Restorative justice group asks for $18,007.50 to expand services to adults; committee debate opens

A restorative justice organization representative (name not given in the transcript) asked the Knox County budget committee for $18,007.50 to expand the group’s services to adults, saying the program has demonstrably reduced youth referrals and that the district attorney and sheriff support offering similar services to emerging adults.

The presenter described the program’s model — face‑to‑face restorative circles, victim‑centered agreements and follow‑through — and said it has reduced juvenile referrals in Knox County from historically high rates to lower levels. “We’ve actually been successful,” the presenter said, noting contracts with the Department of Corrections for juvenile cases and recent federal grant funding elsewhere that supports related work.

Committee members divided. Supporters argued the program can save county resources by keeping lower‑level offenders out of jail and reducing long‑term costs. One committee member urged the county to consider opioid‑settlement and other grant opportunities to fund adult restorative work. A different committee member, noting serious violent crimes reported locally, said she would vote against funding the expansion and expressed concern about public safety.

Committee members asked about sustainability and whether youth services would be jeopardized if funds shifted to adults; the presenter said youth services currently have other funding sources and that adult expansion would be limited to priority cases if funded.

Because the committee lacked a quorum, no formal vote occurred at this meeting. The division among members signals further debate ahead as budget decisions are finalized.