Summary
This handbook introduces the reader to restorative justice principles, programs, and processes. The first section reviews the main concepts of restorative justice, as well as the values and objectives of participatory and restorative justice. In this handbook, a "restorative process" is defined as "any process in which the victim and the offender, as well as any other individuals or community members affected by a crime, participate together actively in the resolution of matters arising from the crime, generally with the help of a facilitator." In Europe and many other parts of the world, this process is referred to as "mediation" as distinct from legal adjudication. A "restorative outcome" is an agreement reached as a result of a restorative process. The agreement may include referrals to programs that involve reparation, restitution, and community services tailored to address the harms the offender's crime has caused. The second section addresses the use of restorative programs. It describes the main program types, variation in criminal justice programs, victim-offender mediation, community and family group conferencing, "circle" sentencing, restorative programs for juvenile offenders, and indigenous and customary justice forums. The other sections consider the safeguards for restorative processes, the implementation of restorative justice programs, the dynamics of restorative justice intervention, program operation, and program monitoring and evaluation. An appendix contains the text of the United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Restorative Justice Programs in Criminal Matters.