Youth Archives - Delaware Center for Justice

Conferencing

Utilizing Restorative Justice principles and values, our Conferencing Program offers those who have been harmed (victims) the opportunity to address those who have caused them harm (offenders) in a safe, structured setting, with the goal of directly holding an offender accountable for their actions while providing important assistance to the victim. With the assistance of a trained facilitator/ mediator, those harmed are given the opportunity to explain how they have been impacted by the harm done to them, how the person who harmed them should be held accountable, and if they feel that justice has been served. We provide individuals who have committed harm with the opportunity to make restitution, complete community service, and learn skills needed to lead a healthy, law-abiding life.

Eligibility: Referrals come from Court of Common Pleas and Family Court

Restorative Services Director: Barbie Fisher, bfisher@dcjustice.org, (302)298-5466

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Youth Reentry Services

DCJ’s Youth Reentry Services is a partnership with the Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services and provides reentry support to adjudicated youth exiting residential placement in Delaware and out of state. Youth receive pre-release daily programming, including Forward Thinking, Restorative Justice, and Vocational workshops, one-on-one Case Management support, and customized Reentry Transition Plan that supports their social, emotional, and reentry goals. After their return to the community, youth and their families continue to receive wrap-around case management services for up to a year while they are on Juvenile Probation in Delaware.

Eligibility: Referrals come from DYRS

Clinical Director: Suzanne Kirk, skirk@dcjustice.org, (302)507-1709

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Forward Thinking

The Forward Thinking Program is a group program for youth at the New Castle County Detention Center. Forward Thinking is an Interactive Journaling curriculum that uses evidence-based strategies to assist youth involved in the criminal justice system in making positive changes to their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Applying the information presented in the Interactive Journals to their own lives helps participants achieve their goals of responsible living. Youth in the 6-week program also receive one-on-one weekly meetings and support, as well as connection to resources post-release as needed.

Eligibility: Referrals come from DYRS

For any assistance, please contact Haneef Salaam, the Youth Institutional Program Coordinator, at hsalaam@dcjustice.org or (302) 203-9256

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Restorative Futures

Restorative Futures is a pilot program in partnership with two middle schools in Colonial School District as an alternative to suspensions. When students have disruptive behavior, they can be referred to our Restorative Services Specialists for a restorative conference with all parties involved to identify needs and create a collective accountability plan aimed at addressing the root causes of the behavior. Included are wrap-around services for the student’s family if needed.

Eligibility: Referrals come directly from the schools

Restorative Services Director: Barbie Fisher, bfisher@dcjustice.org, (302)298-5466

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Victim Offender Conferencing

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Victim Sensitivity Program

The Victim Sensitivity program is a group program for youth in Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services (DYRS) state run facilities. The weekly group helps participants gain a better understanding of how crime impacts those involved, including the community at large. The program focuses on topics related to individuals, families, and the community and uses weekly guest speakers with lived experience to reinforce the discussion and allow for open dialogue with the youth.

Eligibility: Residents of the Residential Cottages or Ferris School.

Youth Institutional Program Coordinator: Haneef Salaam, hsalaam@dcjustice.org, (302)203-9256

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