What are the goals of a Restorative Justice System?
Restorative Justice considers the needs of the victim, the needs of the community and the abilities of the offender. It focuses on a “Balanced Approach” to repairing the harm caused by an individual’s crime. The Balanced Approach: • Holds the offender accountable for his act (Accountability), • Develops competencies in the offender (Competency Development), and • Strengthens the community’s ability to prevent crime and reduces recidivism among offenders (Community Protection). What Practices and Programs are used to accomplish these goals? For Offender Accountability: • Restitution – with direct input from the victim • Community Service by the offender that benefits the victim or community • Mediation between victim and offender • Victim panels Accountability is achieved when: • The victim is restored and feels satisfied with the process; • The offender takes responsibility for repaying the victim and community; • The offender understands the consequences of his actions For Competency
Related Questions
- Are there treatment interventions that can effectively respond to the mental health needs of youth in the juvenile justice system?
- What research priorities will support data-driven, evidence-based approaches to health care in the juvenile justice system?
- Does a treatment program need knowledge of the domestic violence laws and justice system practices?
