What is Restorative Justice?

Restorative Justice is a process that engages the juvenile justice system and those persons who have a stake in a specific offense (victims and offenders), to the extent possible, to collectively identify and address "harms" that resulted from the offense, the needs and obligations of stakeholders, in order to make things right and restore person to the community. Restorative Justice goals include:

1. Identifying and addressing the needs of crime victims.
2. Holding the offender accountable and repairing the harm (restitution)
3. Deducing re-offenses by increasing offenders sensitivity to the consequences for themselves and others.
4. Protecting the safety of crime victims and the Community.

Approximately one-third of the juvenile courts in Missouri incorporate some restorative principles into their practices. Restorative programs are very successful in reducing recidivism rates (re-offenses). Victims are much more satisfied participating in a restorative justice process, in part because offenders who engage in a restorative justice program are very likely to honor the restitution arrangements they make with their victims (90 to 95% compliance in Clay County). Victims find the process fair, and appreciate having an opportunity to explain the impact of the crime to the offender.

Topics of Interest

• Community Justice Boards
• Respect Program: Victim Dialogue with Offenders
• Victims of Juvenile Crime