Juvenile Justice Works

Juvenile Justice Works, with more than 35 partners working collaboratively, focuses on young people by implementing restorative justice programs within institutions as well as piloting diversion strategies to reduce youth contact with the justice system. In 2025, this was illustrated through key initiatives:

• A three-part restorative justice series in partnership with the Erie County District Attorney’s Office and Erie County Restorative Justice Coalition, implemented restorative justice practices in five Buffalo public schools with the highest suspension rates.
• The Juvenile Justice Works Runaway Initiative, led by BestSelf Behavioral Health in partnership with the Buffalo Police Department, the Community Action Organization of WNY STRIVE Initiative, and other community stakeholders, provides an immediate and supportive alternative to traditional criminal justice pathways for runaway youth and at-risk teens. The initiative ensures that youth encountered by police are directed to safe spaces where they can receive intake, medical or behavioral health assessments, and wraparound services.