What do we do?
Restorative Justice (sometimes called reparative justice) is an approach to justice that focuses on the needs of the victim and the offender, as well as the involved community. So how does it actually work? What do we do to make it effective?
All volunteers undergo training that guides them towards becoming a facilitator. Each facilitator is supported by the network of other volunteers, who may undertake roles to assist the main facilitator, such as agreement supervisor, mentor, assistant and so on. Everything is designed to ensure that we provide as smooth a process as possible for those that have been harmed, and those that have caused the harm, and repair it.
Victims take an active role in the process. Offenders must take responsibility for their actions in order "to repair the harm they've done." If an offender is in denial about what they have done, then RJ will likely falter. This process is about being open and accountable.
Way that they can they repair the harm they've done?
Restorative justice involves both victim and offender and focuses on their personal needs. In addition, it provides help for the offender in order to avoid future offences. This approach allows the community to intervene in a manner that holds offenders accountable, while addressing the concerns of victims and the wider community. It also addresses the underlying causes of crime, promotes healing and resolution and strengthens family and social bonds in the aftermath of a crime.
Restorative Justice is a non-adversarial, collaborative and an inclusive method of justice that seeks to involve all of those affected by a crime in order to build understanding and repair the harm caused to relationships in a timely, cost-effective manner.
Restorative Justice does not replace the traditional court system nor does it preclude other sanctions imposed by the court.
A local youth involved in an RJ process wanted to meet with the program coordinator following the completion of the process, in order to extend his thanks to the program and everyone involved for, quote "Giving me the opportunity to apologize, deal with my anger and grow up through the experience."
Sometimes its easier to demonstrate something than talk about, so watch the following clip. The following videotaped a facilitated restorative circle involving girls (friends since childhood), their family members and supporters following a fight at school.
This short film telescopes the remarkable transformation that takes place as all individuals in the circle are given a chance to freely express their feelings about what happened between them. Before the circle process begins, the room is heavy with belligerence and anger. By the time the circle ends, the mood has changed to hopefulness and affection, and the participants have moved From Hostility to Harmony
All volunteers undergo training that guides them towards becoming a facilitator. Each facilitator is supported by the network of other volunteers, who may undertake roles to assist the main facilitator, such as agreement supervisor, mentor, assistant and so on. Everything is designed to ensure that we provide as smooth a process as possible for those that have been harmed, and those that have caused the harm, and repair it.
Victims take an active role in the process. Offenders must take responsibility for their actions in order "to repair the harm they've done." If an offender is in denial about what they have done, then RJ will likely falter. This process is about being open and accountable.
Way that they can they repair the harm they've done?
- By apologizing,
- Returning stolen money
- Community service
Restorative justice involves both victim and offender and focuses on their personal needs. In addition, it provides help for the offender in order to avoid future offences. This approach allows the community to intervene in a manner that holds offenders accountable, while addressing the concerns of victims and the wider community. It also addresses the underlying causes of crime, promotes healing and resolution and strengthens family and social bonds in the aftermath of a crime.
Restorative Justice is a non-adversarial, collaborative and an inclusive method of justice that seeks to involve all of those affected by a crime in order to build understanding and repair the harm caused to relationships in a timely, cost-effective manner.
Restorative Justice does not replace the traditional court system nor does it preclude other sanctions imposed by the court.
A local youth involved in an RJ process wanted to meet with the program coordinator following the completion of the process, in order to extend his thanks to the program and everyone involved for, quote "Giving me the opportunity to apologize, deal with my anger and grow up through the experience."
Sometimes its easier to demonstrate something than talk about, so watch the following clip. The following videotaped a facilitated restorative circle involving girls (friends since childhood), their family members and supporters following a fight at school.
This short film telescopes the remarkable transformation that takes place as all individuals in the circle are given a chance to freely express their feelings about what happened between them. Before the circle process begins, the room is heavy with belligerence and anger. By the time the circle ends, the mood has changed to hopefulness and affection, and the participants have moved From Hostility to Harmony
