NCJ Number
192858
Journal
Crime and Delinquency Volume: 48 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2002 Pages: 162-188
Date Published
January 2002
Length
27 pages
Annotation
This article discusses impediments to evaluating restorative justice programs and suggests ways of addressing these impediments.
Abstract
Concern about effectiveness and the basic processes involved in effectiveness has accompanied increased interest in restorative justice programs. However, the task of evaluating restorative justice programs is daunting because these programs are so diverse and pursue unique and multiple objectives. Values that emphasize healing and social well-being of those affected by crime guide restorative justice and must guide program evaluation, including process and outcome evaluations. Restorative justice programs include victim-offender mediation, family group conferencing, and peacemaking/sentencing circles. Core processes that appear to distinguish these interventions include dialogue, relationship building, and communication of moral values. The overarching outcomes are reparation and social well-being. Studies on the effectiveness of restorative justice practices have not yet adequately addressed selection biases and other threats to internal validity. It is likely that restorative justice programs are like other correctional programs in that they work with some participants under some circumstances. The analysis concludes that evaluation products will look different from traditional reports and will require creative evaluation methods and measures. Notes and 122 references (Author abstract modified)