RESTORATIVE MODELS PRESENTED

During the week of September 10^th, I was fortunate enough to attend the Restorative Justice training sponsored by the National Institute of Justice, which was held in Hopewell, NY. This training brought together professionals from local agencies, as well as those from as far away as Texas, Minnesota and Australia. The attendees represented ATI, Community Service, Probation, Corrections, Parole, the Clergy, Pre-trial services, conflict resolution specialists, educators and addictions treatment providers.

The central theme relevant for me was that "restorative justice is a philosophy, rather than a program".  In assessing the potential use of a restorative justice philosophy in the treatment realm, it appears that much of the work done with our clients is already similar to the RJ model. This is particularly true with family work.  There is a great deal of "offender/victim" focus when the addict/alcoholic sits with family members and hears how his/her addictive behavior has affected the family.  Conjoint, family and individual sessions are facilitated by addictions counselors in order to address the harm done to others, as well as the addicts themselves.

Questions to consider in further incorporating the restorative justice approaches into the traditional treatment model arise.  Perhaps those clients with alcohol or drug problems should work concurrently with counselors and RJ facilitators?  Perhaps each counselor would have RJ training and incorporate the approaches into their regular counseling sessions?  Could treatment be included as an alternative solution to destructive behavior, and presented as an option, by the victims, in a RJ session?  This is similar to a typical intervention process, which is a well documented technique allowing victims to address the harm done to them by the addict/alcoholic.

The 12-Step approach incorporates "making amends" into the steps, involving reparation to those who have been harmed by their addictive behavior.  Reparation is presently addressed as part of other criminal justice efforts in the county, e.g.; the Day Reporting Program "Commitment To Change" group addresses the thought processes of offenders, looking at thinking errors such as "Who was Harmed?"  Could restorative justice techniques be incorporated into that program, as well as in the jail treatment programs, where appropriate?

As a result of the training, it became apparent that there were many more questions than answers.  Though we ascribe to restorative justice principles and use many of the techniques, there is a great deal of room for improvement. The treatment realm is fertile ground for application of any new approaches producing better service and success for our clients.  With a recidivism/relapse rate, which has held fairly steady over the years, a restorative justice philosophy, with the potential of reducing shame and guilt (for both the victim and offender), allowing re-entry into the community, and building a sense of personal responsibility certainly warrants attention.

Barb Oliver, FLACRA Services