What does 'restorative justice' aim to achieve within the corrections system?

Restorative justice focuses on repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior rather than merely punishing the offender. This approach involves all stakeholders in the process, including the victim, the offender, and the community, to foster healing and reconciliation. The goal is to address the emotional and social wounds inflicted by crime, promoting dialogue and understanding, and encouraging offenders to take responsibility for their actions in a constructive way.

By emphasizing accountability, restitution, and community involvement, restorative justice seeks to restore relationships and create a sense of closure for victims while enabling offenders to reintegrate into society in a positive manner. This contrasts with punitive measures that primarily focus on deterrence and confinement without addressing the underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior.