Loyola Law School Sunita Jain
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Loyola Law School Sunita Jain
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Restorative Justice

Restorative Justice Pilot Program 

SJI has developed a Restorative Justice Pilot Program and is requesting a $25 million investment, to be distributed over five years at $5 million per year.

This pilot would operate at the pre-filing stage, before any criminal charges are filed, offering survivors a real choice in how they want to pursue justice. Survivors could choose to continue through the traditional criminal legal system, or opt into a restorative process grounded in healing, dignity, and consent.

If the survivor chooses Restorative Justice, the case would be referred to a trusted community-based organization. That organization would:

  • Provide wrap-around support for the survivor, including safety planning, legal advocacy, and healing services

  • Facilitate a restorative process to hold the trafficker accountable

  • Work with both survivor and community to co-define what meaningful accountability looks like

Importantly, nothing would proceed without the survivor’s full consent and active participation. For some, accountability might mean requiring the trafficker to engage in therapy, substance use treatment, or other rehabilitative supports. For others, it may mean simply being heard and acknowledged.

This pilot is a step toward building survivor-led alternatives to carceral systems—centered not on punishment, but on transformation, safety, and self-determination.

Support the Pilot Program 

Read our Budget Proposal

Your voice matters. Whether you're a survivor, advocate, policymaker, or ally, you can help bring this vision of justice to life.

We’ve created two tailored letters of support to ensure everyone’s perspective is heard and respected:

✍️ Service Providers and Allies: If you’re part of an organization, agency, or advocacy group, you can help amplify this work and push for systems-level change.

✍️ Survivors of Trafficking: If you're a survivor of trafficking or exploitation and believe in the power of restorative justice, your voice carries incredible power. Share your support for real, meaningful alternatives to the systems that have caused harm.