Our existing approach to juvenile restitution fails to deliver justice for anyone. For crime survivors, they rarely, if ever, receive compensation. In San Francisco, even after five years since restitution has been assessed, over 90% goes unpaid. When restitution is paid, crime survivors tend to receive it months or sometimes years after the incident occurred. Most young people–and their families–simply do not have the money to pay restitution. Unpaid restitution can create long-term barriers to financial stability.
However, through the AFTER program, the person harmed is paid restitution from a fund and can participate in other support services. AFTER provides programming from a community-based organization for young people who are ordered to pay restitution. Through the program, young people make amends—through performing community service, being connected to job opportunities, or participating in restorative justice conferences—and are more effectively held accountable for their actions.
Watch two videos that we created about the AFTER Program below and check out program materials here.
