December 11, 2024 - Jefferson County to Receive More Than $800,000 For Innovative Diversion and Restorative Justice Programming

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The United States Department of Justice has announced $838,947 in new funding to support and grow Reset Jefferson County, a pretrial, prosecutor-led diversion program developed and implemented by the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office – Birmingham Division. Reset Jefferson County provides alternative accountability measures and restorative justice opportunities for young, low-level, non-violent offenders in Jefferson County.

“Reset Jefferson County was created to provide accountability, guidance, and opportunity to young people who are at a pivotal point in their lives following an initial encounter with our justice system,” said Jefferson County District Attorney Danny Carr. “Since its creation in 2022, Reset has changed lives and enhanced public trust in our justice system. These new resources will allow us to have a greater impact to prevent recidivism, redirect at-risk youth, and remedy the impact of crime in our community.”

Reset Jefferson County provides court-alternative restorative justice opportunities and programming for people aged 18-26 who have been arrested for the first time for a low-level, non-violent felony such as drug possession and forgery. Participants work with Reset staff to address barriers such as employment and housing, and work with a community-based programming provider to reflect on their accountability as well as discuss strategies for avoiding future criminal conduct. If participants successfully complete programming, the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office declines prosecution for the arrest.

The Literary Healing Arts and RTI International will assist with the expanded implementation of Reset Jefferson County, which is also supported by the Birmingham Police Department, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Jefferson County Public Defender’s Office.

“Our goal with Reset is to hold defendants accountable for their actions, requiring participants to think about the costs and impacts of criminal behavior and the problems it creates for themselves, their family, and their community. And, we demonstrate grace to participants by helping them find counseling services, healthcare, housing, and career help,” said District Attorney Carr.

The award to Jefferson County comes through the Department of Justice’s Encouraging Innovation grant program that is administered through the Bureau of Justice Assistance.

To learn more about Reset Jefferson County, please visit https://www.jeffcoda.org/reset.php.