Family Intervention and Restorative Services (FIRS) serves families with adolescents (ages 10-17) who are involved in domestic violence incidents towards their family members.  FIRS is a collaborative approach with community and court-based partners to reduce youth involvement in the criminal justice system by offering alternative solutions to juvenile detention. The program focuses on restorative justice practices and family-centered interventions to address the root causes of conflicts and behavioral challenges. Every family referred is assigned a social worker and a juvenile probation counselor.

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About the FIRS Center:

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• The FIRS Center opened in 2016 located at Clark Children and Family Justice Center (CCFJC) in Seattle

• It is a short-term respite center staffed 24/7

• Youth often move to the FIRS Center the same day they are brought to detention and meet with the FIRS team (FIRS Staff, Juvenile Probation Counselor, STEP or Ryther therapists) to create a restorative plan to go home safely

• Youth will return home with a safety plan, service referrals, and future meeting support

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The Goal for FIRS:

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• Prevent Recurrence of Violence: By providing immediate intervention, FIRS seeks to lower the chances of youth reoffending by addressing the underlying issues that contribute to their behavior.

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• Promote Family Reconciliation: The program focuses on restoring relationships within the family unit through counseling and mediation, helping to resolve conflicts and build stronger family bonds.

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• Provide Support and Resources: FIRS connects families with free services and resources, such as mental health counseling, substance use treatment, and the Step-Up Program to address the root causes of behavioral issues.

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• Enhance Accountability: By encouraging youth to take responsibility for their actions in a supportive environment, FIRS helps them understand the impact of their behavior on themselves, their families, and their communities.