LOUISILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- "Lock 'em up and throw away the key," that's how some would describe the current criminal justice system.
But Restorative Justice Louisville's mission is to provide a restorative and holistic approach to crime and justice that also involves the victims' families.
"It costs 20 grand to lock somebody up for a year. You know that, we don't even have enough places to lock people up anymore, and that's more than it costs to send a kid to college every year, it's up to us to change that system," explained Mayor Greg Fischer.
At a luncheon, Mayor Greg Fischer joined Jefferson Circuit Judge Angela McCormick Bisig and showed a video to educate the community about the expansion the RJL program. The RSL program is currently in LMPD's 1st, 2nd and 4th Divisions.
Organizers say data shows that Restorative Justice programs fared better for juveniles compared to those who remained in the traditional court process. It uses a model where victims of juvenile crime are able to meet with their young offenders, and work out an agreement for making amends.
Kevin Bush, who owns Boss Hog's BBQ, was one of the first to use RJL after his business was vandalized.
"It was I think about 1300-1500 dollars in damage. What we gave the parent and the individual was an opportunity to do, was put it in a college savings account and he also had to do some community service," says Bush on how he used RJL.
Over six thousand juvenile offenders are processed through the Jefferson County Judicial system each year. But RJL supporters say the program helps offenders enter back into society as productive community members.
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