Philadelphia’s young people learn to lead on violence prevention and restorative justice

Philadelphia's first youth restorative justice cohort, comprising over 30 participants aged 14-20, completed a year-long training program aimed at violence prevention. The initiative, led by Victim/Witness Services of South Philadelphia and partner organizations, focuses on community-based conflict resolution for young people and families from immigrant and limited-English backgrounds. Rising youth gun violence and pandemic-related assaults prompted the program's development, emphasizing accountability and healing over criminalization.