Restorative Justice Services
What to Expect
Participants will:
Youth volunteers also serve as jurors, attorneys, and bailiffs—gaining leadership experience and a deeper understanding of civic responsibility.
Appear before a real teen jury
Respond to structured questions about their offense
Complete assigned consequences
(such as letters of apology, workshops, or community service)
Attend court sessions until they graduate from the program
Teen Court
Where accountability meets a second chance.
Teen Court is a restorative justice diversion program for youth ages 13–17 who have committed a first-time, non-violent offense. Instead of entering the traditional juvenile system, participants go before a jury of their peers who determine constructive, educational consequences.
Why It Works
Peer-led justice is powerful. It helps youth:
Take responsibility in a supportive setting
Develop empathy by hearing from others
Learn how their choices affect their future
Restorative Justice Circles
Building understanding. Restoring trust.
Restorative Justice Circles are structured, face-to-face conversations between the youth who caused harm, the people impacted, and community members. Everyone shares their experience, listens to one another, and works together on a plan to repair the harm.
Why It Works
These circles are especially effective for cases involving peer conflict, bullying, or interpersonal harm—and often serve as an alternative to school suspension or juvenile court.
Facilitated by a trained RFY staff member
Voluntary and confidential for all participants
Emphasizes listening, empathy, and shared responsibility
Ends with a written agreement that outlines action steps
The Goal
Not to punish, but to heal. Youth learn that their actions have impact—and that making it right is part of growing up.