Pre-Referral Diversion (RESTORE & SAMI)

Project RESTORE

Project RESTORE provides an opportunity for pre-referral diversion from court involvement for students ages 11 to 17 who would otherwise be referred to the County Attorney for an assault or disturbing the peace inside any Lincoln Public Schools middle or high school. This program will hold youth accountable for their behavior through restorative justice practices and encourages behavior change through interventions and referrals to appropriate programs. The ultimate goal of Project RESTORE is to avoid youth having unnecessary entry into the justice system.

This program works in collaboration with Lancaster County Attorney, the Lincoln Police Department (LPD), the Lincoln Public Schools (LPS), and the Lincoln/Lancaster County Human Services (LLCHS). This is a voluntary and brief 60-day program. Upon successful completion, the arrest will be removed from the youth's record and no further legal action will be taken.

For further information, view our RESTORE Brochure (PDF) or contact Lesley Ahrens at 402-441-6327.

School-Based Alcohol & Marijuana Intervention (SAMI)

SAMI is a pre-referral diversion program designed to provide an opportunity for LPS middle and high school students who would otherwise be referred to the County Attorney for alcohol and/or marijuana (not intent to deliver) possession offenses. The intent of the program is to hold youth accountable for their behavior and encourage behavioral change through interventions and referrals to appropriate programs with the goal of avoiding unnecessary entry into the juvenile justice system.

For further information, please contact Lesley Ahrens at 402-441-6327.

Victim / Youth Conferencing

Victim/Youth Conferencing is a Restorative Justice Program that attempts to repair harm done during the commission of the crime. This program is available free of charge.

For further information, view the Victim / Youth Conferencing Brochure (PDF).