RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PROGRAM (RJP)

What is the Restorative Justice Program?

Tulare County's Probation Department, acting as the lead agency, in partnership with Health & Human Services Agency, the District Attorney's Office, Sheriff's Department and the Alta Vista Elementary and Pixley Elementary School Districts has developed a comprehensive plan to enhance prevention and intervention services to deter youth from involvement with juvenile crime.

What is involved in the program?

The strategy represented in this plan is one of Restorative Justice. This plan establishes Neighborhood Accountability Boards (NABS) made up of volunteers in each of the three targeted local communities, with appropriate court authority, to develop individual restitution/accountability plans for referred first time juvenile offenders. Such plans may include community service projects, curfew and school attendance requirements, and participation in competency development services. Those youth who successfully complete their plan will avoid entering the juvenile justice system. This is a collaborative effort to provide a support team to ensure the success of the youth and family.