Retail Theft Awareness & Prevention (RTAP) is a two-hour psycho-educational group class for people who have committed retail theft. It was created in 2012 by the Burlington Community Justice Center in collaboration with the Rapid Intervention Community Court (a former program of the Chittenden County State’s Attorney), Midtown Community Court and the HowardCenter. The class incorporates evidence-based Thinking for a Change activities, Motivational Interviewing techniques, and the principles of

Restorative Justice. It is designed to help responsible parties understand the impact of retail theft, examine and change their thinking, and plan for better future choices. Participants are referred to the class by RJ and Court Diversion Panels, Chittenden County Community Justice Centers, and Chittenden County Treatment Courts. Approximately 100 people participate in RTAP every year, and most do so as part of a larger Restorative Justice process.

 

For more information, please contact Barbara Shaw-Dorso at 802-264-0765 or bshawdorso@burlingtonvt.gov.