Restorative justice initiatives needed in US

A society’s commitment to restorative justice initiatives are proven to be the most effective program in resolving serious conflicts by bringing together both sides of a conflict by discussing and resolving disagreements with agreeable solutions. It also helps individuals understand and be responsible for their bad behavior and prevents them from repeating acts that effect not only themselves but their families, as well as those who were harmed.

Actually, restorative justice comes from the New Zealand aborigines as a way to deal with wayward juveniles and members of their tribes who committed crimes and/or acts of violence. The elders bring together, in a circle, the perpetrators and victims, as well as their families, to find understanding and solutions. The results are astounding, and forever change lives for the better as well as creating forgiveness and eliminates revenge.

In the U.S,, and around the world, restorative justice is being embraced by schools, youth courts, prisons, probation departments and many institutions by reversing and improving the lives of those whose mistakes could have destroyed their lives forever.

— Sandra Macleod White,

San Rafael