NCJ Number
169518
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 59 Issue: 7 Dated: (December 1997) Pages: 84,86,88-89,128
Date Published
1997
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The authors, who have been involved in intensive change efforts with several juvenile justice systems throughout the country, outline lessons they have learned in attempts to implement restorative justice principles in juvenile justice systems.
Abstract
First, restorative justice is not just a new program; it is a new set of principles upon which the total operation of the system is to be based. Second, top-down reforms must begin at the top; in addition to good enabling policy and legislation, leadership and risk-taking from managers and key decisionmakers also are needed. Third, government cannot do it alone; victims, other citizens, and community groups must assume an active and empowered role in the response to crime and criminals. Fourth, communities cannot do it alone; citizens and community groups need support and training in the principles and basic practice of restorative justice. Fifth, community is not a place; "community," for the purposes of restorative justice, may well be the relatives and supporters of the offender and the relatives and supporters of the victim. Sixth, do not design a strategy to repair the harm caused by crime without the input of those most affected by crime. Seventh, address crime victims' issues first; and eighth, do not present restorative justice as something only for victims. Other lessons are to give victims multiple options; do not try to "fly solo;" a balanced approach does not mean balancing punishment and treatment; community service needs community input and involvement; restorative justice cannot isolate itself from mainstream juvenile justice policy debates; treatment is not reintegration; you are what you measure; and staff need training in the management of victim and community involvement. 4 references