As mediators say, "blaming is a victim's game." Our criminal justice system, however, is mostly about punishment or retribution. Often times it is about keeping the public safe from individuals with a history of violence.
"Restorative Justice" aims to restore what is broken in the community by the bad act committed, and focuses on accountability and apologies.
Dispute Settlement Center offers a restorative justice option for juveniles through its victim-offender mediation program. Through it, young people who commit crimes such as vandalism can meet with their victims in safe environment mediators. It can be a powerful experience for all.
North Carolina is an unusual state in that juvenile court jurisdiction only goes to 16. In almost all states it is 18 or 17. This can be seen as harsh, as juvenile court jusridiction offers young people more services and a focus on rehabilitation.
Some people are working to change this. What do you think?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
The current thought (and one I happen to agree with) in working with juveniles is that using a strength-based approach is best. I believe that restorative justice gives us one more option in teh community to build our youth up, as oppsed to tearing them down. Great blog!
ReplyDelete