Services Northwest - Legal Services
From hmis
| Group | Legal Services |
| Category | Legal Services |
| Name | Services Northwest |
| Provider |
|---|
Description
Portland Community Justice Partnership (PCJP) is a program of Lutheran Community Services Northwest that gives people who have been impacted by a crime a safe space to heal from the harm and a voice in determining the best solution for redress. PCJP adopts a victim-centered approach to restorative justice that encourages growth and healing so individuals involved can move forward with their lives.
Restorative justice is an alternative approach to the court-based system. Rather than pursuing punishment, restorative justice seeks to repair the harm through the use of
practices that focus on the 5 R’s of restorative justice: Relationship, Respect, Responsibility, Repair, and Reintegration. Portland Police Bureau is a partner with PCJP.
PCJP works closely with Lutheran Community Services Northwest’s crime victim advocates to ensure that persons harmed have access to victim support services throughout the process. Victims do not have to participate in this project in order to access the agency’s crime victim services.
Program referrals are initiated by the Portland Police Bureau. PCJP accepts most types of crimes and will not disqualify participants based on history. They will accept cases involving felonies or misdemeanors, as well as case types that carry a presumptive prison sentence. When a referral is received, their team reaches out to the parties to confirm their willingness to participate in the restorative justice process. Participation by all participants is voluntary. Staff and volunteer facilitators work with all parties independently to prepare them for a face-to-face meeting. Each case is unique. If the harmed party doesn’t want to engage in a dialogue, the facilitator will explore other ways they can participate to address the harm and seek resolution without contact.
Facilitators play a critical role with PCJP. They represent the community and empower those impacted by and responsible for wrongdoing. PCJP offers training for community members interested in alternative methods to the court-based system.
Facilities
Lutheran Community Services Multicultural Counseling Services
Contacts
Contact: Office Phone: (503) 231-7480