Marathon County Restorative Justice Program began as a collaboration between Marathon County Department of Social Services and Children’s Service Society of Wisconsin in 2004. The two sought to use a service delivery model of Victim-Offender Conferencing, with the anticipated outcomes of increasing offender accountability and diverting youth from further juvenile justice involvement; increasing resources to youth and their families to reduce risk and build protective factors; and to provide important assistance and restitution to crime victims. Victims of crime are central to the process and are given a voice to express their thoughts and feelings as to how they have been affected. They become a part of the judicial process by being able to construct an agreement with the offender as to how the offender will make reparations.

Since the beginning of the program, Restorative Justice has added Family Conferencing, the Youth Educational Shoplifting Prevention Program, a Restitution Project, and worked together with others in the community to provide the Prime for Life Program for youth facing AODA related charges. From 2005 through 2007, services were typically only provided to youth age 16 and under. The most recent addition to programming began in 2008 and includes 17 and 18 year olds. These teens are considered adults in our current legal system, but are now eligible to participate in restorative programming.

Funding for the Restorative Justice Program has come from Marathon County Department of Social Services and the Office of Justice Assistance. The Office of Justice Assistance provided funds for start-up and training in 2004 and we are presently receiving funds from them as we enter our third year of a three year Juvenile Accountability Block Grant. Marathon County added funds for 2008 to service 17 and 18 year olds. In addition, several area businesses, civic groups, and foundations have donated to our Victim-Assistance Trust Fund. These include The Community Foundation, Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, the Wausau Area Noon Optimists, the United Way, Goodwill Industries, and Wausau Papers. Funding for this web site was granted through the State Bar of Wisconsin and its local affiliate, The Marathon County Bar Association.

As the Restorative Justice Program began to grow in its services, the Advisory Board agreed that they wanted to see the program be community based, rather than agency based. After some discussion and research, it was decided that the program would move into the Weston location of Goodwill Industries NCW. Goodwill has graciously offered their assistance by providing office space and becoming the fiscal agent of the program. They have been, and will continue to be, a wonderful support as we look forward to providing service to the community, as well as building community awareness and assistance in restorative practices.