Facilitators act as neutral third parties and support all participants in the process. This includes creating and maintaining a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for dialogue that is focused on reflection and reconciliation. The facilitator meets with each party individually before the conference. These meetings involve listening to each individual’s account of the incident, providing and reviewing the scripted questions that they will be asked during the conference, and ensuring that all individuals are informed and supported throughout the proceedings. After the facilitator meets with all parties involved, the next interaction with the facilitator will be at the conference.
The facilitator leads the conference with a script that provides a series of open-ended questions, that encourage participants to express how they were affected by the incident, and collaborate in developing a plan to repair the harm that was done.
The final role of the facilitator is to introduce the youth and family to the assigned Resource Specialist who will support the youth in completing their agreement.
Expectations for the facilitator
- Create a safe space for all participants
- Maintain confidentiality
- Remain a neutral party, leading the process but allowing participants to drive the outcomes.
meet the jjab team
our Facilitator
Siri Anand Khalsa joined JJAB in February 2022, working as a Resource Specialist with middle and high school students. She is an Oregon native and moved to New Mexico to be closer to the Sikh community. She completed Restorative Justice training through the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP) in early 2023 and has facilitated various groups. She is also a certified One Circle facilitator.
How I see Restorative Justice impacting youth that participate in the program:
Youth have the opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue with those affected by their actions, work towards finding solutions that address the harm caused, and develop a plan for moving forward in a positive direction.
How I see Restorative Justice impacting parents that participate in the program:
Parents participating in Restorative Justice conferences can expect to gain a deeper understanding of their child’s actions, engage in constructive dialogue with all parties involved, and work collaboratively towards healing and resolution.
PRogram Manager
Dianna Reichelt joined JJAB in June of 2021 as a Resource Specialist and has since become Program Manager for both the Restorative Justice and Resource Specialist programs. Dianna brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to JJAB, having worked directly with clients in various case management agencies and she directed The Los Alamos Family YMCA’s Reach and Rise Mentoring program. In addition to her case management backgroud, Dianna has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Adams State University. Dianna is passionate about working with youth because they are the future leaders and change makers who will ensure the world is a better place for everyone.
