7/23/2019 Restorative Justice Principles

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YWCA Madison Racial Justice Resource Guide Page 4 of 17

Introduction to Restorative Justice PrinciplesRestorative justice practices constitute an alternative way of looking at harm and

conflict that focuses on repairing the damage done to people and restoring

relationships rather than punishing offenders. The principles that guide

restorative practices have been used for centuries in indigenous cultures.

The main goals of restorative justice are as follows:

1) Accountab il it y: Restorative practices allow offenders the opportunity totake accountability for the harm they caused, and the chance to take

action towards repairing that harm and restoring their place within the

community.

2) Community Safety:Restorative practices focus on maintaining

community safety through strategies that empower community members

to take responsibility for collective safety.

3) Competency Development:Restorative practices work to address

underlying issues that lead youth to cause harm, build upon young

peoples individual strengths, and develop the social competency of those

who have harmed others in order to increase their probability of integrating

successfully into the community.1

1Implementing Restorative Justice, Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority.