The Issues
Restorative Resources is an issues-oriented agency. Our programs are our way "walking the talk" in support of the issues that inspire us.
Restorative Justice has roots in the Victim Advocacy and Support Movement. At Restorative Resources, we are committed to ensuring that victims' rights are recognized throughout the restorative process.
In practical terms, this means that victims feel that they are included, heard, and respected and that their specific needs are actually metin the community's response to the crime that impacted them.
In our Restorative Conferences we steadfastly work to put victims first and to help them make their voices heard. By including community members in our conferences, we promote and increase the public's awareness of victims' needs. Our services result in better and more complete services for victims of crime.
We believe that most incidents of juvenile crime are the result of adolescent foolishness, rather than any fundamental "badness" in the child. Therefore, they represent opportunities to learn.
Our Restorative Conferences are a concrete, proven alternative to incarceration for many young offenders, with a recidivism rate below five percent. Thus, they are a demonstration of an important piece of any effort toward comprehensive juvenile justice reform.
Alternatives to Zero Tolerance
Zero tolerance policies are often counterproductive and harmful. While the justice community has a responsibility to ensure that our streets are safe, and school administrators have a responsibility to provide safe learning environments, it is clear that a blanket zero tolerance policy is not effective.
Instead of being merely tough on crime, we must be smart on crime. Instead of one-size-fits-all approaches, we must have responses that are measured, appropriate, and that combine accountability with hope. Restorative Justice and Restorative Practices are an important part of the solution.
Restorative and Resilient Schools and Communities
The essence of a restorative community is that it is relationship-oriented. There are active efforts in place to build and strengthen relationships and networks of relationships.
When relationships are broken--through crime, misconduct, or in any other way--restorative methods can help the community heal. They give each person a voice, they foster empathy and awareness of each others' needs, and they encourage efforts to change things in ways that satisfy community members.
Communities that are restorative are also resilient, able to respond effectively to stress and crisis.
Our circle-keepers initiative demonstrates a powerful, simple, and inexpensive way to build restorative and resilient communities.