“Multicultural implications of restorative juvenile justice.”

Source: (1999) Federal Probation 58 (December): 44-52.

Restorative justice practices such as victim-offender dialogue and mediation are developing in many places in North America and other countries, especially in juvenile justice settings. With significant challenges inherent in the variety of cultural attitudes and behaviors among participants, it is critical for those in the fields of mediation and conflict resolution to be sensitive to differing cross-cultural perspectives. To examine this, Umbreit and Coates summarize key restorative justice ideas and programs. They look at pitfalls and dangers that may obstruct restorative efforts. Finally they offer ways to increase the possibility of restorative outcomes when working with people from diverse cultural settings.