Restorative Justice Program Essay

595 Words3 Pages

The Restorative Justice Program is a widely accepted reform in the criminal justice system that aims to repair the harm caused by criminal behavior and restore the relationships between the offenders and the victims. The Restorative Justice Program is designed to provide an influential alternative to the punishment-based system we have now. This program has been implemented (to a varying extent) in many countries with overwhelming success, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. I will examine the design and function of the Restorative Justice Program, its target populations, and its components in the corrections system. I will also explore the reasons why we should show interest and its potential as a promising …show more content…

This is explained due to restorative justice taking different forms and that it can be implemented in various ways, from community-based programs to court-ordered programs (Dandurand & Griffiths, 2006). However, it is widely recognized that restorative justice is proliferating across the country, with many criminal justice agencies, schools, and communities implementing the programs. The National Association of Restorative Justice lists several states, such as California, Colorado, Minnesota, New York, and Oregon, as having well-established restorative justice programs (NACRJ, 2022). The Restorative Justice Program is based on the principle that when a crime is committed, it harms the victim, the community, and the offender. The program aims to repair the harm and restore the relationships between the parties involved by bringing them together to participate in a dialogue. The offender is granted an opportunity to take responsibility for their actions, make amends, and repair the harm caused by their behavior. The program aims to empower the victim to participate in the process and voice their perspective on the harm caused by the