Restorative Justice Through Juvenile Mediation in Connecticut
A Diversionary & Prevention Program for Youth
The juvenile mediation process allows justice-involved youth to take responsibility and be accountable for their actions. Catalyst CT’s professional, impartial mediators bring together those affected by a conflict—youth in the justice system, the victim(s), and their respective supporters—to explore how the offense affected those involved and how to repair the harm. All participants are heard by each other, and they work together to find practical resolutions, making their experience restorative rather than punitive.
Success & Impact
Between 2015 and 2023, Mediation staff closed 679 cases out of 683 referred. These cases impacted 2,450 individuals, of whom 93% chose to engage in the mediation process. We have touched the lives of so many justice-involved youth, victims, family members, and supporters.
86%
of Cases Agreed to Mediation
99%
of Cases Successfully Mediated
90
Cases Estimated to be Handled Annually
Benefits of Mediation
Our goal is to provide a Restorative Practices process that allows young people to take accountability for their actions and prevent further involvement in the juvenile justice system. Mediation, SEL Community Schools, and Youth Diversion have revolutionized how Catalyst CT supports at-risk youth.
With Mediation We…
Resolve the root of the conflict
By bringing people face to face to discuss their circumstances and concerns
Shorten justice-involved youths’ interactions with the justice system
By taking about 4-6 weeks, rather than the anecdotal average of 6-12 months for traditional judicial handling
Lower the risk of youth reoffending
By shortening the time in contact with the justice system, reducing likelihood of reoffence
Provide victims a voice and input on case resolution
By offering victims opportunities to ask questions and resolve their concerns about the harm caused
Reduce court dockets
By allowing court staff to focus on other cases as referrals are removed from the docket
Allow youth to take ownership of the impact of their actions
By engaging all participants in a restorative conversation instead of a punitive action
*all names have been changed to protect the identities of the individuals quoted
Where We Serve
The Mediation program serves Juvenile Courts, Juvenile Review Boards (JRBs), Youth Diversion Teams (YDTs), and schools in Bridgeport, Danbury, Stamford, Torrington, and Waterbury.
Referral Sources for Mediation
Program referrals are accepted from:
- Probation Officers
- Prosecutors
- Public Defenders
- JRB and YDT Case Managers
- School Administrators
- School Guidance Counselors
- School Social Workers
Please contact Lisa McKenna to discuss potential referrals from sources other than those listed above.
Catalyst CT is also available for mentorship to schools and youth-serving organizations. We help these groups to develop and integrate mediation processes that reduce conflict among the young people they serve.