Restorative Justice in Corrections

Summary

An alternative approach focusing on repairing harm through dialogue, accountability, and community involvement.

Overview

Restorative justice emphasizes repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior through inclusive processes that bring together offenders, victims, and community members. Unlike traditional retributive justice, which focuses on punishment, restorative justice seeks accountability, healing, and reintegration. Common practices include victim-offender mediation, conferencing, and circles. Restorative justice is used at all stages of the criminal justice system, from diversion to post-incarceration reentry.

Program Models

Victim-offender mediation brings together victim and offender with a trained facilitator to discuss the impact of the crime and develop a restitution plan. Family group conferencing expands participation to include family and community support networks. Peacemaking circles, rooted in indigenous traditions, involve community members in a structured dialogue process. These models emphasize voluntary participation, respectful dialogue, and mutual agreement on outcomes.