Transformative Justice
The mass incarceration of young people aged 17-24 is a crisis that calls for immediate action. At LSJA, we believe there’s a better way to respond to youth and emerging adults in the justice system—one that focuses on understanding their challenges and creating real opportunities for change. Through our Transformative Justice model, we’re rethinking how the justice system and communities address the behaviors of young people. By examining current practices and introducing innovative solutions, we aim to move away from punishment and toward a system that addresses the root causes of their struggles, like unmet needs and lack of support. Together, we can build a justice system that empowers young people to turn their lives around and thrive.
Transformative Justice vs. Restorative Justice
We believe in addressing the root causes of harm to create lasting change. Transformative justice goes beyond repairing relationships between individuals, as seen in restorative justice. It seeks to address the systemic and structural inequities—such as poverty, racism, and trauma—that contribute to cycles of harm in communities. While restorative justice focuses on accountability and healing within the relationships directly impacted by harm, transformative justice broadens the lens to challenge and transform the conditions that perpetuate harm, creating opportunities for personal and societal growth. Together, these approaches align with LSJA’s mission to build a more equitable and healing-centered justice system.
Building The Workforce of Tomorrow
LSJA’s community-based, flagship workforce development program for 18–24-year-olds, created in collaboration with the Texas Department of Transportation, stands as a groundbreaking initiative to cultivate talent and address critical industry needs. This pioneering ‘earn-to-learn’ model combines 9 weeks of intensive, hands-on training, blending 2 weeks of classroom instruction with 7 weeks of real-world experience under the guidance of local employers. Graduates not only earn a heavy equipment certification but also embark on sustainable career pathways with full-time employment opportunities, fostering economic mobility and strengthening local communities.
Diversion Programs
into the community
Williamson County Transformative Justice Program
LSJA partnered with Williamson County’s District Attorney Shawn Dick, Hon. Stacey Mathews, and the Chief of Juvenile Services, Scott Matthew, to launch the RISE Program (now Transformative Justice of Williamson County). The program is Williamson County’s first felony alternative to incarceration.
This program relied upon LSJA’s transformative justice model to serve the needs of justice-involved emerging adults in the community.
Dallas County Second Chance Community Improvement Program (SCCIP)
LSJA partnered with the Dallas County Public Defender’s Office to implement our transformative justice model in the Dallas County Second Chance Community Improvement Program (SCCIP). Over two years, LSJA trained Dallas County employees, staff and contractors in evidence-based practices to better serve justice-involved emerging adults.
LSJA designed the framework for a randomized control trial to evaluate the results of the shift to a public health, community-focused intervention strategy.