Restorative Justice is a concept based on the following principles (adapted from “Restorative Justice Signposts” by Harry Mika and Howard Zehr):
1. Focus on the harms of wrongdoing more than the rules that have been broken.
2. Show equal concern and commitment to victims and offenders, involving both in the justice process.
3. Work toward the restoration of victims, empowering them and responding to their needs as they see them.
4. Support offenders while encouraging them to understand, accept and carry out their obligations.
5. Recognize that while obligations may be difficult for offenders, they should not be intended as harms and they must be achievable.
6. Provide opportunities for dialogue, direct or indirect, between victims and offenders as appropriate.
7. Involve and empower the affected community through the justice process, and increase its capacity to recognize and respond to community bases of crime.
8. Encourage collaboration and reintegration rather than coercion and isolation.
9. Give attention to the unintended consequences of our actions and programs.
10. Show respect to all parties including victims, offenders, community members, and justice colleagues.
The Office of Victim and Restorative Justice Programs adheres to the following concepts:
• Holding offenders accountable for understanding and acknowledging harm to the victim
• Repairing harm to victims and to communities to the extent possible
• Providing victims with information, support, and services
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