Interim Findings from a Study of the DC Office of the Attorney General’s Restorative Justice Program

• In Event: Restorative Justice in Principle and Practice: Criminal Legal Stakeholders’ Thoughts on Eligibility, Implementation, and Impact

Abstract

Objective: The Washington, DC Office of the Attorney General (OAG)’s Restorative Justice Program is a first-of-its-kind program that offers restorative justice conferencing through a prosecutor’s office for victims and young people charged with serious and violent felonies. We are conducting a process evaluation and qualitative outcomes analysis of the program using a community-engaged framework. Data/Methods: Through qualitative information gathered from surveys and interviews, we offer a descriptive analysis of how key outcomes for youth and victims compare to those achieved by traditional case processing. Combined with interviews of key stakeholders—including program leadership, RJ facilitators, CBT providers, prosecutors, and defense attorneys—we also document the development and implementation of the program. Results: Interim findings from surveys and interviews will be presented. Conclusion: These findings will yield insights on the design of the program, implementation barriers and facilitators, and lessons learned for other jurisdictions looking to adopt similar programs. Findings will also advance the field’s understanding of how prosecutor-led RJ programs may shape outcomes such as remorse and accountability among people who have caused harm, survivors’ sense of healing and safety, and procedural justice.

Authors

• Leigh Courtney, Urban Institute

• Andreea Matei, Urban Institute

• Lily Robin, The Urban Institute

• Russell Rowe, Urban Institute

• Jeremiah Mungo, Urban Institute