Municipal Citations Restorative Justice

Restorative Justice is a voluntary process that gives people the opportunity to address and repair harm. In Dane County, we are committed to implementing and expanding restorative justice opportunities for young people ages 12-16 by replacing punitive responses with healing, accountability, and opportunity.

Offering youth a healing-centered alternative to the traditional court process.

YWCA Madison and Briarpatch Youth Services jointly lead a county-wide Municipal Court Diversion program in partnership with local Police Departments and Municipal Courts. Dane County youth ages 12–16 who receive municipal citations have the opportunity to choose Restorative Justice as an alternative to going to court.

What Does the Process Look Like?

The Restorative Justice Intake Coordinator (YWCA Madison staff member) provides intake services for youth referred for non-traffic municipal violations and connects them to Restorative Justice programming at either YWCA Madison or Briarpatch Youth Services. This work requires ongoing collaboration with Police Departments, Municipal Courts, and the Dane County Department of Human Services to ensure that youth receive timely, supportive, and appropriate diversion options.

After intake, youth are matched with the Restorative Justice provider that best fits their location, needs, and preferences. While a young person participates in the restorative process, their citation is put on hold (held in abeyance) by the referring police department. Under a 2020 agreement with the Madison Police Department (MPD), youth who successfully complete the Restorative Justice program DO NOT receive an arrest or citation on their record.

In addition to MPD, other municipal courts across Dane County refer youth ages 12–16 to Restorative Justice as part of their court orders.

I’ve been referred to Restorative Justice, what do I do?

Complete ONE of these options within 14 days of receiving the referral:

  • Call or text: (608) 738-4939

  • Call our main office: (608) 395-2599

  • Email: rjintake@ywcamadison.org

If you opt into Restorative Justice, you do NOT have to go to court.
If you choose not to opt in, do not respond, or do not receive communication about opting in, you will be assigned a court date that you must attend.