Restorative justice is a growing movement within educational and criminal justice systems around the world. It is an approach to justice that focuses on the rehabilitation of offenders through reconciliation with harmed parties and the community at large. When those that have been harmed, offenders, and community members meet to decide how to repair harm, the results can be transformational.
Those harmed take an active role in the process, while offenders are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions "to repair the harm they've done." This approach fosters dialogue between the harmed party and offender and it shows the highest rates of satisfaction and offender accountability. The process also holds the potential for those harmed and their families to have a direct voice in determining just outcomes and reestablishes the role of the community in supporting all parties affected by crime.
Those harmed take an active role in the process, while offenders are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions "to repair the harm they've done." This approach fosters dialogue between the harmed party and offender and it shows the highest rates of satisfaction and offender accountability. The process also holds the potential for those harmed and their families to have a direct voice in determining just outcomes and reestablishes the role of the community in supporting all parties affected by crime.
“This is a justice that is not about getting even, but about getting well. A justice that is not a battle ground but a healing ground. A justice that seeks to transform broken lives, relationships, and communities rather than damage them further."
- Fania Davis, Director of Restorative Justice Oakland Youth
- Fania Davis, Director of Restorative Justice Oakland Youth
RJP Maine and The Hutchinson Center present;
Foundations in Restorative Practices Certificate
The University of Maine and the Restorative Justice Project will offer a six-session program, “Foundations in Restorative Practices,” beginning in August for individual community members and institution-based teams in two mid-coast locations, Belfast and Bath. The dates are August 20th & 21st, September 25th, October 29th & 30th, and November 19th. All sessions are held 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Hutchinson Center in Belfast and a location to be announced in Bath.
Foundations in Restorative Practices Certificate
The University of Maine and the Restorative Justice Project will offer a six-session program, “Foundations in Restorative Practices,” beginning in August for individual community members and institution-based teams in two mid-coast locations, Belfast and Bath. The dates are August 20th & 21st, September 25th, October 29th & 30th, and November 19th. All sessions are held 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Hutchinson Center in Belfast and a location to be announced in Bath.
The Restorative Justice Project Maine promotes justice that is community-based, repairs harm, and creates safety and well-being for all. Our responses to crime and wrongdoing seek renewal and safety for the community, support and healing for victims and accountability and reintegration of the offender.