What Is the Philosophy of Restorative Justice?
Restorative Justice philosophy represents a very different lens to view, understand and respond to crime and victimization. It is a new way of thinking about how a community can respond to crime. It holds offenders accountable and places emphasis on repairing the harm done to the victim and the community. This conceptual framework is being used with juveniles, youthful offenders and adult criminals throughout the world. It is being used in courts, probation, police Departments, court diversion programs, public schools agencies, organizations and community groups. The Restorative Justice philosophy aims to: • Increase opportunities for victim involvement in defining the harm and the potential repair; • Increase offender awareness of the harm done to the victim; • Involve the community in the process of holding offenders accountable; • Acknowledge victim harm and confirm that the victim is not responsible; • Encourage offender accountability; • Help the community provide opportunities fo
