Restorative Justice

Restorative justice offers a different way of responding to harm and conflict. Instead of relying on punishment as a response, restorative justice seeks to repair harm and prevent future harm by elevating the needs of those who have been harmed and inviting those who have caused harm into a process of active accountability. Acknowledging our interconnectedness, restorative justice invites all those who have been impacted by harm and their community into a process of seeking justice. Collectively, those who were impacted identify the wrong-doing and its impact, surface the underlying causes of harm, and determine a pathway forward. 

Beyond the individuals directly impacted by conflict or harm, restorative justice asks each of us to reflect on our collective responsibility for creating conditions that enable and foster harm and tasks us with supporting accountability and creating safer communities. By widening who is responsible and who is capable, restorative justice harnesses the power and wisdom of the wider community.

At the Center, we use restorative practices in various settings: in the courts, (diverting criminal cases from the legal system), in schools (to build a positive culture and reduce incidents of harm), and in communities (to strengthen relationships, make decisions, or respond to harm). While working within a world of structural injustice and systemic oppression, restorative practices increase the opportunities for equalizing power amongst us. Regardless of the setting, restorative justice seeks to increase safety by fostering stronger and healthier relationships. This is a healing practice. 

Restorative justice at the Center is influenced and inspired by indigenous traditions including peacemaking, circle, and conferencing.