Building a Restorative Justice Diversion Program for Youth in Rural Areas

Abstract

Restorative Justice (RJ) models of diversion from the criminal justice system have been used successfully with adults and youth charged with minor offenses. Professionally mediated RJ conferences bring together the offender and the person(s) harmed to discuss the impact of their actions and develop a plan to restore community safety and make amends. An RJ model aimed at diverting youth from the juvenile justice system for minor offenses has successfully worked in an urban region in Kentucky for over a decade. The same RJ model was piloted in a very rural region of the state.  The program goal was to decrease youth involvement in the criminal justice system and create positive change within the communities and families involved in youth-initiated crimes. Interestingly, the rural location of the RJ program has run into unique challenges not experienced in the urban area. This paper examines preliminary outcomes data. Differences in juvenile justice and community involvement approaches that need to be addressed when establishing an RJ program in a geographically rural area are highlighted. Suggestions for how to incorporate RJ diversion programs into rural communities are provided.