Quest for a Restorative Model of Rehabilitation: Theory-for-Practice and Practice-for-Theory (From Restorative Justice and the Law, P 31-67, 2002, Lode Walgrave, ed. -- See NCJ-199537)

• NCJ Number: 199540
• Author(s): Gordon Bazemore; Sandra O'Brien
• Date Published: 2002
• Length: 37 pages
• Sale Source: Willan Publishing
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter examines the implications of the restorative justice concept for the rehabilitation of offenders.

Abstract

The central issue in this discussion is what makes an approach to rehabilitation "restorative," or what does a restorative framework and practice contribute to offender rehabilitation that a traditional treatment model does not. Since restorative justice focuses on repairing the harm done by the offender's crime, this implies a collective approach to offender reintegration that begins with a core focus on rebuilding or strengthening relationships damaged by crime, or building new relationships. This approach emphasizes the role of the community in offender transformation and increased reliance on the role of citizens as "natural helpers" rather than, or in addition to, juvenile justice professionals. Also, such a model of rehabilitation cannot be offender-focused, but in all cases must account for the practical and symbolic role of all primary stakeholders in restorative justice, i.e., victim, community, offender, and system professionals. In addition, removing the barriers between the currently compartmentalized juvenile justice system functions should promote a more integrated relationship among those interventions concerned primarily with offender treatment, risk management and public safety, sanctioning, victim support, and prevention. The basis for such convergence would be the concept of repair and relationship-building as core outcomes of intervention related to each of these functions. This chapter proposes a restorative/relational model for offender rehabilitation whereby the offender repairs the harm done by his/her crime while experiencing positive relationships in new roles of responsibility. This will lead to increased skills and social capital that will contribute to the common good, which will lead to the building of stronger relationships and new connections. These new relationships and skills built in the course of repairing the harm done by the crime will lead to positive adjustment and desistance from crime. 9 notes, 3 tables, 2 figures, and appended supplementary information on the dimensions of restorative conferencing