The Restorative Justice Task Force is an open, voluntary coalition of people who are concerned about victims of crime, young offenders and the ripple effects crime has on families, schools, and neighborhoods.  They are eager to see improvements in how our society responds to and manages the consequences of harmful behavior as well as in how it prevents future harm.  It is a "circle of equals" each of whom brings particular expertise, skills, interests and perspectives.  The intent is to share collaboratively, to hold opinions lightly thus letting a "synergy of differences" stimulate new ideas, and to discover ways to build partnerships among members for implementing restorative practices.

Those who are new to what has evolved into a county-wide momentum for restorative approaches, are encouraged to become familiar with its history, activities and accomplishments as these are the stepping stones into a future yet to be fully designed and implemented.  Local RJTF History 

It is also beneficial to become familiar with other efforts taking place in other California counties, in the United States and throughout the world.  Some of these are shared elsewhere on this wiki and may also be found among the websites referenced from the SideBar.  Keep a lookout for other resources not currently found at this site and share what you find in the comments section at the end of this page.  

In the "good old days" when the RJTF was a local initiative in Santa Maria, a statement of its Vision, Mission, and Values was adopted.  The language was later adjusted to reflect its growth into a county-wide entity.  RJTF of Santa Barbara County  This is another important means for becoming well-oriented to what members strive to achieve.

The paramount purposes of the RJTF are

• advocacy for restorative justice principles and practices (RJp&p) within each member's realm of influence,
• education about RJp&p in the form of symposia, workshops, training opportunities, public forums, etc.,
• forming partnerships among members to carry out the implementation of RJp&p, and 
• sharing ideas and providing helpful critiques in support of those members who are seeking ways to implement RJp&p.

Membership in the three regional task forces overlaps since local and county-level interests often intermingle.  Each is convened or chaired separately with local meetings typically scheduled monthly (see "Meet the Regional Task Forces" on the SideBar for more information).  Lots of interaction takes place between meetings as relationships are built between members and energy gathers around particular initiatives.  Meetings become a way to catch up!  One consequence has been a recognition that coordination county-wide is an imperative.  The Restorative Justice Advisory Group is now in formation and holds promise for enhancing the efforts undertaken at the regional level.  It has had 2 meetings this year with the next one scheduled for September, 2008.  A diagram may clarify and capture the RJ dynamics swirling throughout SB County:   RJTF Relational Chart (3).doc