The Restorative Justice Hub

At the intersection of four southwestern Atlanta neighborhoods comprised of primarily black residents, historic redlining and a lack of investment, and other socioeconomic factors have resulted in lower income rates and lower academic test scores. As a result, and considering a potential troubled youth user group, we learned that the greater Fulton County has an above-average juvenile crime rate which is 15 times higher than the national average. Through our research, we learned that the traditional incarceration model is failing in four key areas: racial & ethnic disparities, high recidivism or re-offense rates, it impedes education & career success and that its environment is filled with trauma. In our project, we aim to propose a new, minimal security rehabilitation model for sentenced juveniles aged 11-18; a new holistic model that is community-based and built on elevating the individual through strategic assessment, treatment, cognitive & behavioral skill development, and re-entry of juvenile offenders through vocational training & mentorship. Furthermore, we recognized the desire and significance of expanding the program to incorporate the strong ties of the community. we took inspiration from the concept of a justice hub” in providing social + civic services, which are currently separate & distant from the community, together under one roof.