In addition, appropriately trained staff can involve the offenders in victim-offender mediation as part of the restoration process. In addition, the BARJ Project offers technical assistance and training to other jurisdictions nationwide. Project staff provide training at regional roundtables and at professional conferences dealing with juvenile justice system improvement. The BARJ Project produces the Balanced and Restorative Justice Update newsletter and a technical assistance packet. The Project's office at the Center for Restorative Justice and Mediation, University of Minnesota, serves as the BARJ national resource center.
Staff also publish articles and develop monographs.
By the end of 1995, at least 24 States had adopted, or were examining, juvenile codes or administrative procedures that include the balanced approach or restorative justice concept. For example, in November 1995 BARJ provided onsite technical assistance to a blue ribbon taskforce appointed by California's legislature and governor. After considering abolition of the juvenile court, the taskforce adopted the balanced approach as a conceptual guide for juvenile justice reform in the State. BARJ Project staff recently trained juvenile justice personnel in Arizona, California, Kansas, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. Personnel from other States have received BARJ training at various juvenile justice conferences.