Restorative Justice Programs Research Articles

CONFLITOS DE INTERESSES: UMA ANÁLISE HISTÓRICA DAS PRÁTICAS DE PUNIÇÃO E MEDIAÇÃO

This article investigates the historical evolution of punishment and mediation practices, focusing on the Brazilian context. Starting from the premise that conflict resolution should go beyond punishment, it seeks to explore alternatives that promote reparation and the reintegration of offenders into society. Human dignity, as discussed by Guedes (2018), is considered a central principle in justice practices, highlighting criticism of the traditional punitive system, as analyzed by Foucault (2013). Contemporary examples of mediation, such as peace circles and restorative justice programs implemented in Brazil, are examined in light of Lima's (2017) contributions and relevant legislation. The study concludes that implementing restorative practices represents a viable path toward building a more inclusive and humane justice system, capable of promoting social peace and respect for the dignity of all involved.

Barriers and Facilitators to Implementing Restorative Justice in Nebraska

ABSTRACTAlthough the codification of restorative justice processes has increased in the United States, the implementation of these processes has been limited and piecemeal. This article considers barriers and facilitators of implementing restorative justice programs in the context of juvenile justice, from the perspective of individuals tasked with implementation in Nebraska—a state with a robust community mediation system providing restorative justice processes. We interviewed 11 persons currently or formerly employed by community mediation centers in Nebraska in positions coordinating restorative justice programs. Interviewees represented all six Nebraska mediation centers. Using thematic analysis, we identified themes for both barriers and facilitators for implementing restorative justice programs throughout the state. The barriers to implementing restorative justice reflected six distinct, but sometimes overlapping, themes: awareness of restorative justice; attitudes about restorative justice; lack of necessary resources; process issues; lack of trust in “the system” or centers; and policy barriers. The analysis also identified eight distinct themes associated with facilitators of restorative justice: support from a “champion”; outreach efforts; trust and relationship building; demonstrating that restorative justice is effective; collaboration; maintaining necessary funding; local community‐driven implementation; and state government‐driven implementation. We consider the implications of these findings for the implementation of restorative justice processes in Nebraska and beyond.

Asking to thrive: structures supporting young men’s behavioural health in Belfast, Northern Ireland

Abstract Background Men in Northern Ireland are three times more likely to die by suicide and psychiatric morbidity is significantly higher than for the United Kingdom overall, in part due to the Troubles, a 30-year conflict during which there were 34,000 shootings, 14,000 bombings, and 3,500 deaths. Prior studies suggest strong friendships and high collective efficacy in communities are protective against suicide and self-harm in adolescents and that inquiring about supportive people and structures directly-rather than through parental intermediaries-yields more accurate responses. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 adolescent males aged 16-19 from working-class communities across Belfast. Participants were recruited via trusted community partners and often had experiences with sectarianism and restorative justice. A deductive thematic analysis was conducted of interview transcripts, supplemented by responses to the Self-Harm Inventory and a modified Collective Efficacy Scale. Analyses were completed in NVivo and RStudio. Results In addition to male peer friendships in which they could share confidences, participants strongly endorsed the value of youth work organisations as keystones in supporting not only their own behavioural health through positive modelling but also the reduction of antisocial and sectarian behaviours in their communities. Participants named specific aspects of these structures they found most useful, including demonstrating “masculine success” though community engagement and family life, providing a safe venue for socialising, and delivering restorative justice programming. Conclusions Findings from this study suggest that youth work programming is an important component of both adolescent behavioural health promotion and community safety through the reduction of sectarian and other antisocial behaviours. Participants expressed dismay at the reduction of these services and endorsed both their personal and wider community importance. Key messages • Youth workers may provide valuable positive modelling and behavioural health support to the young men. • Youth work programmes may function both for behavioural health promotion and community violence reduction in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

The great reconnection: Restorative justice as remedy for fragmented healthcare communities.

