This guide for law enforcement officers presents information for implementing balanced and restorative justice for juveniles throughout the State of Illinois.
This guide from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority presents information for law enforcement officers for implementing balanced and restorative justice (BARJ) for juveniles throughout the State of Illinois. The goals of the guide are threefold: 1) to promote compliance among those working in juvenile justice in Illinois with the State's policy on BARJ outlined in the Juvenile Court Act; 2) to improve the response to juvenile conflict and crime by increasing the knowledge and understanding of BARJ by juvenile justice professionals, agencies, communities and their members; and 3) to offer strategies, programs, and practices that incorporate the values and principles of BARJ. The guide begins with a discussion of BARJ, listing the principles of restorative justice and the benefits of BARJ. This is followed by a section on the community justice movement and another section that discusses putting BARJ into practice in law enforcement. The final section of the guide highlights BARJ practices that are available and can be implemented by law enforcement officers. It is noted that the intent of this guide is to further the knowledge, understanding, and practice of balance and restorative justice among law enforcement personnel. Tables, notes, and appendix