Effectiveness of Restorative Justice Principles in Juvenile Justice: A Meta-Analysis

• In Event: Methods to Reduce Juvenile Recidivism: Mentoring, Restorative Justice, and Professional Discourse

Abstract

The objective of this study was to meta-analyze juvenile justice programs based on restorative justice principles. More specifically, we examined which components (program elements or activities) of restorative justice programs were more effective than others in fostering positive outcomes for juveniles. In doing so, we took a broader perspective on restorative justice programs and included programs along a continuum from those that fully adopted a restorative justice model to programs that only included a single restorative justice component, such as restitution to a victim. We included both randomized controlled studies and quasi-experimental comparison group designs to directly test whether various features of restorative justice programs are more strongly related to recidivism. We also examined all outcomes reported in eligible studies with particular focus on future criminal behavior, victim and offender satisfaction and perceptions of fairness, and offender behavioral outcomes such as restitution and formal exchange of apologies. Preliminary results will be presented and discussed.

Authors

• David B. Wilson, George Mason University

• Ajima Olaghere, George Mason University

• Catherine S. Kimbrell, George Mason University