Exacerbated by a global pandemic, healthcare organizations have become increasingly isolated spaces and healthcare professionals suffer from threats to psychological safety, occupational burnout, and attrition. Restorative justice (RJ) is a human- and community-centered framework used to foster connections and promote healing among groups and has recently been implemented in healthcare settings. It may serve as a novel approach to promote the well-being of healthcare professionals. In this article, we describe the conceptual underpinnings of RJ, briefly reviewing the existing literature supporting restorative approaches and exploring its early applications within healthcare. We provide a case example of our own efforts to implement an RJ program to support healthcare professionals. Using our own program as reference, we describe how we have monitored engagement to guide program improvement and utilized participant feedback to understand impact. RJ offers unique potential for promoting a safe workplace for healthcare professionals and advancing inclusion in medicine. With regularly implemented restorative practices, we hope to effect lasting change within our institution (i.e., improved retention), which should be explored with future studies. In order to improve the health of diverse communities we serve, we must also prioritize the well-being of our own healthcare communities. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Legislative Challenges of Application of Restorative Justice Practices in The Criminal Courts of Iraq

Restorative justice does not only aim to impose harsher punishment on criminals and defend the victims’ justice, but rather it works in a balanced manner to distribute roles between the victim and the accused in order to restore the damage that befell the victim and those around him. It also works to hold the offender responsible for this according to the order of the Imam. Society. The Economic and Social Council in Vienna stipulated in 2002 that the criminal case should be transferred to restorative justice institutions before being considered by the criminal court. The question raised here are: What are the legal challenges that hinder the application of restorative justice in the Iraqi criminal courts? To answer this question, and through collecting opinions and decisions, it is noted that conciliation is the only form taken by the Iraqi criminal courts as an aspect of restorative justice. However, it faces many challenges that prevent the judge from expanding to cover a large number of crimes, the most important of which are the inflexibility of legal texts and the inflation in Punitive legislation and the failure of laws to keep pace with developments. Added to these challenges are existing laws that focus largely on custodial penalties and restrict the possibility of applying restorative justice. Also, social and cultural norms, such as tribal customs, play a role in out-of-court reconciliation, requiring updating laws to align with these norms and further strengthening the application of restorative justice within the Iraqi judicial system. In short, Iraqi laws are still insufficient to effectively implement restorative justice programs, and criminal mediation has not yet been provided for, despite its importance and actual practice by Iraqi society in resolving disputes.

Criminal Justice Reform: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Restorative Justice Programs in Reducing Recidivism

Criminal Justice Reform: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Restorative Justice Programs in Reducing Recidivism

A Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness of Restorative Justice Programs in Reducing Recidivism: A Global Perspective

Restorative justice (RJ) is a growing alternative to traditional punitive justice, emphasizing offender accountability, victim reparation, and community reintegration. This meta-analysis aims to quantify the effectiveness of RJ programs in reducing recidivism across diverse global contexts. A systematic search of electronic databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO) from 2018-2024 was conducted, including studies that assessed the impact of RJ on recidivism using experimental or quasi-experimental designs. The primary outcome was recidivism (any reoffense), with secondary outcomes of violent and non-violent recidivism. Random effects models were used to calculate pooled effect sizes. Thirty-two studies met the inclusion criteria (N = 18,654 participants). The overall pooled effect size for RJ on recidivism was -0.11 (95% CI -0.15, -0.07), indicating a small but statistically significant reduction in recidivism compared to traditional justice. Subgroup analyses revealed greater effects for youth offenders (-0.16) and for programs with high adherence to core RJ principles (-0.18). In conclusion, RJ programs demonstrate a modest but consistent effect in reducing recidivism. The findings support the continued implementation and expansion of RJ, particularly for young offenders and in settings with strong adherence to RJ philosophy.

Lived experiences of people impacted by gun violence: qualitative analysis of the prescriptions for repair project

BackgroundRestorative justice interventions can help address the harm created by gun violence, although few restorative justice programs focus solely on survivors or loved ones of victims of gun violence. Our...

