NCJ Number
214771
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 70 Issue: 1 Dated: June 2006 Pages: 33-37
Date Published
June 2006
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes the use of Restorative Circles in a minimum-security prison in Hawaii and the preliminary outcomes of the program.
Abstract
Surveys of 99 participants at the 17 Restorative Circles held in Hawaii indicated overwhelmingly positive support for the use of the Circles. Only 1 participant of the 99 participants surveyed found any aspect of the Circle process negative. The Circles were a deeply emotional experience for the inmates and their families. The impact of the Circles on families ranged from feelings of remorse to forgiveness and the Circles were able to serve as healing experiences for many fragmented families. Challenges to the future success of the Restorative Circle program include funding and staff reluctance. Restorative Circles should be continued because of the positive benefits to offenders, families, and communities. The authors describe the Restorative Circle process used in the Hawaiian prison, including the program rationale, how cases are referred, and how circles are convened, conducted, and closed. Restorative Circles are described as an approximately 3-hour process in which the offender and their family members produce a written transition plan for leaving prison. The transition plan addresses all of the inmates needs for successful reentry back into the community and includes specific tasks and deadlines. An in-depth evaluation of the Restorative Circle program is recommended to assess its success in reducing recidivism and building social capital. References