Chapter 3: The Panel Process
Estimated time: 20 to 25 minutes
Video to watch: A Restorative Justice Meeting (Short Version) (YouTube, about 7 minutes)
Learning Goals
Understand the structure of a panel from start to finish.
Recognize the volunteer’s role at each stage.
Identify how agreements are created and why they matter.
Core Idea
A panel is not a courtroom. It is a structured community conversation where the person harmed, the person responsible, and volunteers come together to understand impact and design repair. Most panels last about an hour.
Typical Sequence
Introductions and Ground Rules
Everyone shares their name.
Confidentiality and respect are established.
The facilitator explains the purpose: repair, not punishment.
Sharing the Story
The responsible party explains what happened.
If the harmed party is present, they may choose to share first.
Volunteers listen and may ask clarifying questions.
Agreement Building
Together, the group designs a repair plan.
This may include apologies, community service, financial restitution, or educational steps.
Volunteers help ensure the agreement is realistic and meaningful.
Closing
The agreement is read aloud.
Participants confirm understanding.
The facilitator thanks everyone for their honesty and effort.
Volunteer Role Throughout
Set a welcoming, calm tone at the beginning.
Ask open questions that encourage reflection and accountability.
Notice ripple effects that may not be named yet.
Help shape agreements that truly address the harm.
Support dignity for all participants as the meeting closes.
Example in Practice
A young person admits to damaging property. The harmed neighbor describes feeling unsafe and frustrated. Volunteers ask, “What could you do to repair trust?” The group creates an agreement: repaint the property, write a letter of apology, and attend a local youth workshop on conflict resolution.
Exploring Impact
The group discusses how the harm affected people and community.
Volunteers ask questions like: “Who else was affected by this?”