Returning from the Institution

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The teenage victim, Colin, had been involved in a fight with four other youths when the police intervened. Although the youth seemed to have no serious injuries, that night he experienced convulsions and fell into a coma. The four offenders were arrested and the juvenile court judge sent them all to residential treatment facilities for at least six months, after which their cases would be reviewed. In the meantime Colin emerged from the coma, but had suffered physical impairment to his motor functions and speech. During the six months the four offenders were away the probation officer visited Colin and his family. The youth had experienced some physical improvement through intensive rehabilitation, but he and his family were filled with anger. Colin openly talked about revenge, promising to find each of the offenders when they returned to the community and get back at them, one at a time. The probation officer, recognizing that this family desperately needed a way to get some resolution and move beyond their anger, suggested the possibility of a family group conference. Although Colin dismissed the idea at the time, the probation officer felt that he had given the victim and his family something to think about.

When the six months had elapsed, the four youths were escorted back to the juvenile court by counselors from the residential institutions. Colin and his family also attended the review hearing. The judge decided that the four offenders would be reassigned from secure treatment to foster homes closer to their home communities. The probation officer decided to use the opportunity provided by the court hearing, which had brought everyone together, to again offer a family group conference. Having had several months to think about the conference idea, Colin and his parents now expressed interest in participating. The offenders agreed as well. Although the offenders' parents were not at the hearing, the probation officer asked the residential counselors to serve as their supports in the conference.

In a small room, the only one available, the probation officer assembled the conference. Following the script, the conference provided an opportunity for everyone to talk, unlike the review hearing which just proceeded it. Colin had played no role in the review hearing. Also he had been in the hospital when the offenders went through their initial court hearing. This was the first time that the offenders had seen Colin since the assault.

As Colin walked and spoke and gestured, his impaired functions were starkly demonstrated. The four offenders began to realize the damage they had done to another human being. One of them began to cry. Feelings are contagious and soon all four offenders offered tearful apologies to the injured boy and his parents. Colin and his parents, moved by the sincerity of the four youths, readily offered their forgiveness.

The probation officer watched in amazement as the conference process worked its magic. The four offenders, long detached from the reality of their crime, faced what they had done and repented. Colin, until now obsessed with thoughts of revenge, and his parents freed themselves from anger and put closure on a horrible episode in their lives.

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