The Travis County District Attorney (DA) leads efforts to reduce over-reliance on incarceration and reimagine local justice systems. In recent months, the County and DA have lowered the jail population by about 300 people (20%). They created an immediate case review system to prevent cases without probable cause and expanded diversion program eligibility. The DA has also focused on restoring trust in the Office by introducing public safety reforms. These reforms aim to make communities safer by investing in support services outside the carceral system, such as restorative justice programs.
As part of this mission, the DA designed a restorative justice pilot program for juveniles. This program allows youth to resolve offenses outside the formal carceral system. It also helps communities reclaim their children and neighborhoods. FUSE and Travis County are working together on this initiative. First, FUSE will implement the pilot program. Then, FUSE will sustain and expand it by developing a model that applies restorative justice to domestic violence and other interpersonal crimes. With the DA, FUSE will help drive these innovative criminal justice reforms forward.
Milestones & Achievements
The Travis County Transformation Project has made significant strides in reducing youth recidivism and transforming family dynamics through restorative justice practices. In its first year, the program diverted 45 youths from the traditional juvenile justice system, achieving a 92% reduction in violent recidivism compared to the county’s ten-year average. Families engaged in the program reported improved communication and conflict resolution skills, while participants benefited from educational advocacy, mental health support, and pathways to stable employment. By addressing the root causes of harm and fostering healing, the project demonstrates a groundbreaking model for reducing incarceration and building safer, more resilient communities.
