What do restorative justice practices focus on in handling juvenile offenses?

Restorative justice practices prioritize repairing harm and restoring relationships instead of employing traditional punitive measures. This approach emphasizes the importance of understanding the impact of juvenile offenses on victims, the community, and the offenders themselves. By fostering open communication between affected parties, these practices aim to facilitate accountability for the offender while promoting healing and reconciliation.

This method is founded on the belief that punitive measures do not effectively address the root causes of delinquency or the needs of victims. Instead, restorative justice seeks to create a supportive environment that encourages offenders to take responsibility for their actions and understand the consequences, ultimately aiming to reintegrate them positively into the community. Through dialogue and collaboration, a stronger sense of community and mutual respect is built, which is crucial in preventing future offenses and helping juveniles develop better coping mechanisms.