FAQs about our Restorative Justice (RJ) Program
About Connection First & RJ
What is Connection First?
Connection First (CFI) is a nonprofit dedicated to cultivating peace and healing through human connection. We operate the Adult Restorative Justice Program for Florida’s 2nd Judicial Circuit. Counties include: Leon, Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Liberty, and Wakulla counties with a priority for cases in Leon County.
What does the Adult RJ Program offer?
Our program provides an opportunity for people who’ve caused harm to take responsibility and engage in a meaningful, confidential dialogue with those impacted and the broader community. This voluntary process supports healing, accountability, public safety, and reduces recidivism.
Do you facilitate RJ Conferences with youth?
Currently, our program is City funded and our contract specifies we must work with only adults in our community. However, it is our goal to seek out braided funding in the future and work with youth as well.
Is there a benefit to working with youth?
Yes. What local data tells us in the Anatomy of a Homicide Report is that between 2015 and 2020, 85% of individuals involved in homicides in Leon County had been suspended or expelled from school, and many had early arrests. RJ provides early intervention by addressing harmful behaviors at their root, offering support, and preventing escalation into violent crime later on. CFI will continue advocating for the expansion of the populations we serve.
Referral Process & Eligibility
Who can refer a case to RJ?
Anyone in Florida’s 2nd Circuit can refer a case—attorneys (private, public defenders, Conflict Counsel, prosecutors), law enforcement, community organizations, or individuals.
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For open criminal cases, attorneys must follow referral training guidelines.
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For closed or community cases, use our online referral form.
What makes a case eligible for RJ?
A case may be eligible if:
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The responsible person is 18+ and taking accountability
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Both parties are willing to participate
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The harm occurred in, or is connected to, Circuit 2 (especially Leon County)
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For non-criminal cases, at least one party resides in Circuit 2
How long does the RJ process take?
Timelines significantly vary by case, but most take:
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1–3 months from referral to the RJ conference
A few weeks to 3 months to complete the agreement
(Every case is different based on complexity, readiness, and response time by others.)
Participation & Process
Who can participate in RJ?
Anyone directly or indirectly impacted by harm: responsible parties, those harmed, or community members. Participation is always voluntary.
What are the steps of an RJ Conference?
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Referral
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Intake
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Pre-conference preparation with each party
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Facilitated RJ conference
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Co-created agreements
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Follow-up and support
What support is offered to participants?
Facilitators prepare each person beforehand, helping them understand the process and feel emotionally ready. After the conference, we follow up to support the agreement’s completion and provide any additional help within our capacity.
What if the person harmed doesn't want to participate?
If there’s no direct harmed party or they decline, we use a Community Conference Model where trained community volunteers stand in to represent broader community impact. Contact us to learn more.
Legal & Confidentiality
Does RJ replace legal consequences?
Sometimes. RJ can be used:
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As a diversion (an alternative to prosecution)
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Alongside sentencing (as part of a plea deal)
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Or in non-criminal community cases
Is RJ only for criminal or minor cases?
No. RJ can be used for both criminal and non-criminal harm. Please refer to Types of RJ Cases on our website for more information. National data shows it's especially impactful in cases involving serious harm (including violent offenses).
Is RJ possible if more than one person caused harm?
Yes—especially in non-criminal or community cases. When multiple people hold responsibility or are impacted, an RJ process can bring everyone together to address the harm collectively.
Is the process confidential?
Yes. All participants sign a Consent & Confidentiality form. What’s shared is private, with the exception of legal requirements (like mandatory reporting or new disclosures of criminal harm to another person).
Types of Harm Addressed
What kinds of harm does RJ address?
Connection First has facilitated cases involving, but not limited, to:
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Community tension
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Conflict in re-entry homes
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Trespassing
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Petty theft
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Battery
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Attempted homicide
What approach do you take?
Our approach adapts to the specific needs of each case. As long as the responsible party is taking accountability, RJ can address nearly any kind of harm.
Cost & Accessibility
Is there a cost for RJ services?
No. Our services are grant-funded and free to participants. Donations are welcomed at ConnectionFirst.org.
Are there any fees for criminal diversion cases?
Yes—but only the standard diversion fees collected by the State Attorney’s Office. These fees are not related to RJ services.
Data & Outcomes
Is there evidence that RJ works?
Yes. National and local data show RJ leads to:
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Lower recidivism
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Higher participant satisfaction
Reduced post-traumatic stress for those harmed
Better follow-through on restitution
What is your satisfaction rate?
Our RJ program has a 100% satisfaction rate from RJ conference participants. We use evidence-based, community-rooted practices. As our program continues to build, we will begin tracking recidivism rates.