In May 2021, the District Attorney’s Office, in collaboration with the Second District Supervisor’s Office, launched a pilot program for Neighborhood Restorative Justice (NRJP) in Goleta, targeting first-time offenders.

The NRJP is a community-led, pre-filing diversion initiative to redirect low-level misdemeanor offenses away from the traditional criminal justice system.

Through the program, offenders can accept responsibility and make amends for their actions via a community-based restorative justice process, rather than going through the courtroom. The program focuses on addressing criminal behaviors that affect the community’s quality of life.

As the Neighborhood Restorative Justice Program expanded countywide in January 2024, it is seeking volunteers from the community to serve as panelists and facilitators.

These individuals will receive training in restorative justice principles and participate in leading restorative justice conferences.

Facilitators will be trained to guide the conferences, taking participants through each step of the restorative process.

Panelists will support the process by representing the community’s needs, interests and perspectives regarding the offenses committed.

The next training dates are Nov. 2 in Santa Maria and Nov. 16 in Santa Barbara.

Requirements to become a volunteer facilitator or panelist:
• Complete the application
• A Live-Scan fingerprinting and criminal record check (Immigrant status is irrelevant andwill not be checked.)
• No recent felonies or misdemeanors
• Complete volunteer facilitator and panelist training
• Bilingual/bicultural Spanish/English volunteers are encouraged

For more information and to apply as a volunteer, visit http://countyofsb.org/da/nrjp or email the program at SBDANeighborhoodRJP@co.santabarbara.ca.us