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.
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.