Restorative Justice Dialogue: An Essential Guide for Research and Practice

Restorative Justice Dialogue is an important addition to the literature on this 30-year-old movement. Umbreit and Armour provide an evidence-based description of the history, practices and future of restorative dialogue that is informed by the values and principles of both social work and spirituality. This is an impressive achievement. Daniel W. Van Ness Prison Fellowship International, Washington DC Restorative justice provides an innovative way of promoting justice and healing among victims, offenders, families, and communities. Originally intended as a means to transform our juvenile and criminal justice systems, restorative justice practices have now been utilized worldwide in a variety of settings including schools, family courts, workplaces, faith communities, and zones of deeply entrenched political or civil conflict. This book focuses on the most widely utilized and empirically grounded applications of restorative justice: victim-offender mediation, family group conferencing, and peacemaking circles. For each, the authors include a thorough description of the process, including case examples, followed by a review of the available empirical research. The crucial role of the facilitator in restorative justice practices is highlighted and clarified. Mark Umbreit, founding Director of the Center for Restorative Justice & Peacemaking, is a pioneer in the restorative justice movement and internationally renowned for his work among communities plagued by hate crimes, intolerance, and violence. Marilyn Peterson Armour is an expert in restorative justice and working with families of homicide victims. Together they bring the latest empirical research and clinical wisdom to those interested in the research and practice of restorative justice.