Principles and Practices of Restorative Justice

Although restorative justice is delivered in different ways across the country, the practice is guided by the following set of basic principles.

Focus on acknowledging and repairing the physical, emotional, and financial harm caused by crime and meeting the needs of those affected.

Treat all participants with dignity, compassion, and equal consideration.

Ensure the participation of victims, offenders, and community members is voluntary, and based on free, informed, and ongoing consent.

Foster and support the meaningful participation of those affected, including victims, offenders, their friends, their families, and their communities.

Enable participants to communicate openly and honestly and to have an active role in determining how to address their needs, as they see them.

Attend to the physical, emotional, cultural, and spiritual safety and well-being of all participants. Participation in restorative justice should not result in further harm to any participant.

Assist those who have caused harm to acknowledge and take responsibility for harm and reparation.

Provide opportunities for understanding, healing, and change, and contribute to the restoration and reintegration of victims and offenders.