http://www.rjca-inc.org/index.php/what-we-do/
In the 1990's the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention provided a grant to Florida Atlantic University for the purpose of developing an alternative approach to the many punitive approaches already in place that did not appear to be working. Collaboratively, Florida Atlantic University and the Center for Restorative Justice & Mediation at the University of Minnesota School of Social Work developed The Balanced and Restorative Justice for Juveniles Framework focused on rehabilitation and community involvement rather than punishment and isolation.
However, despite the supporting research and its backing by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, this restorative model does not appear to be widely implemented. Are the current models of juvenile justice based in evidence and research or based in tradition? Does a restorative model have a place in the juvenile justice system in the United States?
The restorative model seems to make so much more sense in looking at a crime with the hopes of making a difference particularly with youth. Understanding how to move forward in a healthy way is important to reducing recidivism and creating a more positive outlook. Because this model make so much sense yet is not widely used I feel inclined to say that our current models of juvenile justice are based largely in tradition over research. It's hard to create overall change and because the justice system is so large I think that this model would take a long time to truly be the primary model of the system even if it is found to be so much more effective.
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