KINGSTON – Ulster County is going to expand its restorative justice program to young adults ages 18 to 26. The new initiative will build on the current program for youths up to age 18.
County Executive Pat Ryan and District Attorney David Clegg announced the new component on Thursday.
The program uses face-to-face meetings between persons being referred and those who have been directly or indirectly affected, said Clegg.
“Rehabilitation is a big part of it. Stopping recidivism is a big part of it. Making our community safer is a big part of this and healing the community at the same time. It’s a really positive program,” the DA said.
The district attorney has discretion as to which defendants may qualify for the restorative justice program. The program is eligible only for those charged with certain misdemeanors or non-violent felonies.
