Restorative Justice

Restorative justice offers a different paradigm from conventional approaches. While the criminal legal system focuses on punishing the wrong-doer and relies on imprisonment to prevent further harm, restorative justice focuses meeting the needs of those who have been harmed while inviting those who have caused harm into a process of active accountability. Acknowledging our interconnectedness, restorative justice invites all those who have impacted by harm into a conversation.  Collectively, these individuals discuss the underlying causes of harm and determine a path to move forward. 

Beyond the individuals directly impacted by conflict or harm, restorative justice asks each of us to reflect on our collective responsibility for creating conditions that enable and foster harm, and tasks us with supporting accountability and safety. By widening who is responsible and who is capable, restorative justice harnesses the power and wisdom of community. 

Restorative justice can take many forms and we use it in varied settings, whether as a referral from courts (handling criminal cases and interpersonal conflicts) or in schools (to build a positive culture and reduce incidents of harm), or in communities. When we work within institutions with histories of structural inequities and systemic oppression, we work to increase the agency of those most impacted by harm, and create empowerment and equity. Regardless of the setting, restorative justice seeks to secure safety through stronger, healthier relationships and communities.  

Our practices at the Center are influenced and inspired by the Navajo tradition of Peacemaking. This is a healing practice.