What is restorative justice in corrections, and provide an example program.

• A. An approach focusing on repairing harm to victims and communities; example: victim-offender mediation
• B. An approach that rewards inmates with extra privileges
• C. An approach that increases surveillance and punishment
• D. An approach that eliminates victim involvement

Answer: (A)

Restorative justice focuses on repairing the harm caused by crime by bringing together those affected—victims, offenders, and community members—to acknowledge impact, take responsibility, and agree on remedies. It emphasizes accountability, empathy, and reestablishing safety and trust within the community, rather than only punishing the offender.

An example program is victim-offender mediation. In this process, a trained mediator facilitates a direct or guided conversation between the person who harmed and the person harmed, sometimes with supportive community members. They discuss what happened, how it affected the victim, and what needs to happen to make things right. They often reach a concrete plan that might include a sincere apology, restitution or financial compensation, community service, or other actions aimed at repairing the damage and supporting reintegration. The key is that the process centers on healing, accountability, and community involvement.

This approach stands apart from punitive alternatives. A system that rewards inmates with extra privileges focuses on incentives rather than addressing harm. Increasing surveillance and punishment emphasizes deterrence and control rather than rebuilding relationships. Eliminating victim involvement removes the essential partners in restorative work and undermines the repair-focused goal.