Restorative circles cut recidivism, build hope
When a 17-year-old faced consequences for a school-related incident, they expected the cold formalities of the court system. Instead, through Ramsey County’s Reimagining Justice for Youth (RJY) initiative, they joined a restorative circle, a structured space where they could take accountability, repair harm, and learn skills to avoid future mistakes.
“It was better than I expected,” the youth said through their circle keeper, Juliette Mitchell of Generation 2 Generation. “I learned to be more careful, improved many skills, and now I know who to trust. I’m on track to graduate and join the military. I hope other young people can have the same opportunity.”
Since July 2021, RJY has been reshaping how Ramsey County responds to youth justice cases. On Feb. 17, representatives came together to share the impact of this initiative at the Ramsey County Attorney’s office. Instead of relying solely on an adversarial legal system, the initiative employs collaborative review teams: prosecutors, public defenders, and trained community members who consider the needs of the youth involved, the people harmed, and the underlying factors that contribute to legal system involvement.
County Attorney John J. Choi, who has served Ramsey County in that capacity since 2011, emphasized that the program grew out of a community-driven vision. “The journey started in 2019, inspired by restorative practices in Madison County, where community engagement and circles supported youth and families,” he said.
RJY utilizes partnerships with organizations like Generation2Generation, Face2Face, Northeast Youth and Family Services, Restorative Justice Community Action, Legal Rights Center, and Center for Multicultural Mediation to meet their objective: involving the community that is committed to doing the work. They call these organizations “community provers.”
“We realized that to create a better version of safety, we had to work differently, collaboratively, and with our community at the center,” said Choi
John Reimer, Ramsey County chief public defender, reinforced the collaborative nature of the initiative. “This program looks at everyone and says, who’s the community, who has been hurt, and how can we do something different?” Reimer said.
“The fact that they are building and repairing individuals is significant. It’s not just about recidivism; it’s about overall community safety.” Reimer, a 30-year veteran public defender, also highlighted the human impact: “What do we want? Better outcomes for people. The community wants to be safe. And when we reduce recidivism, it reduces caseloads and strengthens human connections.”
The initiative has shown remarkable outcomes. University of Minnesota researcher Kara Beckham reported that youth whose cases were successfully resolved through community accountability were significantly less likely to recidivate (return back into the system) than those processed in traditional court.
For first-referral assault cases, recidivism dropped from 29% to just 4%, an 86% reduction. First-time felony and gross misdemeanor cases saw a 50% lower risk of repeat offenses.
Beckham noted that RJY also reduced racial disparities in access to restorative programs. Black youth, historically underrepresented in diversion programs, saw a 12% increase in equitable access, while overrepresentation of white youth decreased. The initiative has expanded to include more serious cases, including assaults and gross misdemeanors, demonstrating that restorative approaches can handle complex situations effectively.
For law enforcement, RJY represents a shift in philosophy as well as practice. Undersheriff Mark Martin, with 37 years in policing, highlighted the program’s focus on intervention and prevention rather than repeated arrests. “We go out and arrest people who are often experiencing poverty, chemical dependency, mental illness, or family challenges,” he said.
“This work lets us get to the root of the problem and prevent future harm.” Empirical evidence, Martin added, shows dramatic reductions in auto thefts and carjackings, and seeing young people thrive in the community is the ultimate reward.
Public health experts also stress the broader benefits. Dr. Brooke Cunningham, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Health, connected RJY to the prevention of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and long-term health outcomes.
“Young people who come into contact with the legal system often face trauma, mental health challenges, and community inequities,” Cunningham said. “Community-based restorative justice addresses harm, promotes healing, and supports positive youth development.”
Restorative circles, led by providers like Dr. Tamara Mattison, founder of Generation 2 Generation, emphasize dignity, accountability and healing. “Youth sit face to face with peers, impacted parties, and trained facilitators. They speak their truth, listen, take responsibility, and participate in crafting agreements to repair harm,” Mattison said.
“This builds emotional literacy, strengthens empathy, and keeps young people engaged in school and community rather than pushing them deeper into the system.”
Brenda Burnside, founder of Let’s Circle Up Restorative, highlighted the importance of choice. “We offer opportunities different from punitive models. When youth are given options to learn and grow, recidivism drops, and families and communities benefit,” she said.
Choi and program partners envision continued expansion. Beyond youth under 18, they are exploring interventions for ages 18-24, strengthening victim support, and partnering with philanthropy to establish a Restitution Fund for community-based accountability programs.
RJY demonstrates that safety is not achieved through punishment alone. Rather, connection, opportunity, and restoration create lasting impact. As Mitchell notes, the circles send a powerful message to youth: “You are more than your worst mistake. You are capable of repair, and you belong here.”
Through collaboration between law enforcement, the legal system, public health, researchers, and the community, Ramsey County is not just reimagining youth justice. It is creating a model for safety, equity, and hope.
For more information, visit www.ramseycountymn.gov/your-government/leadership/county-attorneys-office/reimagining-justice-youth.
Jasmine McBride welcomes reader responses at jmcbride@spokesman-recorder.com.