Upcoming Workshops and Conferences

Seventh Annual Youth Issues Today Conference
March 7th & 8th, 2019
Boise, Idaho

Please check back soon for online registration!

Pathways to Safe and Successful Schools Using Restorative Justice

An ambassador for Restorative Justice (RJ) principles and practices, Tia Cochran-Otis, LCSW, brings expertise grounded in research and professional experience. As Clinic Administrator for the Ventura County Juvenile Facilities, Tia was a leader in the implementation of RJ practices throughout the juvenile justice system and served as a resource for programs throughout the county. Both an administrator and a clinician, Tia navigated the clinical and the programmatic aspects of RJ implementation. Successful implementation required ongoing collaboration with multiple disciplines and systems; including schools, courts, corrections, community partnerships, and law enforcement. Tia trained extensively under Lyra Monroe, MPA, President of Restorative Justice Resources and International Trainer and Facilitator of RJ practices. In addition to formal training, Tia devoted over 3 years to weekly study sessions with a dedicated team of RJ advocates, as well as participated in an RJ Community Circle for over 2 years. In 2016, Tia earned the Ventura County Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Commission Award of Excellence for her contributions to the system and to the youth served throughout the county.

Tia earned a Masters in Social Work (MSW) from Boise State University in 2005. As an MSW, she provided services in both inpatient and outpatient treatment settings, as well as in forensic settings. Additionally, Tia worked as Adjunct Faculty in the MSW program at California State University, Northridge.

As an Idahoan, Tia is the owner of Restorative Connections Counseling Center, PLLC where she serves as a Clinical Social Worker serving individuals and families. She is also an Adjunct Faculty Member with the Boise State University School of Social Work, teaching future social workers about social work practice with groups and families. With a commitment to community and two children of her own, Tia is passionate about the implementation of Restorative Justice in Idaho’s schools and communities.