Source: (2003) Paper presented at the 6th International Conference On Restorative Justice. Vanucouver, British Columbia. June 1-4, 2003. Downloaded 17 September 2003.
This paper will focus on the evaluation results of the Collaborative Justice Project (CJP), a demonstration project running in the Ottawa area. Whereas many restorative justice programs (such as mediation and family group conferencing) focus on relatively minor or less serious offences, the CJP employs a restorative justice approach in cases of serious crime. The goal of this research is to expand the empirical base regarding restorative justice by determining whether programs like the CJP are successful. The research presented in this paper evaluates the CJP by examining satisfaction levels of victims, offenders and participating community members; by determining whether participation with the CJP meets the needs of clients; and by assessing the reaction of clients and key criminal justice personnel to the CJP. Several outcome measures are examined through a pre- and post-measure design. The sample consists of the CJP clients and matched comparison groups of offenders and victims. Results assessing whether the CJP served as an alternative to incarceration, and whether participation by offenders reduced their likelihood of re-offending, will also be addressed. Implications of this research will be discussed from a restorative justice perspective.
Your donation helps Prison Fellowship International repair the harm caused by crime by emphasizing accountability, forgiveness, and making amends for prisoners and those affected by their actions. When victims, offenders, and community members meet to decide how to do that, the results are transformational.
Donate Now