Restorative Justice Youth Conferencing provides a positive alternative for youth who come into contact with the law. (School Resource Officer Tony Sanchez has a friendly chat with Fort Collins youth Chris Rohlfs.)

Restorative Justice Youth Conferencing (RJYC) is available for the resolution of crimes committed by some youth (ages 10-18). Instead of going through the traditional criminal justice system, the youth offender participates in a community conference.

This conference is a face-to-face meeting between the offender, victims and community members affected by the incident. The conference is facilitated by trained community members who guide participants through a process designed to create understanding and repair the harm done by crime.

Participants in the conference determine what reparations are appropriate for the offender to make to the victim and the affected community. With the offender's consent, an agreement is written and signed by everyone present. The agreement must be reached and upheld. If it is not, the case returns to the referring party and may then go to the courts.