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 said, "we can help, we can deliver, we can be there every step of the way and provide what you need in order to get where you need to be." I wasn’t used to that- and to this day that has helped me a lot just knowing that there are those kinds of people in the world who care."
-Jake Denham, former participant in RJP Maine's court deferred disposition program (a.k.a community conference program)
-Jake Denham, former participant in RJP Maine's court deferred disposition program (a.k.a community conference program)
Restorative Justice Project Maine is excited to be bringing the Open Table model of community transformation to Maine as part of an effort to build out re-entry supports for members of our community returning to community life in Knox county after a period of incarceration. If you are looking for an opportunity to draw on the power of your social network and community relationships, as well as walk alongside our community members with complex needs while also being personally transformed through the power of reciprocity, please join Erica Buswell, Knox County Community Justice Coordinator, for an info session on one of the following dates:
- Friday, April 9, from 9-10:30
- Tuesday, April 13, from 3:30-5pm
- Wednesday, April 21, from 4-5:30
- Tuesday, April 27, from 5-6:30
To register to attend one of these sessions, please send your RSVP to erica@rjpmidcoast.org with information about the date you plan to attend in order to receive the Zoom link to participate.
Watch: Waldo County Chief Deputy, Jason Trundy, on his hopes for LEAD (Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion)
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.