Restorative justice is not a particular blueprint or map, but a compass guided by key principles and values offering a direction.
5
Key Principles of Restorative Justice
Zehr, H. (2015). The Little Book of Restorative Justice (Revised and Updated) Good Books
1
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.”
2
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)”
3
Involve those with Legitimate Stake
“Involve those with a legitimate stake in the situation including those harmed, those who harmed, community members, and society.”
4
Use Inclusive, Collaborative Processes
“Using Inclusive and collaborative processes provide a catalyst for identifying needs, responsibilities and expectations.”
5
Repair Harm to the extent possible
“Support the one who caused harm toward repairing harm to the extent possible, whether concretely or symbolically.”
Key Set of Values for
Restorative Practices
5 R’s of Restorative Practices
Dr. Beverly B. Title
Relationship
Respect
Responsibility
Repair
Reintegration
5 R’s of Restorative PracticesTitle, B. T. (2011). Teaching Peace: A Restorative Justice Framework for Strengthening Relationships. Del Hays Press
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 it 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 that harm may extend beyond anyone’s capacity for repair.”
Reintegration
“REINTEGRATION requires a willingness to let another back into the community once they have demonstrated their integrity by accepting responsibility and repairing harm to the extent possible.”
Victim Centeredness
Harmed parties should always have awareness, choice, safety, and support.