Restorative Justice Behind Bars: People in Custody’s Facilitators and Barriers to Participating in Restorative Justice

Abstract

Restorative justice (RJ) is a way of doing justice following an offense that is oriented toward repairing individual, relational, and social harm. Despite indications of their contribution to rehabilitation, RJ is still used infrequently, especially in serious offenses. We believe implementing them in prison is likely to provide access to RJ to a wider population. Twenty-three adult correctional clients were interviewed about their attitudes toward participation in RJ while in custody. Specifically, the study examined facilitators and barriers affecting their willingness to participate. The facilitators found included the following: (1) Desire to seek forgiveness; (2) Expressing respect for the victim; (3) Reciprocity—the correctional client as a victim; and (4) Desire to renew relationships. The barriers identified were as follows: (1) Fear of the victims’ reactions; (2) Disbelief in the victim’s ability to forgive; and (3) Unwillingness to include their supporters. These facilitators and barriers are discussed with a view to implementing RJ in prisons.