Restorative Justice involves those affected by an offense in a process that focuses on the needs of the victims and the community. It encourages offenders to take responsibility for their actions and allows all those involved to work towards addressing the needs of the victim, the causes and consequences of the offense, as well as starting the process of restoration for both the victim and the offender.

The Piedmont Dispute Resolution Center’s restorative justice conferences—facilitated face-to-face meetings between victims, offenders and their support persons—have been underway since 1997. Restorative justice conferences are managed by facilitators who have been trained and approved by the Center. Working with juvenile and adult offenders, referrals come from the courts, probation, law enforcement, schools, and the public.

  A primary objective of the restorative justice process is to enable victims to participate in the criminal justice system. It is hoped that confronting the offender, seeking recognition and reparation for the harm caused by the offense, and gaining an understanding of the events that occurred will contribute to the victim’s recovery from the impact of the offense on their lives. Participation is always voluntary for the victim.

This process actively includes the offender. The restorative justice process encourages offenders to face up to what they have done and take responsibility for their actions. Restorative justice conferences increase the chances of changing the behavior of offenders who have directly faced the harm they have caused.