Principles & Values
Key Principles of Restorative Justice
Five principles that shape how harm is acknowledged, obligations are met, and communities are restored.
Focus on Harms and Needs
First, focus on harms and consequent needs of those harmed — but also the needs of the community and of those who caused harm.
Address Obligations
Address the obligations that result from those harms (the obligations of the one who caused harm, as well as those of the community and society).
Involve those with Legitimate Stake
Involve those with a legitimate stake in the situation including those harmed, those who harmed, community members, and society.
Use Inclusive, Collaborative Processes
Using inclusive and collaborative processes provide a catalyst for identifying needs, responsibilities and expectations.
Repair Harm to the extent possible
Support the one who caused harm toward repairing harm to the extent possible, whether concretely or symbolically.
Zehr, H. (2015). The Little Book of Restorative Justice (Revised & Updated). Good Books.
“Restorative justice is not a particular blueprint or map, but a compass guided by key principles and values offering a direction.”
— Howard Zehr
Values of Restorative Practices
The Restorative Justice Council has adopted a set of values: Dr. Title’s 5 R’s of Restorative Practices (Relationship, Respect, Responsibility, Repair, and Reintegration); and Victim Centeredness.
Relationship
The central focus of restorative practices is on the harmed party and their needs, and subsequent damage to interpersonal and community-level relationships.
Respect
Respect is the key ingredient that holds the container for all restorative practices, and is what keeps the restorative process safe.
Responsibility
For restorative practices to be effective, personal responsibility must be taken.
Repair
The restorative approach is to repair the harm that was done and the underlying causes, to the extent possible — recognizing some harm may exceed our capacity to repair.
Reintegration
Reintegration is a willingness to welcome someone back into the community once they have demonstrated integrity by accepting responsibility and repairing harm.
Victim Centeredness
Harmed parties should always have awareness, choice, safety, and support.
Title, B. T. (2011). Teaching Peace: A Restorative Justice Framework for Strengthening Relationships. Del Hays Press.