Public Safety

Juvenile Justice Programs to Expand

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Community programs that provide second chances to youth who have committed low-level crimes will expand over the next five years.

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to allocate $200,000 to broaden work already being done through the Restorative Community Conference Pilot Project in City Heights in partnership with the National Conflict Resolution Center. This effort, called Avoiding the Pipeline to Prison Program, is expected to serve another 1,650 people, including 650 youth in southeastern San Diego and neighboring communities, over the next five years. Several County Departments are involved, including the Sheriff, District Attorney, Public Defender and Probation.  

The pilot project has used the restorative justice model, arranging for youth who have committed low-level crimes to meet with their victims to understand the impacts of their crimes. Youth also come up with actions that will serve the victim and the community.

RELATED: Program Brings Victims, Offenders Face-to-Face

The County will have four option years to continue the program for another $200,000 each year. The money from the County will be matched with an estimated $1 million in private donations, including money from the California Endowment.

Yvette Urrea Moe is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact