Students and Strengthen Restorative Justice in Education

Restorative Arlington has partnered with Arlington Public Schools (APS) to support Restorative Justice in Education. Restorative Arlington has allocated over $140,000 to provide direct services to APS, including services for students who have experienced harm as well as restorative justice training for staff and additional resources.

Read full article (LINK OPENS IN A NEW TAB) →

Transformative Effects of Restorative Practices

A career educator reflects on his personal and his school's transformation

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School-based Restorative Practices Implementation

COVID is making it harder for schools to practice restorative practices

This article, originally published in Fortune.com, explores a range of added challenges related to restorative practices implementation as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read full article (LINK OPENS IN A NEW TAB) →