Restorative Justice at CHOOSE 180
At CHOOSE 180 we believe in the power of Restorative Justice! We envision a future where youthful behavior is decriminalized and young people are offered restorative practices in lieu of traditional prosecution.
Restorative Justice (RJ) is the idea that if an action hurts, justice should heal.
It follows that conversations with those who have been hurt and with those who have inflicted the harm must be central to the process and focus on accountability and healing on both sides. RJ aims to restore the relationship, whether interpersonal or societal, to where it was before harm happened.
We asked our team what Restorative Justice means to them. Here are their thoughtful responses:
Repairing harm
Restorative justice means looking for ways to break down harmful systems. (not just continue to participate in them), but to humanize those who've caused harm and seek wellness for all impacted.
Restorative Justice means that there is harmed and harming parties apart of the solution and accountability is taken
Undoing harm done throughout the years while through healing and shift of power dynamics
Restorative justice is a way to repair communities/individuals harmed by others and rehabilitate both parties
Not using blame or punishment
Healing having open mind being apart of circles
Focus on healing and restoring relationships from harm that has been caused. Human centered, and understands power in relationships. Not about retribution/punitive
Healing cycles that are broken with the approach of goal setting and accountability
Grace, repair, and accountability.
Healing, restoration of the soul, and repairing harm
Possibility of healing, capacity to coexist
Restorative justice is centered on accountability, truth, amends, and healing.
Restoring the situation to better than before the incident happened
Honoring folx humanity
Accountability for harm
At CHOOSE 180 we have several programs were created using the Restorative Justice framework:
Aftercare: Our team builds relationships with program participants and provides personalized, comprehensive support for up to a year after coming to our programs.
CHOOSE Freedom: A community-based approach to healing for young people impacted by incarceration and/or gun violence.
Counseling & Expressive Arts Therapy: Our mental health therapists provide 1-on-1 or group sessions, supporting young people in addressing emotional pain, processing past experiences, and finding relief from difficult situations
Restorative Community Pathways: A community response to harm that focuses on healing, restoration, and accountability. It’s a pre-court diversion program available to youth accused of first-time felony offenses throughout King County.
We believe in dismantling oppressive systems and envisioning alternatives rooted in equity and compassion. Restorative Justice aligns perfectly with this vision, offering a framework for addressing harm that is both transformative and empowering.
Restorative Justice isn't just a theory; it's a philosophy that prioritizes healing, accountability, and transformation over punishment and retribution. If you believe in Restorative Justice and the amazing impact it can have, we would love your support.
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