Reinaldi Gilder’s new role as the Restorative Justice Navigator at BACS marks a significant development in the organization’s approach to addressing the needs of individuals involved in the justice system. As the only position of its kind in BACS and the county, this program aims to pilot restorative justice practices that can potentially be replicated across teams.
The program, led by a dedicated team, brings together participants aged 18-24 who have been selected due to their involvement in Behavioral Court for an 8-week group session. The group discussions cover topics such as root cause analysis, re-integration, and accountability. Role-playing exercises are also used to help participants practice difficult conversations and maintain composure.
Restorative justice complements BACS’ existing work, focusing on making individuals whole again by restoring what was lost or taken away. This approach aligns with BACS’ work with clients who have experienced mental health, substance abuse, and housing challenges. By shifting the focus from punishment to restoration, participants can take responsibility for their actions, apologize to victims, and work towards healing.
Recently, Reinaldi successfully hosted the first restorative justice circle, with participants praising its impact. The three who completed the pilot session bonded strongly and requested a second session. This speaks to the program’s potential for creating meaningful connections and promoting growth. One participant noted, “I understand how my actions can affect others.” Another said, “Most valuable part was learning and understanding community.” A third participant reflected, “I have new life skills and learned more about myself.”
By piloting this program, BACS hopes to create a model that promotes healing, restoration, and accountability, ultimately benefiting both individuals and the community.
Using Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), this Full Service Partnership (FSP) program helps young adults transition back into their communities after being involved with the justice system.
