Neighborhood Accountability Boards
The Neighborhood Accountability Boards is a voluntary diversion program for youth who committed a crime. Neighborhood Accountability Boards represent a community-based decision making process aimed at repairing harm brought on by the crime. Instead of focusing on who broke the law, what laws were broken, and how to punish the offender, this process incorporates Restorative Justice principles. Focusing the attention on what harm was done, what needs to be done to repair the harm, and what level of repair the responsible party can realistically accomplish. The response to harm should meet the needs of the victim, offender, and community.
Accountability Board Goals are:
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To provide the victim and community the opportunity to converse with an offender in a safe and productive manner
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To provide an opportunity for an offender to take responsibility and make amends
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To provide citizen ownership of the justice system
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To provide a timely, community response to repair harm
Juveniles committing crimes in Lee County are assessed by the Department of Juvenile Justice and approved by the State Attorney's Office for referral to the Neighborhood Accountability Board program.
Youth who are eligible for the program committed non-violent offenses including:
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Theft (misdemeanors and felonies)
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Criminal Mischief
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Drug related charges
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Resisting Arrest Without Violence
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Burglary
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Or other charges deemed appropriate by the courts
The program is supported by the Lee County Board of County Commissioners, the Lee County Sheriff's Office, and the Department of Juvenile Justice.
"The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed on this website are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Lee County Sheriff's Office or the Department of Juvenile Justice."
Neighborhood Accountability Boards - Basic Principles
Program Brochure
Volunteer Training Brochure