Restorative Justice IBARJ TRAINING 2015 What happened? How did it happen? What part did You play in it? How were you affected By What you did? Who else was affected By what you did? What do you need to Make it right? What can you do to Repair the harm?

Restorative Justice Mission Restorative Justice aims to identify crime as a break in relationships, whether it be within a family, within a neighborhood, in a community, or society as a whole. It is important to restore those relationships after a crime is committed or when an inappropriate behavior occurs. By realizing the harm done and restoring the relationship with the victim, the offender may not commit the same crime in the future.

Elements of Restorative Justice The offender The victim(s) The harm The restoration

Goals of Restorative Justice Discuss how the crime affected the victim(s). Offender should realize the harm they have caused. The offender and victim should agree upon a way to restore their relationship. Hold the offender accountable for his or her actions Remember: we want to Repair the harm Discipline is not a factor Responsibility is always on the offender

5 R’s of Restorative Justice RELATIONSHIPS: developing caring connections and finding common ground RESPECT: Listening to others’ opinions and valuing them RESPONSIBILITY: being accountable for actions taken RESTORATION: repairing harm that has been caused Reintegration: ensuring all remain included and involved

Steps in RJ Take responsibility for your actions Think with empathy Act with remorse Make amends Compensate RJ is based on respect, responsibility, relationship-building and relationship-repairing. It focuses on mediation and agreement rather than punishment

Accountability: When a young person commits a crime or breaks a rule, they create an obligation to victims and their community. Competency Development: Young people who enter the juvenile justice system should leave more capable than when they entered. Community Safety: Juvenile Justice has a responsibility to protect the public by assisting youth to change their behavior, not simply to punish them

Using RJ in Focus Groups Get Acquainted: use ice breakers to get the residents and staff comfortable to talk with each other. Build trust and understanding: Identify the goals and values of the residents. Identify the expectations of group. Use rj tools: ripple chart, circle, group, conference, check in

The Ripple Effect When a crime is committed or an inappropriate behavior occurs, more than just one person may be affected. The Ripple Chart shows how the community and peoples lives can be affected by a single person’s actions.

Restorative Chat For someone who caused harm What happened? What were you thinking at the time? What have you thought about since? Who do you think has been affected? In what way? What do you need to do to make things right? How can we make sure this doesn’t happen again? For someone who was harmed What did you think when it happened? How have you been affected? Who else has been? In what way? What’s been the hardest part? What is needed to make things right? Restorative Chat

Peace Circles in Detention Youth who are held in county detention centers in Illinois are typically both troubled and troublesome. They may be withdrawn, aggressive, hostile or simply upset. They are children that have been removed from their families and community, which can be traumatic. Using peacemaking circles inside detention centers can assist in creating a safe and calm climate within the center. Youth who often feel as if no one listens to them appreciate the use of a talking piece when they can speak and all in the circle are listening to them. They are able to have discussions knowing the adults as well as other youth are listening. Peacemaking circles create a safe place where all feel empowered to speak their truth, to be respected and heard. When circles are implemented youth can more readily give thought to what they hope for themselves, and to begin making plans for change within their lives.

Communities are safer when youth have the opportunity to learn from their mistakes and are held accountable.