To: President Donald Trump
Restorative Justice: An Effective, Compassionate, Inclusive Alternative to Our Criminal Justice S...
Restorative Justice asks three questions: who has been harmed, how have they been harmed, and what needs to be done to fix the harm. Through an inclusive, participatory process, an agreement is reached to address the harm. The goals and outcomes are represented by the 5 R's of Respect, Responsibility, Relationships, Repair, and Reintegration. The results are supported by victims, offenders, and communities.
Why is this important?
For over ten years, as a Professor of Mathematics and Criminal Justice, I have specialized in teaching Alternative Dispute Resolution and Restorative Justice to Criminal Justice Majors at New England College in Henniker, New Hampshire. I have seen these prospective "cops on the street" go from "no way" to "this could have really made a difference in my friend's life".
If police departments would begin a Restorative Justice Program for youth offenders, it would have significant positive impact on the youth, the community, and their department. It is an opportunity to change the dialog from confrontation to cooperation.
If police departments would begin a Restorative Justice Program for youth offenders, it would have significant positive impact on the youth, the community, and their department. It is an opportunity to change the dialog from confrontation to cooperation.