Is a peace-building conflict resolution process that deals with violations of criminal laws by addressing the underlying conflict resulting in injuries to the Victim and Offender. The process is conducted in a highly victim-sensitive manner while considering the needs of the offender. Key elements are:
- Restorative Justice contributes to a criminal justice system that is accessible, just, compassionate, and fair while promoting the well-being of all persons.
- Emphasizes the rights of persons to participate in attempting to achieve Justice rather than defer the matter entirely to the state criminal process.
- Based on an understanding that crime is a violation of people and relationships.
- Can be used with adult and youth victim offenders.
- Based on respect, compassion, and inclusivity, encouraging meaningful engagement and encourages meaningful engagement and accountability, whereby providing an opportunity for healing, reparation, and reintegration
- Offers opportunities for victims, offenders and communities affected by a crime to communicate directly or indirectly about the causes, circumstances, and impact of that crime
- Processes include conferences, dialogues and circles guided by skilled facilitators and can take different forms defending on the program, school, case, participants, circumstances
- Used by communities, police, courts, and correction departments.