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Restorative justice is an approach to resolving conflict that is built on the values of respect, responsibility, and relationship. Restorative justice is different than traditional approaches to justice. Instead of ignoring victims and isolating offenders it focuses on the needs of the victim, promotes accountability from the offender, and empowers both to grow from the experience.
Restorative practices have deep roots in indigenous communities. Healing the harmed and rehabilitating the offender is the philosophy of indigenous peacemaking. These communities believed that they could right a wrong and restore harmony by talking to one another. Indigenous elders help their communities resolve disputes, repair relationships, and restore harmony by leading conversations that uncover:
- Who has been hurt?
- What are their needs?
- Who is obligated to fulfill those needs or right this wrong?
There are a number of restorative practices that are being used in both criminal and community settings. While the methods are different, the key values of restorative justice remain. The three core restorative justice practices, according to Living Justice Press, are circle dialogue, victim-offender mediation/conferencing, and family group conferencing. Each of these practices has a specific structure and process and is delivered by a trained practitioner. At their core, these practices bring people together to:
- Share their experiences,
- Hear the experiences of others,
- Repair any harm caused, and
- Develop a deeper understanding and respect for one another.
These practices can be used to address conflicts in the criminal justice system, communities, families, education, and workplaces. In addition to resolving conflicts, these practices can help groups share information, create connections, build trust, and develop a sense of community.
