NCJ Number
203296
Journal
Forum on Corrections Research Volume: 15 Issue: 1 Dated: May 2003 Pages: 31-34
Date Published
May 2003
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article considers the effectiveness of restorative justice approaches in correctional settings.
Abstract
The majority of research on the restorative justice process has focused on its use as a court diversion mechanism, especially for young offenders. Increasingly, restorative justice approaches are being utilized in correctional settings, not as a benefit for the offender, but as a mechanism for victims to meet offenders as part of their healing process. Other types of correctional programs utilizing a restorative justice framework include inmate adjudication programs focused on conflict resolution and effective communication and community reintegration programs focused on reducing risk. The restorative justice framework is also being utilized in the post-incarceration phase. The article briefly describes the Restorative Options to Parole Suspension program which uses a community group conference for parolees at high risk for reoffending. The remainder of the article focuses on research priorities and frameworks designed to fill the research gap on restorative justice approaches in institutional and post-institutional settings. Future research guidelines that are identified include a look at implementation practices, feasibility of the restorative justice approach in institutional settings, implications for policy, differences in outcomes between front-end approaches and end-of-the-system approaches, public acceptance of restorative justice frameworks, reintegration outcomes, community participation in restorative justice, application of restorative justice approaches to the Aboriginal population, and potential obstacles to restorative justice. Finally, the article emphasizes that while restorative justice approaches offer offenders and victims the potential to deal with internal and external relationships, more research is needed about how to effectively use restorative justice approaches in institutional settings. Endnotes