The RESPECT Program

RESPECT has been in operation since 1997. Crime victims are assisting in making impact statements that are forwarded to the juvenile officer working with the offender. Several services are offered to crime victims to get answers to questions they have about the offense and to seek restitution. When a juvenile offender is willing to take responsibility for the offense, the youth and parents or guardians complete an orientation session about the Respect program. A juvenile offender may then be referred for further screening and a possible meeting with the victim to discuss the harm and how to make things right. These sessions are conducted in safe settings monitored by trained mediators. Restitution arrangements are monitored until completed. RESPECT is funded by a grant from the Missouri Division of Youth Services and the Seventh Circuit Office of Dispute Resolution Services. Mediation service are provided by the Community Mediation Center. For more information, contact Kathleen Bird, ODRS Director at (816) 736-8400 or .