Support Youth Impacted by the Criminal Legal System

Apoyar a la juventud impactada por el sistema legal penal

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Freedom 4 Youth

Freedom 4 Youth empowers at-risk youth through restorative justice training, fostering accountability and healing. They provide community-based alternatives to incarceration, helping youth navigate challenges and avoid further legal involvement.

Freedom 4 Youth&rsquo;s Restorative Justice Diversion Facilitator Training prepares participants to serve as Youth Restorative Justice Facilitators, supporting diversion cases referred by Santa Barbara Probation and local schools. Through a 7-week practicum, participants are introduced to restorative justice principles and guided through the full diversion process, including pre-conferencing, circle facilitation, and the development of accountability plans. Under the supervision of experienced facilitators, participants gain hands-on experience co-facilitating real cases, helping to repair harm while supporting youth in building accountability and avoiding further involvement in the juvenile legal system. With a flexible schedule designed to accommodate school and work commitments, this training offers a meaningful opportunity to build practical skills and contribute to healing-centered, community-based alternatives to incarceration. This training is being offered to expand our volunteer capacity and enhance the skills of our community partners that provide direct services to youth in our community.&nbsp; Benefits of Becoming an RJ Facilitator:&nbsp;- Restorative Dialogue Skills- Youth Justice Experiences- Conflict Resolution Techniques- Social Justice Framework Curriculum Model: The Introductory Course is interactive following a modified version of the Restorative Justice Curriculum from the Center for Teaching Effectiveness at the University of Texas at Austin (originally developed by Dr. Karron G. Lewis and modified by Marilyn Armour for Restorative Justice). Instructors:&nbsp; Amber Caldwell, MScAmber is the Executive Director of Freedom 4 Youth and designed and implemented the evaluation and assessment protocol for restorative justice legal diversion for youth across Santa Barbara County. With more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit systems development and strategic partnerships, Amber works to expand restorative, community-centered approaches to justice and healing. Jody Kauffman, Esq.Jody is a Co-Founder of SBTLC and a practicing Attorney. Jody is an advocate for criminal justice reform and an Instructor of Restorative Justice at the Santa Barbara and Ventura Colleges of Law. Leandra HarrisLeandra Harris is the Director of Youth Programs at Freedom 4 Youth and a restorative justice practitioner dedicated to supporting youth impacted by foster care and the criminal legal system. Drawing from her lived experience as a former foster youth, she brings a compassionate, trauma-informed approach to restorative practices that center healing and accountability. Gabriela Dodson, LCSW, MSWGabriela Dodson is the Director of Wellness &amp; Recovery Programs at the Mental Wellness Center and a licensed clinical social worker. Her work integrates trauma-informed care and restorative justice principles to support healing, accountability, and community well-being. Braedon ErvinBraedon Ervin is the Restorative Justice Coordinator at Freedom 4 Youth and a Sociology student at the University of California, Santa Barbara with a minor in Poverty, Inequality, and Social Justice. Trained through the Tara Haaland-Ford Restorative Justice Project, he supports restorative justice cases and community dialogue processes focused on healing and accountability. Val Padilla Val has been a part of the Santa Barbara Teen Legal Clinic, and now Freedom 4 Youth, for 3 years and is a Junior at Dos Pueblos High School. Val is a Restorative Justice Facilitator and wants to pursue a career in Law.

Freedom 4 Youth: Restorative Justice Facilitator Practicum Course

&iexcl;&Uacute;nase a nosotros para una velada de conexi&oacute;n, impacto y comunidad en la Cena del Programa Culinario Freedom 4 Youth! Este evento re&uacute;ne a partidarios, socios y miembros de la comunidad para experimentar el trabajo transformador de nuestro Programa Culinario, donde los j&oacute;venes afectados por el sistema legal penal desarrollan habilidades, confianza y caminos hacia la estabilidad a largo plazo. A trav&eacute;s de capacitaci&oacute;n pr&aacute;ctica, mentor&iacute;a y trabajo en equipo, los participantes desarrollan no solo t&eacute;cnicas culinarias, sino tambi&eacute;n liderazgo, responsabilidad y un sentido de pertenencia. Los invitados disfrutar&aacute;n de una comida cuidadosamente preparada por nuestros j&oacute;venes mientras aprenden m&aacute;s sobre el modelo integrado de defensa legal, justicia restaurativa y desarrollo juvenil de Freedom 4 Youth. Esta noche ofrece una oportunidad significativa para presenciar el impacto de invertir en j&oacute;venes y para involucrarse con una comunidad comprometida con soluciones centradas en la sanaci&oacute;n y lideradas por j&oacute;venes. 🗓&nbsp;13 de mayo⏰ 4:00 &ndash; 6:00 PM📍 617 Garden St, Santa B&aacute;rbara Los invitamos a unirse a nosotros en apoyar este trabajo y celebrar el potencial de la pr&oacute;xima generaci&oacute;n.

Freedom 4 Youth Culinaria: Cena Comunitaria

Join us for an evening of connection, impact, and community at the Freedom 4 Youth Culinary Program Dinner! This event brings together supporters, partners, and community members to experience the transformative work of our Culinary Program, where youth impacted by the criminal legal system build skills, confidence, and pathways toward long-term stability. Through hands-on training, mentorship, and teamwork, participants develop not only culinary techniques, but leadership, responsibility, and a sense of belonging. Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully prepared meal by our youth while learning more about Freedom 4 Youth&rsquo;s integrated model of legal advocacy, restorative justice, and youth development. This evening offers a meaningful opportunity to witness the impact of investing in young people and to engage with a community committed to healing-centered, youth-led solutions. 🗓&nbsp;May 13th⏰ 4:00 &ndash; 6:00 PM📍 617 Garden St, Santa Barbara Parking: Street parking AvailableDress Code: Casual - Garden Party We invite you to join us in supporting this work and celebrating the potential of the next generation.

