Findings from a National Survey of Prosecutor-Involved Restorative Justice Programs for Serious and Violent Offenses

• In Event: Survey Research with Prosecutor Offices

Abstract

Objective: Although it has been established that using restorative processes to address harm and navigate conflict can reduce the use of incarceration and other punitive sanctions while improving outcomes for survivors, the field is lacking awareness of how broadly localities are implementing restorative justice (RJ) diversion programs and there is limited evidence from rigorous outcome/impact evaluations of RJ programs serving adults charged with serious and/or violent offenses in particular. Data/Methods: To address this knowledge gap, we are fielding a national survey of prosecutor’s offices to learn about the prevalence and design of prosecutor-led and prosecutor-adjacent RJ diversion programs for these offenses. Results/Conclusion: Our presentation will focus on survey development and dissemination methods and well as findings. Conclusion: These findings will aid in site selection for case studies and the field’s understanding of the landscape of RJ programs addressing serious and violent offenses.

Authors

• Lily Robin, The Urban Institute

• Leigh Courtney, Urban Institute

• Andreea Matei, Urban Institute

• Russell Rowe, Urban Institute