Can Restorative Justice Help New Jerseyans Get Back To Work?
In New Jersey, many people lose their employment due to incarceration and other issues. However, there are programs we can create for folks through restorative justice practices. These types of programs take into account the rights of all parties involved in a crime and attempt to teach individuals how to make amends for their past actions while still maintaining long-term stability.
What is restorative justice, you ask?
Restorative justice is a series of practices that are conducted after an injury in order to, if possible, repair the relationship between two people or groups. The two parties come together to discuss what happened, how it happened, and how to fix the issue that occurred.
This is different from traditional justice systems because restorative practices do not deal with punishment for wrongdoing. Instead, it tries to repair the relationship between the parties, not only for the benefit of the individual or group being wronged, but for all involved.
For example, if someone steals money from a business, restorative justice allows both sides to come together and discuss what happened. The person accused of stealing may be able to make amends by returning the stolen money or donating some of it to a charity. Furthermore, if necessary, they may work on repaying their debt in another way that benefits the whole community.
How is it used, you ask?
Restorative justice practices are not limited to criminal cases. They can resolve conflicts between neighbors, friends, or families. In fact, many restorative justice programs attempt to bring together the person who committed the harm with the person or people who were harmed by their actions.
However, some cases cannot be resolved completely. The survicor or person who was harmed may be unable to reconcile with the person that harmed them based on the violation of trust. In the end, restorative justice can help repair relationships in a way that makes them stronger than before. It helps everyone involved to move past the anger and distrust they felt after an offense has occurred.
How can it be used in New Jersey?
Many formerly incarcerated people are unable to secure employment after leaving jail or prison. However, employers are often hesitant to hire people with criminal records due to concerns about liability and public opinion. This makes many formerly incarcerated people unemployed and unable to contribute to the community.
Restorative justice practices can be used to identify the needs of formerly incarcerated individuals with a justice involved background. These needs could include help with education, housing, and job-hunting. Progress could then be made through restorative practices that bring together formerly incarcerated individuals with those that are willing to offer assistance.
Most importantly and in closing: restorative justice practices can help reintegrate formerly incarcerated people into their communities. The inability to find decent jobs often leads to recidivism, or a cycle of incarceration and unemployment. However, restorative practices can help formerly incarcerated individuals meet the demands of parole and/or probation. Furthermore, these needs can be met by people and entities in the community who are willing to lend their time and resources for the good of all involved.
If you’d like more information about restorative justice in New Jersey, we invite you to visit njfairchange.org.
