Most referrals come from the Los Alamos Teen Court, where the youth as been sited for an offense.
An individual that is open to self-reflection, is willing to take responsibility for their actions and shows genuine remorse for the harm that has been done. In addition, they should demonstrate a willingness to engage in dialogue, actively listen to others and have a genuine desire to learn from their mistakes and grow from the experience.
What do youth gain from the process:
By participating in the conferencing process youth have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of their actions, and engage in meaningful dialogue with those affected. The conferencing process creates space to develop empathy and inspire accountability, as they work towards healing and restoration of harm that was done.
Youth have the opportunity to use a mistake as an opportunity for growth, and cultivate a sense of responsibility for their behavior. In doing so, they enhance their understanding of the impact of their actions on others and their community.
We want the individuals that have been harmed to feel validated, respected and supported throughout their involvement . We want the individuals that have caused harm to experience personal growth, gain a deeper understanding of how their actions impact others and learn from their mistakes. Ultimately, we want all parties involved to experience healing, closure, and a sense of empowerment through our Restorative Justice Program.
From a parent of an RJ participant:
When my son ran into legal trouble, it felt like our world was turning upside down. Within three months, he received three tickets for various violations, some of which were quite serious. He seemed to be headed down a scary and destructive path, and as a parent, I was deeply worried about his future.
Initially, he attended Teen Court for two of the issues, but when the third incident occurred, the Juvenile Justice Advisory Board (JJAB) offered us the opportunity to participate in the Restorative Justice Program. As a social worker, I had some knowledge of restorative justice and understood its value. My son and I agreed to be part of the process, hoping it could make a difference.
The impact of the Restorative Justice meeting was immediate and profound. During the session, my son heard firsthand from me and community members about how his actions had affected all of us. This was a pivotal moment for him. Additionally, a teacher who volunteered to come and support him played a crucial role in his turnaround. Seeing the genuine concern and support from people around him helped my son realize his own value and the potential for a successful future.
From that point on, his transformation was remarkable. He diligently worked to complete his community service and fulfill other requirements set by JJAB, including participating in the Boys Council and Grow Your Mind classes. These experiences not only kept him accountable but also provided him with valuable skills and a new perspective on life. Today, I am incredibly proud to share that my son has graduated from high school and successfully completed his freshman year of college. The young man who once seemed lost has now found his place in the world, brimming with confidence and a sense of purpose.
I am deeply thankful to the JJAB and the Restorative Justice Program for seeing the potential in my son and helping to bring out the amazing person he truly is. Their compassionate approach and unwavering support have not only changed his life but also brought hope and healing to our entire family. Restorative justice provided my son with a second chance and the tools he needed to build a brighter future, and for that, we will always be grateful.