West Des Moines Fun Run Supports Efforts of Restorative Justice Program For Juvenile Offenders

WEST DES MOINES, IA -- The annual fun run and walk in support of a program that works for restorative justice involving juvenile offenders will take place Sunday at Raccoon River Park. It is sponsored by Friends of the Youth Justice Initiative, a program started by the West Des Moines Police Department in 2000.

The Youth Justice Initiative began with grant money from the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act. West Des Moines established an advisory board made up of individuals representing the diversities of the community who formed committees to address issues from program development and outreach to victim support and offender support.

YJI, which has been recognized nationally for its youth justice restoration efforts, was developed to provide a better solution to the ever growing numbers of repeat juvenile offenders, the police department said in a news release. The program engages crime victims and community members in the justice process, holds young offenders directly accountable to the people and community they have harmed, and restores as far as possible the losses of victims while providing opportunities for dialogue and problem solving whenever possible.

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Its newest effort is the Resiliency Project. The program centers on resiliency measures for youths who may not have been charged with a crime, but who may be in difficult situations and need extra support, according to the police department. Referrals currently come from area schools and YJI leadership is exploring whether to integrate referrals from police into the program.

Sunday's fun run is a 3.2-mile route on the trail around Raccoon River Park. It will begin at 9 a.m. and is open to the community. All participants receive a T-shirt.

Entry fees are $25 for adults, $15 for high school students and $10 for middle school students. Elementary school students may participate at no cost.

Photo: City of West Des Moines website