Consistent with the legislative changes outlined in the Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 1998, the Juvenile Probation and Court Services Department developed a mission statement and programming consistent with the principles of Balanced and Restorative Justice (BARJ). The principles of BARJ include:
- Promote Public Safety: Every individual has a right to live in a safe and secure community. A balanced approach must attempt to restore the victim’s and community’s safety and respond to the offender in meaningful ways that address delinquent behavior.
- Accountability: When a juvenile commits a crime, he or she becomes obligated to the victim and affected community. The youth should learn the impact of his or her crime on the victim/community and be held responsible for repairing the harm.
- Competency Development: Society has an investment in the positive development of youth. Juveniles who come into the juvenile justice system should have the opportunity to learn skills to help them become more responsible and productive members of the community.