Youth Justice Action Month spotlight: Restorative progress in Duluth
As communities look for approaches that truly meet young people where they are, Duluth’s Central Hillside neighborhood is already modeling what this future can look like. Family Freedom Center, a local nonprofit, is doing just that. Through their FWRD (Forgiveness, Work, Repair, and Direction) Program, their leaders are working with teens that they serve to repair harm, rebuild relationships, and stay connected with parents and schools to address behavioral concerns before they result in suspension.
“Behaviors in our neighborhood drastically change when we reflect, learn, discuss and take accountability for them.” Executive Director Jacob Bell said. “Seeing conflicts being worked out that could have gone to court instead are being squashed. That’s our definition of progress.”
Since adopting restorative practices into their curriculum, the FWRD Program has been an evolution of Family Freedom Center’s previous Juvenile Diversion Program. Their team has been intentional on working with individual schools directly instead of having their program be implemented districtwide through Duluth Public Schools.
“We want the schools and their principals buy in,” Bell said. “We want all of the parties involved to be able to see the progress that is being made. This work isn’t just something we’re doing – the community is telling us to do it.”
Supported through grants from DCYF’s Office of Restorative Practices and Youth Services Office, FWRD provides restorative circles, mentorship, and tailored support plans that address the root causes of conflict while strengthening community trust.
“The investment from DCYF and our other funding partners has allowed us to hire and train people from our own community who can dedicate their time and energy to restorative work,” Bell said. “That investment has helped us expand our reach and build stronger relationships with youth and families while providing more consistent support. We’re seeing the results of that investment in our FWRD outcomes already.”
As YJAM continues, Family Freedom Center’s work is a reminder that community-led restorative practices are not only possible – they are already transforming lives and communities in Minnesota.
For more information on Family Freedom Center and their FWRD Program click here: Restorative Practices | Family Freedom Center.
To view a statewide directory of restorative practices partners please click here 2026 MN Restorative Services Directory.Updated Jan 2026.pdf