Response to JJ-TRIALS Implementation and Collaboration: Impressions and Recommendations by Juvenile Justice Partners

Authors

  • Margaret Cawood Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice Author
  • Bill Grossi margaretcawood@djj.state.ga.us Author
  • Veronica Koontz Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice Author
  • Nancy Arrigona Council of State Governments Justice Center Author
  • Angela Robertson Mississippi State University Author
  • Lindrell Blackwell Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice Author
  • Theresa Scanu-Hansen New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, Office of Probation and Correctional Alternatives Author
  • Kelly Hammersly Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Author
  • George Schmaus Mississippi Department of Human Services, Division of Youth Services Author
  • Ellen H. Steele Mississippi State University Author
  • Wayne N. Welsh Temple University Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52935/

Keywords:

Restorative justice, Juvenile justice, Recidivism, VOM, NGO

Abstract

Restorative justice is gaining momentum as a more effective and holistic response to delinquent juvenile behavior. Four decades of research relates restorative justice initiatives to positive outcomes including enhanced victim and offender satisfaction and sense of fairness, increased compliance with restitution, and reduced recurrence of offensive behaviors (Hansen & Umbreit, 2018). This paper discusses the benefits of restorative justice, reviews four major restorative justice approaches, and then explores the value and potential roles of community-based, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in supporting restorative justice policies and practices, particularly involving young people. The authors’ experience working with Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. (YAP), a U.S. based nonprofit organization that promotes community-based alternatives to institutionalization for juvenile justice involved youth with complex needs and challenges, informs their perspective. The authors aspire through this paper to cultivate community interest and engagement in restorative justice through presenting several pathways for NGOs to promote its practices and related benefits. 

Author Biographies

  • Margaret Cawood, Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice

    Margaret Cawood, MS - Deputy Commissioner of Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice with
    36 years of experience in juvenile justice, community mental health and residential care.

  • Bill Grossi, margaretcawood@djj.state.ga.us

    Bill Grossi, MS, TCADC - Accreditation Manager - Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice with over 30 years of experience in juvenile justice and related fields

  • Veronica Koontz, Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice

    Veronica Koontz, MA - Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice with over 25 years with Department of Juvenile Justice

  • Nancy Arrigona, Council of State Governments Justice Center

    Nancy Arrigona, BA - Deputy Director of Research with the Council of State Governments Justice Center with 33 years of experience in juvenile justice research

  • Angela Robertson, Mississippi State University

    Angela Robertson, PhD – Research Professor and Associate Director, Social Science Research Center, Mississippi State University. Twenty-six years of research experience in the areas of juvenile justice and behavioral health interventions for offender populations.

  • Lindrell Blackwell, Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice

    Lindrell Blackwell - Juvenile Services District Supervisor, KY Department of Juvenile Justice.

  • Theresa Scanu-Hansen, New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, Office of Probation and Correctional Alternatives

    Theresa Scanu-Hansen, BA - Community Correction Representative 3 at the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, Office of Probation and Correctional Alternatives with more than 20 years of experience in probation practice and community correctional programming.

  • Kelly Hammersly, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice

    Kelly Hammersly, BS - Florida Department of Juvenile Justice with over 23 years of experience working within the juvenile delinquency continuum.

  • George Schmaus, Mississippi Department of Human Services, Division of Youth Services

    George Schmaus, Community Services Director with the Mississippi Department of Human Services, Division of Youth Services with 25 years of experience in juvenile justice

  • Ellen H. Steele, Mississippi State University

    Ellen H. Steele, MA – Graduate Research Assistant at Social Science Research Center, Mississippi State University. Research interests include youth and family systems, negative impacts of stress, and mental health.

  • Wayne N. Welsh, Temple University

    Wayne N. Welsh, PhD – Professor, Department of Criminal Justice, Temple University. Research interests include corrections, substance abuse, and implementation science.

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Published

05/11/2026

How to Cite

Response to JJ-TRIALS Implementation and Collaboration: Impressions and Recommendations by Juvenile Justice Partners. (2026). Journal of Applied Juvenile Justice Services, 34(1), 28-40. https://doi.org/10.52935/

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