How does restorative justice apply to juvenile offenders?

Restorative justice is a framework that emphasizes healing and reconciliation rather than punishment. Its main goal when dealing with juvenile offenders is to restore relationships and repair the harm caused by the crime. This approach involves bringing together the offender, the victims, and the community to discuss the impact of the offense and to collaboratively find a resolution that addresses the needs of all parties involved.

By focusing on reconciliation, restorative justice seeks to empower victims, hold offenders accountable in a meaningful way, and encourage personal growth among juveniles. This approach often leads to more constructive outcomes, such as restitution, community service, or participation in counseling programs, rather than simply imposing punitive measures.

In contrast, the other options emphasize punitive measures or deterrents, which do not align with the principles of restorative justice aimed at fostering understanding and healing within the community.