Wausau Police Department Implements New Restorative Justice Program for Youth Offenders

The Marathon County Joint Health & Human Services and Public Safety Committee meeting on August 6, 2025, focused on critical updates regarding youth justice programs and community safety initiatives. Key discussions included the status of the restorative justice program and the Youth Opportunity Center (YOC).

During the meeting, officials addressed the discontinuation of the restorative justice program previously operated by Goodwill. The program was deemed incompatible with Goodwill's evolving philosophy, prompting the county to seek alternatives. In collaboration with the Wausau Police Department, a new restorative justice initiative has been implemented. This program allows youth offenders, regardless of residency, to participate in a four-hour course and complete community service instead of entering the formal youth justice system. The program targets nonviolent offenses, such as minor traffic violations and low-level battery, aiming to educate youth on the impact of their actions while providing support.

Committee members expressed concerns about the increased volume of youth intakes due to the loss of the previous program. To mitigate this, the county has worked closely with local schools to ensure consistent policies regarding behavioral infractions, thereby preventing unnecessary referrals to the youth justice system.

Additionally, the committee received an update on the Youth Opportunity Center, which celebrated its one-year anniversary in June. Despite facing staffing challenges, the center has made significant progress in its programming. However, officials noted that a grant from the Department of Children and Families (DCF) funding the center's operations will expire at the end of the year. They indicated a need for additional financial support to sustain the center's initiatives moving forward.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue evaluating the restorative justice framework and exploring options for victim-offender conferencing for youth already involved in the justice system. The committee remains focused on enhancing community safety and supporting youth rehabilitation efforts in Marathon County.