Is there a difference between restorative justice and criminal justice for juveniles?

Yes, there is a difference between restorative justice and criminal justice for juveniles. Restorative justice emphasizes repairing the harm done to the victim, while criminal justice focuses on punishing the juvenile offender. In Washington, the juvenile justice system has adopted a restorative justice approach to resolve issues. Through this approach, the juvenile offender and the victim participate in a facilitated conversation with the goal of restoring their relationship. The juvenile offender is encouraged to take responsibility for their actions and make amends by taking steps to repair the harm. The juvenile offender may be asked to make a sincere apology, provide restitution, or do community service. In contrast, criminal justice focuses on punishing juvenile offenders. In Washington, a juvenile who commits a crime may be detained, fined, and/or face certain terms of probation. They may also be ordered to complete certain programs, such as a drug or alcohol education program. The goal of the criminal justice system for juveniles is to hold the juvenile offender accountable for their actions and deter them from committing further acts of crime. Ultimately, the differences between restorative justice and criminal justice for juveniles come down to the focus of the outcome. With restorative justice, the goal is to resolve the issue and restore the juvenile offender and victim’s relationship. With criminal justice, the goal is to punish the juvenile offender and deter further criminal activity.

Related FAQs

What is the family court system and how does it relate to juvenile court?
Is the age of criminal responsibility different for juveniles than for adults?
What is an advisory board for juvenile offenders?
What is the difference between juvenile and adult sentencing?
What research exists on the effectiveness of the juvenile justice system?
What rights do juveniles have during questioning by the police?
What are some consequences of juvenile delinquency?
What is the difference between juvenile and adult prison systems?
What is the difference between juvenile court and adult court?
What is the difference between incarceration and detention for juveniles?

Related Blog Posts

Juvenile Crimes Law: What You Need to Know - July 31, 2023
Understanding Juvenile Crimes and the Legal System - August 7, 2023
How Juvenile Crimes Are Handled - August 14, 2023
Juvenile Offenders and What Happens in the Courts - August 21, 2023
Understanding the Rights of Juveniles - August 28, 2023