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• WHAT IS IT: Nationally known research-based program model for girls in the juvenile justice system, gender-specific with a focus on restorative justice. Currently serves girls in Ramsey County and Duluth in both community-based and out-of-home settings. Also provides consulting and training in the area of working with girls.
• BY WHOM: By AMICUS, a Minnesota non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with 40 years of experience in assisting offenders to take up positive roles in their communities.
• HOW BIG: Currently serves more than 200 girls per year. Founded 2000.
• APPROACH: Relationship-based services that support, respect, and empower the whole person. Key tools include girls-only groups, individual counseling by a licensed therapist, restorative justice support circles, and referrals.
• GOAL: Girls come to terms with trauma and mental health issues, develop healthier relationships, link to positive assets, and are empowered with self-regulation skills and positive relationships. Girls stay in the community and make progress on their goal of a positive, healthy and stable lifestyle.

• Girls who get involved in delinquency have different needs than boys.
• Girls are more motivated by relationships, and their relationships often contribute to their behavior, good or bad.
• Girls are more likely to have unresolved trauma, abuse, or mental health issues.
• Girls are frequently resistant to interventions that work for boys.
• Cold, impassive "consequence" programs often make girls rebel or withdraw and are ineffective.
• Girls need relationship-based services that address their main issues and help them radiate strengths from within despite the challenges of life.

• Girls Group. Weekly girls-only group addresses trauma and victimization, dealing with emotional pain, managing anger, accountability for choices, developing healthy relationships, and making choices to remain safe (15 weeks).
• Individual Counseling. Licensed therapist provides one-on-one therapy to provide support and help girls address current concerns.
• Support Circles. Restorative Justice Support Circles bring girls, families and support people together to have needed conversations and plan for the future.
• Support and Referral Services. RADIUS staff empower girls and families to access resources and provide support.
• Consulting and Training. RADIUS provides training and consulting to professionals interested in improving their services for girls.

• 77% of girls complete the program
• 94% success rate for program completers (no new petitions in the first six months after discharge)
• 100% of completers stayed out of placement for one year after discharge
• Girls and families report program "finally addressed the real issues"
• Girls improve school attendance, family relationships and personal stability
• Many girls stay involved with the program by choice after completion
• Highly trained (MA/MSW) and committed program staff maintain ongoing connections with girls and families

• Refer a client to RADIUS services (Ramsey County probation program, Ramsey County JDC-to-Community program, or out-of-home placement at Woodland Hills in Duluth).
• Support the program with an individual, corporate or foundation grant.
• Work with RADIUS to train your staff and/or improve your girls' program model.
• Contract with AMICUS to replicate the RADIUS program in your county.

Projects are funded/supported, in part, by the Office of Justice Programs through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and the Minnesota Department of Corrections.