LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Volunteers of America Mid-States Restorative Justice Program aims for change within Kentucky’s justice system.

Restorative justice allows victims of crime to participate fully in the resolution of the offense.  

“We are asking the victim for their participation, for their input on what should happen to the person who has committed the harm to them," VOA’s Director of Health and Justice Rachael Kallembach said.

Trained facilitators lead a face-to-face meeting for victims, offenders and supporters from both sides to discuss the harm and the proposed resolution. An agreement to repair that harm is then put into place and monitored by program staff.

“We’ve had youth as young as 6, and adults as old as 70,” Kallembach saod.

Volunteers of America Mid-States Restorative Justice Program has been working in the area since 2011. VOA said the program has a 90% completion rate, and 50% of participants are less likely to commit future crimes. The organization also said it can save state tax dollars.

“We know the traditional justice system costs way more money; we can save about $48,000 in tax dollar money a year with restorative justice," Kallembach said.

Participation in restorative justice programs is voluntary for both victims and offenders. The process is centered on making things right for all parties involved, and allowing for unique solutions that are not used within the traditional justice system.

“The victim gets to see the outcome of what happens to that person involved,” Kallembach said.

The program has offices in Louisville and London. It guides hundreds of cases annually.