Restorative justice for adult offenders in South Australia: judicial perspectives and insights

ABSTRACT Restorative justice seeks to address harms arising from criminal conduct, with a focus that extends beyond punishment. While Australia has embraced restorative justice practices for young and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander offenders, programs for adult offenders have been comparatively slow to progress. Despite the reliance on judicial officers as the primary referral mechanism, there is limited research examining their views of restorative justice, particularly in the context of adult offenders. This paper presents the findings from a survey and interviews with judicial officers in one Australian jurisdiction: South Australia. There was clear support for restorative justice measures for adult offenders for a broad range of offences. Some concerns were raised with respect to victims’ safety, and the additional time and resources that restorative justice expends. Overall, the study found that the judicial officers who participated would welcome the introduction of a restorative justice program for adult offenders. With this support, and the potential benefits of restorative justice for victims, offenders, and the community, South Australia should consider extending its restorative justice offerings to adult offenders.

Uma história da justiça juvenil restaurativa na cidade do Rio de Janeiro

The purpose of this article is to provide a detailed account of the history of restorative juvenile justice in Rio de Janeiro. The study involved conducting interviews with facilitators and professionals who were involved with the Juvenile Justice System in Rio de Janeiro between 2014 and 2020. In addition to conducting semi-structured interviews, the research also involved reviewing press publications related to the topic during the period under study. Official news from the Tribunal de Justiça do Rio de Janeiro was also considered, along with documents that established partnerships or Restorative Justice programs within the judicial system of the State of Rio de Janeiro with practice in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Lastly, various articles, theses, and dissertations were studied that reported restorative practices relevant to the time and location of the research. The article aims to explore the history of Restorative Juvenile Justice in the TJRJ, including the establishment of the Center for Restorative Justice of the Juvenile Justice System, as well as the unofficial period of its existence. The goal of this research is to raise awareness about Restorative Justice in Rio.

Snapshots of Ghana’s Contested Restorative Justice Programme

ABSTRACT∞ Ghana’s National Reconciliation Commission (NRC) was established under the administration of President John Agyekum Kufuor (2000–2008) to provide a forum for victims and perpetrators of past human rights violations to testify about their experiences. Despite increasing scholarly interest in the Commission’s work, a set of reparations that the government implemented as a preamble to the hearings remains understudied. Drawing on multi-archival sources, this article examines them, teasing out their social and cultural significance. Further, this article examines a set of witness protection provisions that the government carved out to encourage witnesses to testify, showing their impact on witnesses. This article concludes with an analysis of some coup perpetrators’ perceptions of their own blamelessness, arguing that such sentiments tend to provide the moorings for their proclivity to contest impunity, which is a challenge that truth commissions tend to face, requiring innovative approaches to public truth-telling exercises.

Social Reintegration after the Implementation of Restorative Justice in the Indonesian Criminal Code

The current criminal code has been in force in Indonesia since 1918. Indonesia formulated criminal law reform in 1963 and in 2023, a law on the national criminal code was issued. The spirit of the Indonesian criminal code is reformative, progressive, and responsive to changes to the law. One of the strengths of criminal law is regulating criminal law from the perspective and achievement of justice to repair and restore the situation after the event and judicial process known as restorative justice. The desire to strengthen restorative justice programs takes a long time and is complicated. This research aims to analyze the development of the concept of social reintegration through the application of restorative justice in the criminal justice process. This research was conducted qualitatively using secondary data and doctrinal legal study methods. The results showed that changes in criminal law arrangements caused opinion differences since restorative programs are widely used as a substitute for traditional and retributive approaches. The application of restorative justice in national criminal law must be implemented. Social reintegration in the implementation of restorative justice as regulated in the Criminal Code can be successful through commitment and collaboration between the community, government and law enforcement officials

