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

• In Event: Shifting from Punishment to Restorative Practices in Criminal Justice and Education Settings

Abstract

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 will present findings from a process evaluation and qualitative outcomes analysis of the program using a community-engaged framework. Through qualitative information gathered from surveys and interviews, we will offer a descriptive analysis of key outcomes for youth and victims who participated in the program. 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. 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

• Russell Rowe, Urban Institute, Justice and Safety Division

• Lily Robin, Urban Institute, Justice and Safety Division

• Jeremiah Mungo, Urban Institute