What is RJ?
Restorative Justice (RJ) addresses accountability while acknowledging trauma, building systems that address conflict and harm in a way that strengthens relationships. It is a values-based approach to community building and problem-solving. RJ creates opportunities for dialogue, transformation of conflict, and reparation of harm through the use of collaborative problem-solving. By enhancing responsibility, giving voice to the person harmed, and strengthening relationships we are able to transform conflict and repair harm. This empowers change and growth, creates more just and equitable learning environments, and acknowledges that relationships are central to building community.
RJ is appropriate within families, schools, communities, justice systems, and community organizations. This practice has roots and a long history in indigenous cultures around the world and is suitable not only among individuals but with groups.