Implementing Restorative Youth Justice: A Case Study in Community Justice and the Dynamics of Reform (Restorative Juvenile Justice: Repairing the Harm of Youth Crime, P 237-258, 1999, Gordon Bazemore and Lode Walgrave, eds. -- See NCJ-181924)

• NCJ Number: 181933
• Author(s): Curt Taylor Griffiths; Ray Corrado
• Date Published: 1999
• Length: 22 pages
• Sale Source: Criminal Justice Press/Willow Tree Press
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This discussion of restorative juvenile justice in Canada focuses on the political and legislative background, the community context, and trends and issues in the development of restorative youth justice, as well as the potential for substantial community involvement in the disposition and sanctioning of young offenders.

Abstract

A basic premise of the paper is that the unique demographic, cultural, and jurisdictional attributes of Canada provide a framework in which unlimited potential exists for the development of restorative juvenile justice initiatives, despite political and legislative obstacles. Canada has long had a lead role in developing and implementing alternative justice policies and programs. The first modern victim-offender reconciliation project began in Ontario in 1974, More recently, Aboriginal peoples and communities have served as the catalysts for the development of innovative, community-based restorative justice practices, including circle sentencing, a community holistic healing program, a community-based sex offender treatment program, and youth justice committees. Both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities are experiencing an increasing interest and involvement in the development of community-based restorative justice programs. Central elements of Canadian juvenile justice policy and practice and the current political context present serious but not insurmountable challenges for restorative youth justice. Issues requiring attention include the need to define and make operational the principles of restorative justice, to address the role of juvenile justice personnel, the development of evaluative criteria, and others. The survival and growth of restorative community justice will challenge both governments and communities to reach compromise, seek consensus, and assume risks. Accomplishing these tasks will give restorative justice the potential to transform juvenile justice in Canada in positive ways. Appended task force recommendation and 25 references