The Office of Justice Programs awarded a $500,000, three-year grant to the Oregon Youth Authority to expand its successful restorative justice program from one youth correctional facility to four others statewide.
Restorative justice is an internationally-recognized method of conflict resolution that not only aims to help people reform, but also guides them toward repairing relationships they have harmed with their actions. OYA piloted the approach at Rogue Valley Youth Correctional Facility in Grants Pass. It was effective in increasing youth and staff safety; improving the institutional culture and climate; decreasing disciplinary actions; promoting accountability; building social and emotional competencies; and supporting a trauma-informed environment. Staff also reported increased job satisfaction.
The grant will enable OYA to expand restorative justice practices to Eastern Oregon, MacLaren, Oak Creek, and Tillamook youth correctional facilities. It will be partnering with Just Outcomes, a Portland-based restorative justice and supported by staff from the Council of Juvenile Justice Administrators (CJJA).
Want to learn more about restorative justice in action at Rogue Valley? Check out our August 2019 story, Restorative Justice: Building a Safer Community.
Photo: Terry Vlisidis on Unsplash
