Balanced and Restorative Justice Program (BARJ)

Individualized support services, guided by restorative justice principles, for youth ages 10 through 18 who are on juvenile probation, at risk of becoming involved with the justice system, or struggling with school attendance.

Services could include:

• Restorative Justice Panels:  involves community members, offenders, and victims in discussions to address the harm caused by delinquent acts and the actions needed to repair the damage. The goal is to hold offenders accountable for the effects of their actions on others.
• Restitution Services: ensures restitution payments are made to victims of delinquent acts.
• Screening and Restorative Services: pre-screens youth using the Youth Assessment and Screening Instrument (YASI) to determine the services required, based on risk and needs.
• Case Management Services: coordinates services for youth and their families that may include attendance at family and school team meetings, attendance at court hearings, curfew checks, drug and alcohol testing, home visits, supports for youth who are at risk or truant and therapeutic treatment meetings.
• Restorative Classes, Skills Development, Prevention and Community Outreach: includes skill-building groups and activities on topics such as conflict resolution, social skills, problem-solving, decision making, community service, leadership, victim issues, effective communication and one-to-one supports for youth.