Referrals
Referrals are the heart of how youth and families enter our restorative process. When a youth is referred to UJI, they are not being sent away — they are being welcomed into a new way of making things right.
​
Our restorative justice process brings together everyone affected by harm — the youth, the harmed person, and the community — to address what happened, understand its impact, and agree on steps toward repair. This may include restitution, apologies, community service, mentoring, or skill development.
Eligibility
Referrals may come from:
-
Municipal or District Courts
-
Probation Officers
-
Prosecutors
-
Law Enforcement
-
Schools
-
Community and Faith Partners
Confidentiality
All restorative processes are confidential. Nothing shared during preparation meetings, circles, or conferences is admissible in court, except where required by mandatory reporting laws.
Process
-
Referral Received: UJI reviews the referral and contacts all parties involved.
-
Preparation: Separate meetings with youth, caregivers, and harmed persons ensure readiness.
-
Conference or Circle: A structured dialogue is facilitated to share impact, take responsibility, and design a written plan for repair.
-
Follow-Up and Completion: UJI monitors completion of all plan elements and provides a written report back to the referring agency.
Through this process, accountability becomes an act of growth, and healing becomes a shared outcome for all involved.