Community Alternatives, Inc. (CAI) has expanded its Minors in Possession (MIP) Program, which began with a small pilot project in Douglas County, to a fully-implemented program in both Douglas County and Arapahoe County. The innovative program uses a restorative justice approach to teach young offenders accountability, develop awareness of the impact their behaviors have on the community and their families, and take responsibility for their actions.

Juveniles, 17 years old and younger, who are ticketed for underage possession of alcohol and referred to the MIP Program by the ticketing agency, are required to attend a two-session class with two parents or guardians. The first session provides an educational analysis of the effects and liabilities of drinking, as well as the potential and realized impacts on the community. The second session focuses on reaching an agreement to make amends to self, family and the community.

When the juvenile successfully completes the classes and the projects resulting from the agreement, he or she is presented with official documentation. The documents, when provided to the court, result in the dismissal of all charges.

"Between May 2006 and the end of October, 241 youth completed the MIP program," said Pat Trower, executive director of CAI. "Only three of them, or just over one percent, have been re-ticketed for a minors in possession charge. This low rate of recidivism is very encouraging - both to us and to the law enforcement community."

CAI's FACE-to-FACE Mediation program, which implements the MIP Program, also facilitates dialogue between neighbors, parents and teens, victims and their offenders, and other community members to resolve disputes and restore relationships. Community Alternatives, Inc. (CAI) is a local nonprofit agency providing a continuum of programs and services designed to promote safe communities and rebuild lives affected by crime.

For more information about the MIP Program, visit CAI online at www.coloradocai.org or call 303-695-0653, ext. 111.