Why does YWCA Madison use Restorative Justice?

YWCA Madison uses restorative justice to address the school-to-prison pipeline. The school-to-prison pipeline describes a pattern of criminalization of K-12 students linked to decreased graduation rates and increased likelihood of future involvement with the criminal justice system. Students of color, LGBTQ students, and students with disabilities are disproportionately impacted.

Community-Based Programming

Every 12-16 year old issued a municipal ticket by the Madison Police is eligible to participate in restorative justice as an alternative to court.

School-Based Learning

YWCA provides ongoing student and staff support at some of our partner schools in order to facilitate a transition to a restorative approach.

Restorative Justice Workshops

YWCA Madison offers three-day professional development training workshops for educators, community members and parents.

Restorative Justice Request for Training

Interested in working with YWCA Restorative Justice Staff around training and education opportunities.

Restorative Justice Resources

YWCA Madison is pleased to provide these resources to community members.

School-to-Prison Pipeline

The tendency of minors and young adults of color to become incarcerated, because of increasingly harsh school and municipal policies.

Zero Tolerance Policies

Harsh disciplinary policies that contribute to the School-to-Prison Pipeline by criminalizing students and pushing them out of school.