Restorative justice offers a different way of responding to harm and conflict. Instead of relying on punishment as a response, restorative justice seeks to repair past harms and prevent future issues by lifting up the needs of those who have been harmed and inviting those who have caused harm into a process of active accountability. By creating such a space, restorative justice invites not only those who have a grievance, but their community as well to seek justice. The parties involved talk about what happened and collaborate on an appropriate solution — with accountability and fairness — outside of a more adversarial court proceeding.
Inspired by indigenous practices such as peacemaking and circlekeeping, restorative justice traces its roots to traditional systems where a council of tribal elders or community leaders would facilitate conversations to resolve interpersonal problems.
“Current justice approaches are punitive. They define which laws were broken, who broke them and how the justice system should deliver punishment,” says Daniele Ozeri, the Director of Youth Programs at CDSC. “At the heart of restorative justice is relationship healing and taking accountability. Circle processes allow all voices to be heard, identify who was harmed, and give participants an opportunity to take responsibility for their actions.”
With the support of Cambridge Juvenile Court Justices Gloria Tan and Kenneth King, Daniele is working to create Restorative Justice circles at the court. Interested in helping? Daniele always needs trained mediators and circlekeepers. Contact her at daniele@communitydispute.org.