The need for a new kind of justice in youth crime

One mother of a youthful offender described their experience this
way: “For the first time my son was forced to look at how his actions
impacted others in a domino-like effect. The connection was genuine, as
he had to look at the faces and into the eyes of numerous individuals
wronged by the unscrupulous choice he had made on that day. Through the
restorative process, he was forced to take responsibility for his
behavior and to make a real effort to repair the damage he had caused
so many people … For the first time in his life, I believe my son is
proud of the person he is becoming.”

Hundreds of families in
Sonoma County have benefited from restorative programs. The upshot is
that young people learn to take responsibility. They learn empathy and
come to better understand the consequences of their actions. And they
do this in a way that is often life-changing for them and their
families. They are far less likely to re-offend.

Victims of crime
often express satisfaction in being heard and in telling the person who
harmed them, face to face, how that experience affected them.
Restorative justice gives them a forum where they feel supported and
safe in doing so.

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