Restorative Justice Dialogue
Restorative justice focuses on repairing harm through dialogue. Our Restorative Justice Dialogue (RJD) program brings people together to listen and talk about the harm caused when someone commits a crime. Participants get a chance to talk about:
RJD includes individuals who are harmed by crime, the individual who harmed them, and any other impacted family or community members. The goal is not to solve the issue or to determine guilt. Rather, the goal is to provide an opportunity for participants to engage in difficult conversations, deepen understanding, heal the harms caused, rebuild relationships, and use creative problem-solving. RJD is completely voluntary, separate from the court, and participation has no direct impact on sentencing.
Restorative justice focuses on repairing harm through dialogue. Our Restorative Justice Dialogue (RJD) program brings people together to listen and talk about the harm caused when someone commits a crime. Participants get a chance to talk about:
- What happened
- Who was impacted, and
- What must be done to move forward or repair harm.
RJD includes individuals who are harmed by crime, the individual who harmed them, and any other impacted family or community members. The goal is not to solve the issue or to determine guilt. Rather, the goal is to provide an opportunity for participants to engage in difficult conversations, deepen understanding, heal the harms caused, rebuild relationships, and use creative problem-solving. RJD is completely voluntary, separate from the court, and participation has no direct impact on sentencing.
How Does it Work?
(1) Referral:
The Thurston County Superior Court refers people to the DRC who are interested in RJD. If you are not involved with the Thurston County Superior Court and you want to participate, just reach out to us and we may be able to help. (2) Intake: The DRC will call you to explain the steps of the RJD process and listen to your reasons for wanting to participate. Below are key criteria that we explore with you to determine whether restorative justice is the right fit for you:
(3) Preparation:
RJD mediators meet with you individually first before participants talk to each other (1 hour). Mediators learn about your goals for the process, and coach you to help prepare you for a conversation. They will ask you questions like the following: Could you tell us what happened? How were you affected? Were others affected? Could you tell us what you’d like to say to the other participants? (4) Conferencing: You meet with other participants for a face-to-face (on Zoom or in-person) talk guided by the mediators (3 hours). Together, you decide how to repair the harm caused and whether you want these decisions in a written agreement. Q & AWho facilitates the Dialogue
RJD mediators are certified DRC mediators who act as a neutral third-party. Mediators are not judges, attorneys, advocates, or representatives of the court. Two mediators work together to guide participants through every step of the RJD process, and participants decide what they want to talk about and how. Everybody is different, and every person responds to harm in their own way, so each conversation may look very different depending on each participant’s needs. Restorative justice conversations are fair and transparent processes to help people make their own decisions based on their own needs and goals. WHAT KIND OF QUESTIONS DOES THE PERSON HARMED WANT ANSWERED?
Every person is different, and everyone responds to crime differently. With that said, below are some common questions or reasons why victims of crime participate.
I WANT TO PARTICIPATE, BUT I 'M ALSO NERVOUS. IS THAT NORMAL?
Yes. It is a big step to open yourself up to a conversation, and it is very normal for all the participants to feel a bit nervous, afraid, or anxious, as well as many other feelings. While this process may not be comfortable or easy, our facilitators are certified mediators who are trained to make sure the process is fair and respectful, and they do their best to prevent further harm for participants. WILL I GET GRILLED BY THE PERSON HARMED FOR WHAT I'VE DONE? WHAT IF THEY GET MAD?
It is normal for people who are victims of a crime to feel strong emotions such as anger, fear, anxiety, sadness, or disappointment, and it is healthy for victims to be able to talk about their emotions. Our mediators are trained in conflict resolution, and they have years of experience. While they allow participants to express how they feel, mediators will help make sure this is done respectfully. As one lead mediator put it, “I am not showing up to referee a boxing match. I am not there to create an opportunity to harm others. Critique is okay, but definitely not more harm.” DOES RESTORATIVE JUSTICE REQUIRE RESTITUTION?
No. Restitution might be something that participants agree to during their conversation, however, it is not expected or required. The outcomes and actions of your conversation must be mutually agreed upon by all participants. WHAT IF THEY DONT ACCEPT MY APOLOGY? WHAT IF I DON'T ACCEPT THEIR APOLOGY?
The time participants have for a conversation is limited, and sometimes people will not be ready to accept an apology during that time. A sincere apology can still be meaningful, even if it is not accepted in that moment. It is important that you show up ready to express your feelings honestly, which can go a very long way. |
What Are the Benefits of Participating?For the justice-involved participant, you may have the chance to:
“I have had the chance to experience closure and reestablish a sense of personal power/safety.” For the justice-involved participant, you may have the chance to:
“This was a great experience. It meant a lot to be able to talk with the participant and let them know I was sorry for what I did, and that I am doing my best to change. Thanks for giving me the opportunity.” CONTACT US
to begin the process or learn more about this program: |
Affordable solutions for resolutions. |
We empower people to restore and build relationships.
Getting Around
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2604 12th Court SW, Suite B
Olympia WA 98502 PO Box 6184 Olympia WA 98507 Hours Monday–Friday 9am–4:30pm ERP Program: Monday–Thursday 9am–5pm Federal Tax ID: 94-3130662 |
Contact US (360) 956-1155
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The generous support of our business and community partners helps make the work of the DRC possible.
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Local, state-wide and national.