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Training FAQs

A: Typically, new Volunteer Facilitators will get at least one opportunity every month or two to sit as a Community Member, and are welcome to Monthly Potlucks and Continuing Education evenings the last Tuesday of every month. Since FCRJ is a fast-growing program, with more referrals coming in from a wider swath of our region, we project that Volunteers will see more regular "action" commensurate with this growth. As it stands, there is no firm time commitment required and we do everything we can to get people hands-on experience as much as we can. Sometimes we will go for a few months without needing Volunteers, and people begin to wonder. This is only due to slower referral periods. We value our Volunteers very much, and try to keep them supported and active throughout the year, in accordance with their schedule. If you have more questions we are here to support on this topic.

A: No, this is not a certification course, but we follow Standards and Practices from our State Restorative Justice Council. While the Council is not in a position to review and qualify our training officially, FCRJ does everything possible to adhere to or exceed their standards and guidelines.
A: Given this is a Basic Facilitator Training, you will be qualified to participate in Victim-Offender conferences as a Community Member, whose role is to show, and speak to, impacts of a harm on our community, and specifically. One aspect of RJ is that it really drives home the impact of a harm--not only on those directly involved, but a ripple out into community.
A: No, but any background working directly with youth and specifically in mediation, conflict resolution, nonviolent communication, etc, is extremely helpful and can help you take on further roles such as Co-Facilitator and eventually Lead Facilitator.
A: Yes. And you will then be qualified to be involved as a Community Member.
A: Great question! Lead Facilitation requires a tenure of attendance and participation in Circles throughout the period of a year, to learn all other roles and to sharpen the skills needed to understand the FCRJ process and to play the specific roles with ease and clarity. Some people come to our Basic Training with a lot of related experience, so on a case-by-case basis we often evaluate professional and related experiences and fast-track people to roles with higher levels of responsiblity and engagement in the process. This is not to say at all that EVERY role is key, because every person who shows up for our processes brings something important.
A: Yes, very much so. FCRJ's training places huge value on practicing what we've learned during the weekend, and to that end, the Sunday session will be devoted primarily to "mock processes", both for the Pre-Conference and full Victim-Offender Circle processes.
A: Yes, there are many roles, and each will be reviewed carefully, and we'll also cover the inclusion of Therapy Dog teams in our process.
A: As much as possible! Unless someone is allergic or requests not to have them. We find that the marriage of Therapy Dogs and Restorative Justice is a brilliant way to provide safety, humanizing the process, and turning an often high-stress situation into one that is manageable. It also helps open all involved up to sharing more significantly.
A: 33 Total
A: Yes. We serve primarily youth cases but are growing in adult referrals as well.
A: FCRJ is a Victim-centered RJ process. That means from the moment we receive a referral, we are aiming to support the specific concerns and needs of the Victim. It is voluntary to them whether they want to fully participate or not. Their needs and concerns have a voice in the V-O Process and directly impact what is written into a Contract For Repair, which is a list of obligations that the Offender must carry out.
A: FCRJ hosts monthly trainings for Volunteers, and also have opportunities for those interested to participate (after an additional training) in the Insight Prison Project RJ Programs, in BV and Canon City, at the Correctional Facilities in each town. For Volunteers who are inclined to help in multiple ways, we also are seeking Office Support/Admin duties on an as-needed basis, and support when we do our fundraising drives. We like to provide you the opportunities that best fit your interests, and work with each person to see what works best for them.

Because justice does not always mean punishment

PO Box 699
County Courthouse Third Floor
Salida, CO 81201
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