Lincoln County Commissioners are mulling over a late funding request to continue the district attorney office’s Restorative Justice program. On Nov. 7, District 6 (Lincoln, Waldo, Sagadahoc, Knox) District Attorney Nastasha Irving and Midcoast Restorative Justice team submitted a $50,000 budget request for the next fiscal year. Commissioners are poised to approve the 2024 county budget next month, but did not receive a Restorative Justice request. 

Irving apologized for the late request in hopes commissioners would fund the alternative sentencing program for another year. Restorative Justice is a response to criminal behavior which focuses on lawbreaker restitution and resolution of issues arising from the crime. The program brings victims, offenders, and community members together to restore harmony. Irving told commissioners the program works by reducing recidivism. “The data shows chances of a repeat offense within a 3-year period are reduced by 10%,” Irving said.

She also touted the program as way to improve public safety. “It is my belief violence is a public health crisis, and this is a solvable problem,” she said. The $50,000 grant would pay for contractual services for the Midcoast Restorative Justice Team which serves district attorney offices in Knox, Sagadahoc, Lincoln and Waldo counties. The grant would fund about a dozen cases within Lincoln County. The four-person team consists of Executive Director Kathy Durgin-Leighton, Program Director Jonna Crispe, and caseworker Emma Hirst who all work in the Belfast office. Drew Himmelstein is the Lincoln County Community Justice and Harm Repair Manager. She works in Damariscotta. 

The basic premise behind Restorative Justice is traditional punishment doesn’t work. The program involves victims into the proceedings and offenders receive counseling to alter the bad behavior patterns instead of jail.

“Our country addresses crime through punishment and isolation. We know this doesn’t work because offenders are more apt to become repeat offenders,” Durgin-Leighton said. “This project involves offenders, victims, judicial system and law enforcement working together. Offenders are held accountable. Victims are heard and made whole.”

Each case costs approximately $4,500. Restorative Justice receives additional funding from the Maine Department of Corrections and Maine Community Foundation grant. Knox County made a $25,000 contribution for next year, and Irving reported Waldo County is considering a contribution in their county budget. 

Currently, the program is focused on juvenile cases, but local officials want to pursue more adult cases.

Last year, Irving sent commissioners a letter of support. “I apologize to you, and Restorative Justice for not sending one this year. I definitely intended to write one, but my schedule became unexpectedly busy,” Irving said. 

The district attorney compared funding the program like repairing a roof. “It’s a long-term investment. In the future, when it rains, and protects your house then you’re glad you made the investment,” she said.

Commissioners meet next at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 5 in the courthouse.