Our Spring and our Beginnings of Summer!

Written By RCP Comms

As the 2024–2025 school year comes to a close, our young people are reflecting on a powerful year of growth, healing, and connection—and getting excited about what’s ahead this summer. At RCP, pro-social activities are more than just fun. They’re how we create real, lasting transformation.

Positive interactions with caring adults help our youth build trust, self-worth, and accountability. When those adults share lived experience and cultural roots, something even deeper happens—recognition, connection, and real possibility. Research shows that when youth are meaningfully engaged with community, the chances of returning to the legal system dramatically decrease.

This summer, our youth will keep the momentum going with activities that support joy, growth, and belonging:

  • New Office Open Space – A hub for youth to drop in, connect, and access support

  • RCP Summer Passports – Tracking progress and setting goals for summer growth

  • Hiking, Swimming & Camping Trips – Getting grounded in nature and community

RCP young people have been showing up for themselves and each other. Some highlights from this spring include:

Makeup Circles – Spaces of creativity focusing on healthy relationships and connection

Friday Night Circles – A consistent space for laughter, food, and processing difficult things together.

Snowboarding Trip – Overcoming fear, building confidence on the mountain, and experiencing recreation in a safe and healthy environment

Small Group Moments – Bonding and belonging in safe, affirming spaces

Data Snapshot: Where Our Youth Come From

RCP’s impact is felt across King County—but the numbers tell a deeper story about where systemic intervention is most urgently needed. This graph shows the number of youth referrals to RCP by King County Council District:

  • District 7 (South Seattle, Renton, Tukwila): 143 referrals
    This district accounts for the highest number of youth referrals by far. It reflects deep, generational disinvestment and policing in historically Black and brown communities.

  • District 5 (Kent, SeaTac, Burien): 75 referrals
    District 5 shows the continued need for culturally rooted alternatives in South King County, especially where schools and law enforcement overlap.

Why This Matters:

This isn’t just a map of where harm happens—it’s a roadmap of where healing must begin. These numbers represent neighborhoods, families, and young people who deserve a chance to grow and thrive.

Urgent: RCP Funding at Risk

King County is facing a projected $150 million budget shortfall, and Restorative Community Pathways is on the chopping block. A 100% funding cut would mean the loss of this vital alternative to youth incarceration.

We don’t know what the future will hold—but we do know what this community is capable of.

Here’s how you can help:

  • Attend and speak at County Council meetings

  • Share your story of why RCP matters to you

  • Tell your neighbors about the importance of pre-filing diversion

    • Pre-filing diversion: Historically, diversion is offered after a youth is detained or has their case filed in court. RCP is a PRE-filing diversion program that allows young people to be reached out to by community and given an opportunity to take responsibility for their actions, completely outside of the formal court system before a case is filed.

  • Donate if you are able, or connect us to funders who believe in our work.

RCP only exists because our community built it. Let’s protect it—together.

RCP Comms
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