LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In a recent press release, Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and Volunteers of America (VOA) partnered to launch a restorative justice program in select schools.
The program is designed to help elementary school students and their families.
The Jewish Heritage Fund for Excellence awarded VOA a grant for the VOA Restorative Justice Project. The $150,000 grant will last for two years according to the press release.
Case managers will be provided up to 75 students from five JCPS schools:
- Blake
- Mill Creek
- Semple
- Shacklette
- Hawthorne
Katy DeFerrari, JCPS assistant superintendent of Climate and Culture, said, "What is different about this pilot is the addition of wrap-around support and case management from a community partner that has access to a broader scope of resources, including those that support non-school age caregivers and family members."
DeFerrari said students often act out as a result of trauma and environmental stress.
"This partnership with Volunteers of America provides students and families a ‘one-stop’ support network,” said DeFerrari.
According to the press release, the VOA has helped students in the past with their self-confidence and decision making to keep them out of trouble. This program is similar but involves the whole family.
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