Restorative justice programs

Program basics

Restorative justice is an approach to criminal justice in which the emphasis is placed on healing the damage inflicted on victims and the community rather than on punishing the offender
Offender acknowledges responsibility and attempts to repair damage through practices such as such as victim-offender mediation, peacemaking circles, and family group conferences
Attempts to address some violent crimes (e.g., minor assault),“victimless” crimes (e.g., traffic violations or status offenses), and property-related offenses (e.g., personal theft, shoplifting, and vandalism)

Opportunity Youth

Not available

1974-present

Reduced recidivism rates
Increased offender and victim perception of fairness and satisfaction with the judicial process
Increased rates of completion of restitution and reparations

Develop a dynamic program that allows for a range of proven approaches, including victim-offender mediation, family group conferences, and peacemaking circles; in each case, the offender focuses on taking responsibility and repairing damage, but staff members can leverage that flexibility to maximize program effectiveness.
In all program communications, emphasize the importance of restoration and repairing damage and harm, rather than on punishment or retribution; actively work against the notion of “an eye-for-an-eye” justice.
Identify and evaluate a range of potential partners, including third-party program administrators, community groups, schools, and more.
To recruit offenders and victims who may benefit from alternatives to traditional criminal justice methods, engage with community agencies, victim advocacy groups, schools, law enforcement, and local courts.
Prioritize creation of a rigorous, in-person screening process to ensure participants are appropriate for the program, especially the offender’s willingness to engage in repairing harm and participating in face-to-face dialogue with a victim.
Provide significant flexibility in terms of victim participation, including direct and indirect contact with the offender and changing course as needed.