Freedom 4 Youth Culinary Program: Community Dinner

&iexcl;&Uacute;nete a nosotros para una noche de celebraci&oacute;n de nuestra juventud y de todo lo que han logrado a trav&eacute;s del Programa de Cocina Freedom 4 Youth! Nuestra Cena de Familia y Amigos es una oportunidad especial para reunirnos en comunidad y honrar la dedicaci&oacute;n y el crecimiento de los j&oacute;venes que han estado participando cada semana para aprender y desarrollar nuevas habilidades. Desde el desarrollo de t&eacute;cnicas culinarias hasta trabajar en equipo en la cocina, nuestra juventud ha puesto un esfuerzo incre&iacute;ble, y esta noche se trata de celebrar ese viaje. 🗓&nbsp;6 de mayo⏰ 4:00 &ndash; 6:00 PM📍 617 Garden St Disfruta de una comida preparada por nuestra juventud, con&eacute;ctate con la comunidad de Freedom 4 Youth y s&eacute; parte de una noche significativa centrada en el empoderamiento, el aprendizaje y la celebraci&oacute;n. &iexcl;Esperamos que te unas a nosotros para reconocer el arduo trabajo y los logros de nuestra juventud!

Cena de Familia y Amigos de Freedom 4 Youth

Join us for an evening to celebrate our youth and all they have accomplished through the Freedom 4 Youth Culinary Program! Our Family &amp; Friends Dinner is a special opportunity to gather in community and honor the dedication and growth of the young people who have been showing up each week to learn and build new skills. From developing culinary techniques to working as a team in the kitchen, our youth have put in incredible effort, and this evening is all about celebrating that journey. 🗓&nbsp;May 6th⏰ 4:00 &ndash; 6:00pm📍 617 Garden St Enjoy a meal prepared by our youth, connect with the Freedom 4 Youth community, and be part of a meaningful evening centered on empowerment, learning, and celebration. Free EventDress Code:&nbsp;CasualParking:&nbsp;Street Parking, Nearest Bus Stop Line 2110 Downtown SB - Garden &amp; Cota St.Childcare will be Provided We hope you&rsquo;ll join us in recognizing the hard work and accomplishments of our youth!

Freedom 4 Youth Culinary: Family & Friends Dinner

Introduction to Restorative Justice CourseTransform Conflict. Build Community. Foster Healing. Thank you for signing up for our upcoming Restorative Justice Facilitator Training. Intro to Restorative Justice&nbsp;5 Hour Course (FREE)&nbsp;When: Sat. April 11 (11am-4pm)&nbsp;Location: UC Santa Barbara - Room TBD&nbsp; The Introductory Course is the first step to becoming a trained Restorative Justice Facilitator within the Freedom 4 Youth - Tara Haaland-Ford Restorative Justice Project. This training is being offered to expand our volunteer capacity and enhance the skills of our community partners that provide direct services to youth in our community.&nbsp; Benefits of Becoming an RJ Facilitator:&nbsp;- Restorative Dialogue Skills- Youth Justice Experiences- Conflict Resolution Techniques- Social Justice Framework Curriculum Model: The Introductory Course is interactive following a modified version of the Restorative Justice Curriculum from the Center for Teaching Effectiveness at the University of Texas at Austin (originally developed by Dr. Karron G. Lewis and modified by Marilyn Armour for Restorative Justice). Instructors:&nbsp; Amber Caldwell, MScAmber is the Co-Executive Director of Freedom 4 Youth and designed and implemented the evaluation and assessment protocol for restorative justice legal diversion for youth across Santa Barbara County. With more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit systems development and strategic partnerships, Amber works to expand restorative, community-centered approaches to justice and healing. Jody Kauffman, Esq.Jody is a Co-Founder of SBTLC and a practicing Attorney. Jody is an advocate for criminal justice reform and an Instructor of Restorative Justice at the Santa Barbara and Ventura Colleges of Law. Leandra HarrisLeandra Harris is the Director of Youth Programs at Freedom 4 Youth and a restorative justice practitioner dedicated to supporting youth impacted by foster care and the criminal legal system. Drawing from her lived experience as a former foster youth, she brings a compassionate, trauma-informed approach to restorative practices that center healing and accountability. Gabriela Dodson, LCSW, MSWGabriela Dodson is the Director of Wellness &amp; Recovery Programs at the Mental Wellness Center and a licensed clinical social worker. Her work integrates trauma-informed care and restorative justice principles to support healing, accountability, and community well-being. Braedon ErvinBraedon Ervin is the Restorative Justice Coordinator at Freedom 4 Youth and a Sociology student at the University of California, Santa Barbara with a minor in Poverty, Inequality, and Social Justice. Trained through the Tara Haaland-Ford Restorative Justice Project, he supports restorative justice cases and community dialogue processes focused on healing and accountability. Val Padilla Val has been a part of the Santa Barbara Teen Legal Clinic, and now Freedom 4 Youth, for 3 years and is a Junior at Dos Pueblos High School. Val is a Restorative Justice Facilitator and wants to pursue a career in Law.

Freedom 4 Youth

Past events

Past events

Freedom 4 Youth: Restorative Justice Facilitator Practicum Course

Freedom 4 Youth Culinary Program: Community Dinner

Freedom 4 Youth Culinary: Family & Friends Dinner

Freedom 4 Youth: Intro to Restorative Justice Course

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