Q&A with Restorative Community Pathways
We interviewed two of our Restorative Community Pathways (RCP) Community Navigators, Heni and Chase, all about the program!
Hear from them on the importance of RCP and the difference it makes in the lives of the young people we serve.
What is Restorative Community Pathways (RCP)?
RCP is a comprehensive community-led response to harm, offered instead of prosecution. RCP aims to meet the individualized needs of both the youth accused of causing harm as well as the person who experienced harm. It provides reparative accountability, connects participants with culturally meaningful supports and resources, and promotes community healing. The RCP model is rooted in Restorative Justice and moves beyond the rigid binary view that people are victims or perpetrators by acknowledging and recognizing the harm experienced by every person engaged in RCP. RCP seeks to provide healing and restoration for all parties and support those harmed, giving voice to their needs. The RCP model additionally offers financial compensation through the Restitution Fund.
Who is eligible to participate in RCP?
RCP serves youth being accused of a first-time felony or misdemeanor offense that is eligible for pre-filing diversion in accordance with Washington state law, as well as the person/s who experienced harm in each situation. Situations that involve extreme bodily harm or sexual violence are not eligible. RCP connects with participants' parents and support networks who can also access the resources and services offered through the program.
In addition to referrals received from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (PAO), RCP supports people through community referrals. Members of the community are those associated with the individuals referred by PAO or youth who may benefit from the RCP model who are connected to our consortium organizations. Including community referrals in the service model reflects input from community partners and promotes successful program outcomes for youth by strengthening community ties and support networks.
What type of charges come through RCP and what doesn't qualify?
Charges that do not qualify: Any offense that involves extreme bodily harm or sexual motivation are not eligible.
Charges that do qualify: RCP serves youth being accused of a first-time felony or misdemeanor offense that is eligible for pre-filing diversion in accordance with Washington state law, as well as the person/s who experienced harm in each situation. For example: (first-time assault, theft, criminal trespassing, malicious mischief, etc)
Who are the systems partners and community partners involved with RCP?
RCP operates as a consortium of community organizations across King County who support youth and community members across the diverse communities and languages present in our county. There are 6 organizations in the Consortium; CHOOSE 180, Collective Justice, Congolese Integration Network, Creative Justice, East African Community Services, and the Pacific Islander Community Association of Washington. Together, these organizations create a network of care by providing programming and resources, which RCP participants can choose from with the support of their community navigator.
What kind of support do you offer participants?
Heni:
Basic needs: Through our Youth and Families Fund, all RCP participants and their families can access housing and rental support, bill payment support, groceries, clothing, mental and physical health services, and other needs. Additionally, community navigators and consortium organizations support participants in accessing community resources.
Community: RCP, through participants’ relationship with navigators and the diverse programming, offers participants an opportunity to build intentional community based in safety, choice, healing, and accountability. This includes spaces of community support and programming centered on shared identity (racial, refugee, cultural, religious, sexual, gender, etc.) and spaces of diversity and solidarity.
Connection: Participants are offered peer support and mentorship, educational and vocational opportunities, and culturally meaningful community services.
Court support
Chase:
We offer restitution support for both harmed parties and other participants for instances that may include property damage, loss of wages, and in support of therapy or counseling for individuals that may have been affected.
Accessibility to support systems and community resources such as art programming, therapy/counseling/job training opportunities.
What do you like about doing this type of work?
Chase:
I love seeing our participants succeed and get the support they need. Whether it is our harmed parties receiving support so that they can once again feel whole and taken care of, or our participants making the necessary changes and receiving the care they need to transform their environments and make healthy choices, seeing our participants thrive and succeed is the greatest outcome I could ask for.
Heni:
I love how this is not a one-size-fits-all approach for all referrals. I love the nature of having participants get their experience more catered to their needs rather than a baseline approach under which many programs operate.
Learn more about RCP on our website here or on the Restorative Community Pathways website. Join us on our journey to heal from harm, and support our work here!