Restorative Justice Circles

Restorative Justice Circles facilitate a healing process through an intentional face-to-face process that brings together a victim, a person who has caused harm, and other members of the community affected by the harm, such as family and community members. 

These circles provide a safe space where transformative healing and understanding can take place. The circles are kept by trained facilitators who seek to provide the victim, person who has caused harm, and others a chance to discuss the effects of the harm and agree on actions that the responsible person can take to best repair the harm caused. 

These circles ultimately nurture a safer community where individuals are more understanding, empathetic, and less likely to commit further harm. In some cases where the harm committed is considered a legal “offense,” restorative justice circles can serve as an alternative program diverting these cases from the juvenile justice system, thus providing youth with a “second chance.” 

As a part of our restorative justice offerings, these circles fit within the larger framework of restorative justice, which aims to rehabilitate those who have caused harm through healing processes that hold them accountable and allow for reconciliation with the broader community.

Common Questions About Restorative Justice Circles

I Am the Victim of a Harm. How Can this Process Serve Me?

  • Be given a voice in the justice process
  • Share with the individual who has caused harm how their actions negatively impacted you
  • Be provided a safe space to be heard and share on the incident from your experience
  • Seek answers to the questions you may have about the incident
  • Contribute to a meaningful agreement that will allow the offender to correct their behavior and repair inflicted harm
  • Feel safer in your physical environment
  • Identify resources you may need

How Can Restorative Justice Circles Repair A Harm I Have Caused?

  • Understand how your actions have affected the victim and community
  • Be provided a safe space to be heard and share on the incident from your experience
  • Take responsibility for your actions and make amends
  • Seek answers to the questions you may have about the incident
  • Restore and develop community relationships
  • Contribute to a meaningful agreement that will allow you to correct your behavior and repair inflicted harm
  • Come to a place of understanding with others
  • Identify resources you may need

Who Can Be Referred?

Youth who have caused harm may be referred to Reach For Youth’s Restorative Justice Circles by local juvenile probation departments, middle and high schools, police officers, other agencies, and by individuals. In circumstances where legal processes are involved, the following conditions must be met in order to be eligible for Restorative Justice Circles:

  • The respondent (person who has caused harm) is between 13 and 17 years old at the time of the offense
  • First time offense (misdemeanor)
  • The respondent (person who has caused harm) must take responsibility for the crime committed
  • Consent by both child and parent/guardian
  • Parent/guardian are required to participate in the full process with their child 
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