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Justice
that…
·
Focuses
on the future—not the past
·
Centers
on what needs to be repaired and repaid
·
Gives
victims a powerful voice
·
Expects
offenders to be accountable for behaviors
·
Reduces
the high cost of crime
·
Gives
first-time misdemeanor offenders a second chance
·
Makes
our communities safer
Restorative justice
brings offenders face to face with their victims
in a safe, respectful environment.
As a voluntary
process, offenders must agree to be accountable
for their actions and be willing to repair harm.
Together with their
supporters and an experienced facilitator and
community member, both offenders and victims
answer questions about what happened, who the
crime or school violation impacted, and then
come to an agreement on how to make things
right.
In the conventional discipline system victims
are left out. The school, state or other
authority steps in as the pseudo victim. Most
victims remain scared and confused have many
questions that go unanswered. Restorative
justice places those who have been harmed in
their central place of importance where they can
be heard and take an active role in determining
relevant, meaningful, and measurable
consequences.
When offenders take
a passive role in the conventional punitive
system, the court or jury decides their sentence
or fate. Many are encouraged to plea bargain for
an offense they didn't commit to ensure a guilty
verdict. Rarely do they have a chance to show
remorse to their victims, learn from mistakes,
or return to their communities with honor.
History shows that punitive methods have done
little to reduce recidivism or negative
behaviors in our schools.
Restorative justice
is part of the shift taking place around the
world.
It is becoming the
preferred alternative to suspension, expulsion,
and incarceration, bringing with it an
opportunity to increase our youths’ character,
social responsibility, and empathy for others.
BE PART OF THE WORLDWIDE RESTORATIVE JUSTICE
MOVEMENT TODAY!
BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD!