How does the Sycamore Tree Project® work?

Victims and offenders meet for eight 2 hour sessions, usually over a period of 8 weeks.  Using a tested discussion guide, the facilitator leads the group through a series of topics leading naturally to a time in which both victims and offenders can share letters and covenants which express how they feel and how they wish to move forward. Offenders are invited to explore ways of making restitution for the harm caused by their criminal behavior. Victims are given the opportunity to consider ways in which they can take control of their lives and begin their journey toward healing and restoration.  Finally, the group meets in public celebration and worship. 

What does it take to put on a Project?

The project is short-term, intense and one that requires careful preparation. Prison Fellowship would provide volunteers to facilitate group discussions and recruit the victims and prisoners.  However, we would need authorisation from the prison authorities to come into the prison to conduct the programme, and to bring victims and facilitators into the prison.  In addition, we would need a room or other place in which to carry on the discussions.

What is expected of the participants?

We ask all participants to agree to some basic standards of conduct:

• attend all sessions,
• be on time for all sessions,
• take part in the discussions and activities,
• listen to each other,
• do not interrupt when someone is talking,
• show respect for each other,
• keep shared information private and confidential,
• tell the truth at all times,
• generally stay on the subjects being discussed,
• allow the leader to lead,
• express concerns and suggestions to the leader,
• take part in the act of restitution,
• be part of the celebration/worship event

Do the participants need to be Christians?

No.  The Sycamore Tree Project® is based on biblical principles and it uses stories and truths from the Bible as a starting point.  The people who are putting on the programme are followers of Jesus Christ.  But there is no requirement that participants be Christian, so long as they are willing to be involved in a programme with that foundation.

Do offenders have to meet their victim?

No.  They need to be willing to meet with people who have been victims of crime, but the ones in the group will not be their own victim. After the programme is over, we may be able to help an offender meet with their victim if they both wish.  But this may not be possible. 

Do victims have to meet their own offender?

No.  They need to be willing to meet with others who have committed crimes, but the ones in their group will not be the person(s) who committed a crime against them.   After the programme is over, we may be able to help a victim meet with their offender if they both wish.  But this may not be possible.

What happens after the Project?

When the project has ended, the commitment of the participants has as well. Of course, they may want to explore the possibility of further meetings with other victims or offenders – perhaps even their own.  But there is no requirement to do this. 

What are the benefits of putting on a Project?

There are three key benefits:

• The Sycamore Tree Project® is a powerful way to help victims and offenders begin the process of healing and reconciliation. 
• It is also an appealing way to demonstrate and communicate Biblical standards of justice for those who are touched by crime.
• It requires little money, relying instead on hard work by carefully-selected volunteers.

What have prisoners said about the Project?

“I have gone from being suicidal to being hopeful.  When I began Sycamore Tree I was in a mess.  Now I see there is a way forward.  When I saw the forgiveness demonstrated by [a crime victim participant] I knew I could cope with whatever life threw at me.” – inmate in New Zealand

“The course has made me appreciate and understand the effects my offending has had on my family, friends and the victims.  It has also given me a stronger resolve for the future.” – inmate in England

“I really hadn’t given any thought to the victims before.” “I used to think that my crime (drug dealer) was a victimless crime. Not now.” The best part of the program was “the real contact with the victims. Made it all real. Not like a class with an instructor. This gets your attention.” – inmate in USA.

What have victims said about the Project?

“I can’t say enough about the project…It took on a life of its own…..It exploded. It was an experience I will never, ever forget. It was an experience I was thankful I had. I look at it with wonder and awe.”  – victim in USA

“It’s been a life changing opportunity.  Having been a victim of crime I needed a lot of answers to a lot of questions.  It hasn’t yet solved them all for me but I am a better, more understanding and I think more forgiving person than I was – and those qualities are increasing in my life all the time now.”        – victim in New Zealand

What have prison officials said about the Project?

“This course has obviously had a significant impact on these men.” – Prison Governor in England

“I wholeheartedly endorse the principles behind the Sycamore Tree and would like nothing more than to see it grow through the Public Prison Service”  - Phil McCarthy, General Manager, Public Prison Service, New Zealand

"I’ve seen something I’ve never seen before. Constantly, women are coming to me and asking ‘Please, please, don’t forget me on the next Sycamore Tree course.’ Of late, Bibles are very sought after in this prison. The amazing thing is that there is an openness about reading and searching the Scriptures that has never been there before. For example, I don’t have to go into a room and deliver a Bible to a woman almost secretly. Now they are quite happy to have it passed on to them in the corridors or just wherever we happen to meet. I am getting feedback about what they are reading in the Bible all the time. They are asking all sorts of questions about what they are reading and questions of a kind that I seldom had before. It’s obvious they are reading their Bibles, and reading them seriously." – Chaplain, Arohata Women’s Prison, New Zealand