NCJ Number
194505
Date Published
2001
Length
33 pages
Annotation
This article presents results of a meta-analysis that examined the efficacy of restorative justice programs in Canada.
Abstract
A meta-analysis was conducted to examine the efficacy of restorative justice programs in Canada. The researchers defined restorative justice as any program that brought the offender, the victim, and the community together in an effort to discuss and address the outcomes of a crime. Victim and offender satisfaction, recidivism, and restitution compliance served as outcome measures for the study. Only studies that met the operational definition for restorative justice, had control or comparison groups, reported on at least one of the chosen outcome measures, and provided enough statistical information to calculate an effect size were included in the meta-analysis. Although participants were randomly assigned to treatment groups, self-selection bias occurred since participation in restorative justice programs is voluntary. The participant attrition rate was high in many studies. Victim and offender satisfaction were measured using a five point scale which was collapsed into two categories, satisfied and unsatisfied. Weighted and unweighted mean effect sizes were calculated, however only unweighted effect sizes were used for interpreting results. A one-sample t-test was also performed to determine whether an overall statistically significant difference occurred between restorative programs and traditional programs. A total of 22 studies that examined the efficacy of 35 restorative justice programs were included in the meta-analysis. Sixty-six effect sizes were generated. The results of the meta-analysis demonstrated that the vast majority of victims were significantly more satisfied with restorative justice programs than the traditional justice system. Similarly, offenders who participated in the restorative justice program reported greater satisfaction than those in the traditional justice system. The researchers found a statistically significant difference in offender satisfaction with those in the restorative program more satisfied than those in the comparison group. Restitution compliance was significantly higher among offenders in the restorative justice program as compared to those in the comparison group. Lastly, the researchers found that the mean recidivism rates were lower among offenders who participated in the restorative justice program as compared to offenders in the traditional justice system.