Since 1992, CYS has provided a unique combination of family and restorative justice mediations, as well as other conflict resolution and resource navigation services that have established the organization as a nationally recognized leader in the fields of Juvenile Justice Transformation and Community-Led Restorative Justice. CYS programs bring responsible youth together with the harmed party and community members to repair the harm. The harmed party and community are active participants in the restorative process. CYS practices and programs are rooted in Restorative Justice which 1) identifies and takes steps to repair harm, 2) involves all stakeholders, and 3) transforms the traditional relationship between communities and government in response to crime and harm.

 

CYS works in partnership with a variety of community and government agencies including the Department of Youth Development, local law enforcement agencies, local school districts, other juvenile justice stakeholders, and numerous faith-based and community-based agencies to help create safe communities and safe schools that promote accountability, learning, and positive youth development.

Trauma-Informed Lens 

CYS serves youth and families through a trauma-informed lens. Trauma-informed care is a treatment framework that acknowledges the widespread impacts of trauma on the quality of life, experiences and behaviors of youth and families. Youth and families referred to CYS receive assessment for the signs of trauma followed by responsive services and programs that encourage resilience and build skills for active resistance to re-traumatization.