Birmingham’s RESTORE Program Aims to Reduce Youth Violence

Birmingham’s RESTORE Program Shows Promise in Reducing Youth Violence While Seeking Additional Funding

Birmingham, AL – The RESTORE program, a juvenile re-entry initiative launched in 2023, is making significant strides towards reducing youth violence and supporting young individuals affected by the juvenile justice system. The program is designed to assist youth aged 16 to 19, though plans are in place to expand eligibility to include those as young as 11, in order to address the community’s growing need for early intervention.

Program Impact and Community Response

Since its establishment, RESTORE has reported an impressive 80% decrease in the number of youths charged with murder and a 61% drop in homicide victims among individuals aged 13 to 22 in Jefferson County. In its first year, the program served 249 youth, significantly surpassing its original goal of 120 participants.

According to data from 2022, 83% of murder perpetrators aged 22 and under in Jefferson County had prior involvement with family court, highlighting the need for programs like RESTORE. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, RESTORE has already assisted 98 active clients and organized 344 workshops, focusing on essential life skills such as goal setting, accountability, conflict resolution, and emotional expression.

The Need for Continued Funding

Despite the early successes, the RESTORE program is currently facing challenges related to funding. The Birmingham City Council allocated $2 million to support community safety initiatives, incorporating recommendations from an independent Crime Commission to bolster mentoring and after-school programs. However, the full expansion and sustainability of RESTORE hinge on securing additional funding from the city, which has yet to commit to further financial support for 2024.

The program has secured a federal grant of $443,407.20, intended for program expansion, but this reimbursement-style funding necessitates prior city funding which is currently insufficient according to RESTORE’s executive director, Carrie Buntain. She indicated that initial funding of $225,000 is inadequate, especially given the increasing demand for the program’s services.

Participant Success Stories and Program Structure

RESTORE has successfully graduated 19 participants with diplomas, GEDs, or certifications, reaffirming the program’s educational impact. Notably, one participant transitioned from being a struggling teen parent to becoming a certified nursing assistant. This reflects the program’s emphasis on creating pathways to self-sufficiency and resilience among at-risk youth.

RESTORE’s workshops are structured to occur twice weekly, aiming to foster attributes such as self-discipline and self-respect among participants, particularly the young male demographic. Buntain underscored the importance of continuous engagement with participants and their families, which she believes is critical in preventing recidivism and fostering long-term positive change.

Broader Experts Perspectives

Experts, including Stephanie Hawkins from RTI International, support long-term investments for systemic change to effectively address juvenile violence. They stress that programs like RESTORE require strong community backing and partnerships to mitigate the effects of poverty and violence, and to drive substantial, sustained improvements in youth behavior and societal outcomes.

As RESTORE continues to navigate its early growth phase, the attention it brings to local youth violence and justice involvement is timely and critical. The program’s future depends heavily on the community’s ability to rally around it, ensuring that the resources needed are allocated to continue this important work.