ЗАРУБІЖНИЙ ДОСВІД СТАНОВЛЕННЯ ТА РОЗВИТКУ ІНСТИТУТУ ПРОБАЦІЇ

The problem of the need to reduce the number of people in prisons, crime prevention, and effective correction of convicts has existed for a long time. In order to solve these issues, probation has been in operation for a long time in many countries of the world, in particular in the countries of the European Union. The rehabilitative aspect of probation deserves special attention: in its application, the main goal is not punishment, but social reintegration into society and correction of convicts. The purpose of the article is to study the foreign experience of the formation and development of the institution of probation as an active and progressive system of execution of punishments. The article used the methods of observation, comparison, generalization, scientific abstraction, and system analysis. Ukraine should take into account the experience of Estonia, Spain, and Portugal in the field of electronic monitoring. This type of probation measure in these countries has already proven its effectiveness, helped to save budget funds (the amount spent on electronic monitoring is much less than the amount of money spent on keeping a person in prison), and also allowed to reduce the number of people who are in prisons. The practical value of the article lies in the study and systematization of foreign experience of criminal legal measures not related to the isolation of offenders from society. The possibility and expediency of borrowing, as well as the introduction of mechanisms of such interaction in the crime prevention system in Ukraine, were analyzed. Foreign experience shows that the introduction of the probation service is an important factor that has a positive impact on society. Restorative justice programs are an effective component of probation services: they have an educational impact on the offender, prevention of repeated offenses, and promotion of social adaptation and reintegration of offenders into society. Key words: foreign experience; institute of probation; offenders; punishment; society; system of execution of punishments.

The Efficacy of Restorative Justice Programs in Reducing Recidivism Rates

Purpose: This study sought to assess the efficacy of restorative justice programs in reducing recidivism rates. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to restorative justice programs in reducing recidivism rates. Preliminary empirical review revealed that restorative justice interventions were effective in reducing reoffending and promoting positive outcomes for both offenders and victims. Through processes such as victim-offender mediation and family group conferencing, restorative justice provided opportunities for offenders to take responsibility, repair harm, and engage in rehabilitation. While acknowledging variations in effectiveness based on offender characteristics and program implementation, the study highlighted the importance of continued investment in restorative justice initiatives to create a more just and equitable criminal justice system. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Labeling theory, Social Learning theory and Routine Activities theory may be used to anchor future studies on restorative justice programs in reducing recidivism rates. The study offered recommendations that contributed to theoretical advancements, practical improvements, and policy developments in the field. It emphasized the importance of exploring underlying mechanisms, standardized training for practitioners, and integration of restorative principles into mainstream criminal justice policies. These recommendations were aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of restorative justice interventions in promoting positive outcomes for victims, offenders, and communities.

Reforming Criminal Justice: Evaluating the Efficacy of Restorative Justice Practices in Reducing Recidivism Rates

Restorative justice practices have gained traction as alternative approaches to traditional punitive measures within criminal justice systems worldwide. This paper seeks to evaluate the efficacy of restorative justice practices in reducing recidivism rates. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature, empirical studies, and case analyses, we examine the impact of restorative justice programs on recidivism outcomes among offenders. By comparing recidivism rates between participants in restorative justice interventions and those subjected to conventional punitive measures, we aim to assess the relative effectiveness of restorative justice in preventing repeat offenses. Furthermore, we explore the underlying mechanisms and processes through which restorative justice principles, such as victim-offender mediation, restitution, and community involvement, contribute to positive outcomes in reducing recidivism. Insights from this evaluation can inform policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders in the criminal justice system about the potential benefits and challenges of implementing restorative justice approaches as part of broader reform efforts aimed at reducing recidivism and promoting rehabilitation.

