Restorative Justice Services

Alternative paths to justice that build accountability, repair harm, and empower young people.

What Is Restorative Justice?

Restorative justice is a trauma-informed, community-based approach that focuses on healing, accountability, and repairing harm—rather than just punishment.

At the core of these practices is the belief that every individual possesses the capacity for transformation, and every community holds the potential for healing.

A diverse group of teenagers

Punitive vs. Restorative

Traditional systems like schools and criminal systems often focus on punishment. Restorative justice focuses on accountability, healing, and repairing harm.

Punitive

Focuses on punishment

  • What rules have been broken?Harm outweighs the opportunity to heal.
  • Who is to blame?Justice is achieved through guilt; the victim is not acknowledged.
  • What consequences should be given?Accountability = punishment, with no chance to repair.
Restorative

Focuses on healing

  • Who or what has been hurt?People, relationships, and healing come first. Everyone has a voice.
  • What are their needs?Justice is achieved by identifying needs and repairing harm.
  • Who should fulfill those needs?Accountability = understanding impact, with a path to repair.

Our Core Values

Every individual possesses the capacity for transformation, and every community holds the potential for healing.

Harm Affects Relationships

Harm impacts people and the relationships that hold communities together.

Accountability Repairs

True accountability means understanding impact and repairing the harm caused.

Everyone Has a Voice

Those affected by harm should be heard and included in the path forward.

Healing Through Dialogue

Honest conversation builds empathy, understanding, and repair.

Reintegration Is Key

Rejoining school, family, and community is how lasting change takes root.

13-15%
Recidivism Rate
Compared to 50%+ for traditional juvenile justice

Our Programs

Restorative practices range from everyday conversations that build trust to structured processes that repair serious harm. We tailor services to youth, families, schools, and courts.

Peer Justice

A student-led initiative where trained youth leaders help peers resolve conflict through dialogue and collective problem-solving.

  • Student-led mediation
  • Builds empathy & respect
  • Reduces repeat conflicts
  • Safer school environments

The Circle (sponsored by Teen Court)

A flexible alternative to traditional juvenile justice. Activities are tailored to each situation to interrupt harmful patterns and keep youth out of the justice system.

  • Traditional Teen Court with peer jury
  • RJ Circle with family
  • Circle with person harmed
  • Circle with school

Restorative Circles & Conferences

Structured, facilitated conversations that bring together those affected by harm. Circles are broader and community-inclusive; conferences are more formal and targeted.

  • Person who caused harm & person harmed
  • Community & family support
  • Guided by a trained facilitator
  • Inclusion, accountability, repair

ESP — Evaluation & Support

An alternative to expulsion and juvenile justice sanctions. ESP uses positive discipline and connects youth and families with community resources.

  • Alternative to expulsion
  • Mental health & community connections
  • Reduces discipline disparities
  • Supports school reintegration
A parent and teenager embracing in a hug

Restorative Justice & Clinical Care

Our clinical work is strength-based, systemic, and trauma-informed—and so is restorative justice. These services aren't separate; they are another avenue to address conflict, harm, and healing inside the relationships that matter most.

Builds Empathy

Clients understand the impact of their actions.

Reduces Shame

Dialogue lowers defensiveness, so repair becomes possible.

Repairs Relationships

Clients rebuild trust and process interpersonal trauma.

How It Works

Our restorative justice process is simple, supportive, and effective.

Referral

Received from court, school, or family.

Assessment

Intake meeting to identify needs.

Participation

Youth engages in the right program.

Completion

Case closure and follow-up support.

Learn More About Referrals

For courts, schools, and families seeking restorative justice services for youth.

317-920-5900