Restorative Court Diversion
Overview
Restorative diversion support for District Attorneys with accountable, victim-centered options beyond punishment alone.
Our Restorative Court Diversion work helps District Attorneys and community partners in the Bay Areas address appropriate cases through a structured restorative process that centers the person harmed and requires accountability from the person responsible. Diversion can be pre-charge or pre-plea, depending on partner needs and local practice. Many offices are open to diversion but lack capacity for the restorative facilitation and preparation it requires — we fill that gap with skilled facilitation, practical implementation support, and training that helps offices expand diversion with stronger outcomes for everyone involved.
What we offer
- Partner with DA offices to design or strengthen restorative diversion pathways (pre-charge, pre-plea, or as appropriate)
- Facilitate restorative processes for diversion cases, including careful preparation and structured dialogue
- Support accountability and repair agreements with clear expectations and follow-through planning
- Train staff and partners on restorative diversion fundamentals, case selection, and readiness practices
- Provide implementation support (workflows, partner coordination, and practical tools to build capacity over time)
Who is it for?
We work with District Attorneys, justice-system partners, and community organizations seeking diversion options that are accountable, victim-centered, and practical to implement — and that expand alternatives to prosecution where appropriate.
Outcomes
- Processes that center the needs, voice, and choice of the person harmed
- Meaningful accountability with concrete steps toward repair
- Clear agreements that support follow-through, safety, and dignity
- Reduced escalation and repeat conflict in appropriate cases
- Stronger collaboration between DA offices and community partners to expand responsible diversion options
When Restorative Approaches Work Best
Restorative diversion works best when participation is voluntary, safety can be supported, and a dialogue-based accountability process is appropriate. We prepare each participant carefully to assess readiness and determine suitability. Our work complements — and does not replace — legal counsel, court authority, or necessary safety responses.
Related Work
We also support restorative processes in post-conviction contexts, including cases of serious harm, where participation and safety planning make a restorative process appropriate.
Need Facilitation Capacity: We provide preparation, facilitation, and implementation support so restorative diversion works in practice — not just on paper.
District Attorneys and justice partners: Explore a restorative diversion partnership. Work With Us
Community Members: Ask about restorative diversion and referrals. Contact Us
Our Founder, Rochelle Edwards, helped launch CDCR’s victim services restorative dialogue program.