The Four Horsemen of Antiracist School Leadership: A Communication Guide to Bridge Racial Conflict in School Relationships

Principals are critical for disrupting systems that bar racially diverse students from learning opportunities and belonging in schools. Issues of inequity due to systemic racism have been ongoing and politically heightened in the United States as the nation navigates racial tensions within school systems. Research on antiracist school leadership has resulted in important, timely, and relevant frameworks for practice and popular strategies and programs, including courageous conversation and restorative justice programs. However, the process of how to practice antiracist leadership remains difficult and elusive in the translation of theory to praxis. Particularly, principals are rarely trained to develop healthy communication styles and effective conflict resolution skills, especially in conversations about racism. Borrowing from the field of counseling, this article details Gottman’s Four Horsemen model of conflict and their resolutions at the interpersonal level. This article frames the model within school contexts for principals to practice and empower their communication skills around race when setting antiracist and equitable school agendas. Recognizing the Four Horsemen and practicing the antidotes to conflicts are important skills for principals to effectively engage in difficult, contentious, and often emotional conversations around racism and its impacts on racially diverse students. Recommendations for principals and preparation programs are provided.

Moral Injury in K-12 Education: A Phenomenological Inquiry at the Intersection of Race and Class

This study is a phenomenological exploration of moral injury among K-12 professionals who work in schools in which the large majority of students are students of color and are eligible for free or reduced lunch. All participants worked in one urban school district in the Midwest of the United States. Professionals identified harsh discipline practices, insincere restorative justice programs, deceptive use of outcome data, and a pitying approach to the education of low-income students of color as morally injurious practices. The paper ends with recommendations for how the construct of moral injury can be useful in identifying and confronting sources of educational injustice.

A review of restorative justice programmes for First Nations Peoples in Queensland

ABSTRACT This paper reports on the development and implementation of restorative justice policy and practice for First Nations Peoples in Queensland. Using diverse public source materials to produce a summary history and assessment of the Queensland experience, the study found that restorative justice can provide an appropriate response to crime within First Nations communities, but that programmes have had limited application and utilisation to-date. The findings suggest that programmes must involve First Nations Peoples in programme design and delivery, while addressing the systemic disadvantages faced by these communities through a substantial increase in government investment. The study identified the need for increased application of restorative justice and enhanced research on programme outcomes; acknowledging the need to increase attention to victims’ needs and experiences. The paper also recognised the need for more First Nations led research to explore how restorative justice programmes can be enhanced to improve outcomes for First Nations Peoples.

Restorative Justice for Domestic Violence: The Meaning of Community in Circles

ABSTRACT Although community involvement is a central ideal in restorative justice (RJ), its implementation in practice has scarcely been researched. This study used interpretive phenomenological analysis of interviews and focus groups to explore 16 circle participants’ and stakeholders’ perceptions of community in a domestic violence RJ program called circles of Peace. Three themes emerged: Importance of community involvement, Offenders’ prospects of change when the community is involved, and circles as a community within a community. The discussion highlights the beneficial role of community in the restorative process, as well as limitations and practical implications of the study.

The Evolving Landscape of Juvenile Justice: A Comprehensive Examination of Policies, Practices, and Reform Initiatives

The juvenile justice system in India is designed to provide care, protection, and rehabilitation to children in conflict with the law. The system is guided by the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, which aims to create a child-friendly justice system that is in line with the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Despite the existence of this legal framework, the efficacy of the juvenile justice system in India has been the subject of much debate. One of the main criticisms of the system is that it is often ineffective in rehabilitating juvenile offenders and preventing them from reoffending. Despite these challenges, there have also been positive developments in the juvenile justice system in India. For example, the system has started to focus more on restorative justice and diversion programs, which aim to address the root causes of juvenile delinquency and provide support to young people to help them avoid criminal behavior. The Juvenile Justice System is the most dynamic and irradiated framework embraced by the world which deals with all-round development of children. The chief centre is to give consideration to the unprotected children. To the extent practicable, a child is to be rehabilitated and re-established to the family. This project is going to assess the Juvenile Justice System in India in the light of protected reasoning and international parameters along with some of the landmark cases of which the Juvenile Justice Act had to take its course into being defined as an Act of its own. The concept of juvenile justice was derived from a belief that the problems of juvenile delinquency and youth in abnormal situations are not amenable to resolution within the framework of the traditional process of criminal law.