The Case for Restorative Justice

Abstract

This paper discusses the significance of restorative justice practices and orientations for social work education. It describes the four basic forms of restorative justice-victim-offender conferencing, community reparative boards, family group conferencing, and healing circles, with special relevance to social work. Learning about principles and practice of restorative justice is important, if social work is to provide leadership in policy innovation and program development. Following the overview, this paper provides suggestions for integrating restorative content on this timely topic throughout the social work curriculum.

Key Words:

• Restorative justice
• criminal justice
• strengths approach
• victim-offender conferencing
• family group conferencing
• corrections