1. We are youth-led.
2. We practice restorative justice.
3. We do diversion.
2. We practice restorative justice.
3. We do diversion.
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At the heart of our program is a belief in youth leadership. We train youth to serve as advocates and facilitators of restorative processes, and turn to respondents, youth volunteers, and youth Advisory Council members to inform and guide our evolving programming.
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The Youth-LED Justice diverts youth respondents away from punitive outcomes, supports them through a restorative justice process, and ensures they have the support necessary in order to:
1) Repair harm done to relationships
2) Increase skills, knowledge, and resources 3) Increase connection to community 4) Build on and build up strengths |
Our work is available for youth who: are facing a civil or criminal charge, or a school disciplinary or other community infraction. In our work, this young person is called a respondent. We primarily serve youth from the following counties: Cumberland, Androscoggin, and Sagadahoc.
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The respondent’s participation in the program is voluntary. Our staff speak with identified participants to determine the type of restorative process that best fits the nature of the referral, and make a plan for how to proceed.
The program typically takes about four months. YLJ maintains partnerships in the community so that youth respondents are able to access substance use education, clinical treatment, mentorship, community service, and other pro-social activities.
The program typically takes about four months. YLJ maintains partnerships in the community so that youth respondents are able to access substance use education, clinical treatment, mentorship, community service, and other pro-social activities.
Potential options for restorative processes include, but are not limited to:
Youth-led Restorative Circles
Restorative Circles, facilitated by youth and YLJ staff
Restorative Circles, facilitated by YLJ staff
Support Circles, facilitated by youth and YLJ staff, or by YLJ staff
Other mediated conversations, facilitated by YLJ staff
Youth-led Restorative Circles
Restorative Circles, facilitated by youth and YLJ staff
Restorative Circles, facilitated by YLJ staff
Support Circles, facilitated by youth and YLJ staff, or by YLJ staff
Other mediated conversations, facilitated by YLJ staff