What does "restorative justice" focus on in corrections?

Restorative justice in corrections emphasizes repairing harm and fostering reconciliation between offenders and victims. This approach moves away from retributive justice, which primarily focuses on punishment and deterrence. Instead, restorative justice seeks to engage all stakeholders—victims, offenders, and the community—in a process that promotes healing and understanding.

This model values dialogue and encourages offenders to take responsibility for their actions, understand the impact of their behavior on victims, and make amends. It often involves mediation processes, community service, or other restorative practices that not only address the needs of the victims but also help facilitate the offender's reintegration into society. By focusing on healing rather than punishment, restorative justice aims to reduce recidivism and foster a sense of community responsibility.

In contrast, the other options tend to align more with punitive measures rather than the restorative philosophy that seeks to repair harm and foster dialogue.