What is Restorative Justice in the Juvenile Justice System?

Introduction

• Restorative justice aims to build community and address conflict and harm.
• Implemented in schools and communities by youth development and justice experts.
• Focuses on dialogue between those harmed and those responsible for harm.

Key Concepts

• Restorative justice conferences: Meetings where harmed and responsible parties discuss the incident and agree on solutions.
• Terminology: Avoids "victim" and "offender"; uses "harmed party" and "responsible party" instead.

Benefits of Restorative Justice

• For those responsible:
  • Encourages responsibility, empathy, and maturity.
  • Associated with lower recidivism rates compared to court adjudication.
• For those harmed:
  • Higher satisfaction with the process compared to court proceedings.

How Restorative Justice Works

• Facilitators: Trained individuals connecting all parties involved.
• Process:
  • Separate preparations with each party.
  • Discussion of the incident in a restorative conference.
  • Outcomes: Can include restitution, replacing items, or community service.
• Advantages: Offers comprehensive solutions compared to traditional court systems.

Restorative Justice vs. Current Justice Approaches

• Traditional justice: Focuses on laws broken and delivering punishment.
• Restorative justice: Focuses on healing, accountability, and community obligations.
• Accountability: Seen as acknowledging effects, expressing remorse, and repairing harm.

Effectiveness of Restorative Justice

• Research findings:
  • Youths in restorative programs less likely to reoffend.
  • Higher satisfaction among harmed parties.
• Specific Studies:
  • Reduction in recidivism by 44% in serious offenses.
  • 91% of harmed parties would participate again.

Connection to Racial Equity

• Implementation challenges: Youth of color less likely to access restorative justice.
• Solutions:
  • Use data to address disparities.
  • Expand eligibility beyond first-time offenders.
  • Diversify facilitators and program leaders.

Suitable Offenses for Restorative Justice

• Effective for a range of offenses, including serious crimes.
• Appropriate when there is clear harm to a party and a need for amends.

Additional Resources

• Reports and Videos:
  • "Expand the Use of Diversion From the Juvenile Justice System."
  • "Caring Adults Kept Aurelia on Track."
• Webinars and Blog Posts:
  • "Exploring Restorative Justice."
  • "Four Ways to Transform Juvenile Justice Now."