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A young person and his friend stole a vehicle and decided to go on a joy ride through the city. Passing a police vehicle the young person panicked and picked up speed. The police followed and stayed a fair distance away until the stolen truck crashed totalling the vehicle and the two fled the scene. They hid in an unfinished house for an hour and were finally caught after trying to leave. One young person was referred by Youth Court to Calgary Community Conferencing and met with the owners of the vehicle. Mike and Monica meet with the young person, wanting to know more about him and what had driven him to steal their vehicle. The incident had caused a lot of personal difficulties for both of them. Having two young children they couldn't drive to and from day care, as well, the truck served as a work vehicle for Mike.
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During the conference the young person was able to describe what led up to the truck being stolen and heard from Mike and Monica what happened after he had taken the vehicle, as well as the concern they felt for him. After hearing everyone speak the young person met separately to prepare a restoration agreement that he presented. As part of the agreement the young person offered to write update letters as well as perform 25 hours personal service for Mike and Monica. The following are exerts from those letters.
"I just wanted to tell you that I have been doing good in school and my hockey. In school I have been keeping steady grades, and in hockey we made the playoffs. I've been staying out of trouble and I've seen a lot of good changes with my marks and school. I'm so glad that we had a chance to meet each other. If you ask me if I regret being caught, I don't.
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The reason being is if I hadn't been caught I would still be into that kind of stuff and I never would have known how much it affected you. I wanted to let you know that I have changed my life around and I know what I must do to accomplish my goals. Now I would never risk what I have in life. I wanted to thank you in helping me realize that there is a lot more to live for than just the rush. You guys and the whole incident helped me realize that the road I was on was the wrong one. I appreciate what you guys have done for me."
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His commitment for providing update letters has recently ended. Since the conference the young person, his mom as well as Mike and Monica have participated in a video produced by the federal government, Youth Justice: A New Approach. For more information on the video please contact Doug Borch at 974-1963
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"Few things can help an individual more than to place responsibility on him, and to let him know that you trust him."
-Booker T. Washington
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