AUBURN – A new program at Auburn Middle School will address the issue of juvenile crime with an innovative program called Restorative Justice.

School Resource Officer Tony Harrington and Guidance Counselor Martha Stone will present information on the program at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 12, at the school.

The presentation is for parents, staff and community members interested in the development of a safe community. The hour-long program will be followed by a free dessert reception prepared by students.

“This an opportunity to learn about this brand new program being developed at AMS and coordinated by the Auburn Police Department,” said Harrington.

Restorative Justice is a method of solving conflict and repairing harm done by crime through face-to-face meetings between affected parties. The program provides new options for students/members of the school community involved in the juvenile justice system.

The goals include reducing the incidence of juvenile crime; reducing the reliance on suspension, expulsion and police intervention; and creating a safe forum for victims and offenders.

Members of the community may become involved in Restorative Justice at the school by becoming a trained community resolution team facilitator, serving on the advisory board or attending a resolution team meeting as a concerned community member.

For more information, contact Harrington or Stone at Auburn Middle School, 784-1356.

Restorative Justice at AMS is funded by a grant from the Maine Juvenile Justice Advisory Group. Monday’s presentation is sponsored by AMS PTO and Auburn’s Community Learning Center at AMS.