Com base em instrumentos qualitativos de pesquisa, essa dissertação analisa a implementação da justiça restaurativa como uma política pública, tomando como foco de análise o processo que resultou na institucionalização das práticas restaurativas, que antes eram realizadas de forma informal pela ONG Justiça Restaurativa para o Século 21, até elas serem tomadas a cargo pelo Poder Judiciário do Rio Grande do Sul. Uma das propostas desta pesquisa foi compreender como ocorreu o processo de implementação da justiça restaurativa no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, com enfoque nas categorias valorativas expressas pelos entrevistados: juízes e facilitadores atuantes em setores do Poder Judiciário. Para alcançarmos este intento, realizamos um mapeamento das experiências existentes nos municípios pesquisados, que nos permitiu conhecer as formas plurais pelas quais a política pública pode ser utilizada e como as propostas estão sendo operacionalizadas nas iniciativas locais. Examinando a produção sociológica e da análise de políticas públicas sobre o tema, buscamos relacionar, por um lado, as perspectivas teóricas que destacam os fundamentos normativos e cognitivos vinculados às normas e às instituições sociais, juntamente com a teoria crítica e o conceito de reconstrução normativa; por outro, os estudos sobre implementação de políticas públicas que privilegiam as ideias e crenças dos atores envolvidos. Tais abordagens permitem examinar o processo de implementação da Justiça Restaurativa no estado, com destaque para as principais problemáticas surgidas no processo e para a forma através da qual “a imagem da política” foi e está sendo reproduzida pelos seus defensores. Por meio da análise das representações proferidas pelos agentes ao longo do trabalho de campo, foi possível perceber que a defesa da Justiça Restaurativa como uma política pública importante para o sistema de justiça abrange duas linhas de argumentação discursiva: a) uma institucional, que relaciona esta metodologia com a modernização e a ampliação do acesso à justiça, bem como com a redução da carga processual, b) outra que a considera uma proposta mais humanizada, eficaz e dialogal de justiça. / Based on qualitative research instruments, this dissertation analyze the implementation of restorative justice as a public policy, focusing on the process that resulted in the institutionalization of restorative practices, which were previously carried out informally by the NGO Restorative Justice for the Century 21, until they have been take over by the Judicial Branch of Rio Grande do Sul. One of the proposals of this research was to understand how the process of implementation of restorative justice occurred in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, focusing on the categories of values expressed by the interviewed: judges and facilitators acting in sectors of the Judiciary. In order to achieve this, we mapped the existing experiences in the municipalities surveyed, which allowed us to know the plural forms by which the public policy can be used and how the proposals are actually operationalized in local initiatives. Examining the sociological production and the public policies analysis of public policies about the subject, we seek to relate, on the one hand, the theoretical perspectives that highlight the normative and cognitive elements linked to social norms and institutions, together with the critical theory and the concept of reconstruction normative; and, on the other hand, studies on the implementation of public policies that privilege the ideas and beliefs of the actors involved. Such approaches have allowed us to examine the process of implementation of Restorative Justice in the state, highlighting the main issues raised in the process and the way in which the "image of politics" was and is being reproduced by its advocates. By means of the analysis of the representations uttered by the agents interviewed throughout the field work, it was possible to perceive that the defense of Restorative Justice as an important public policy for the justice system covers two lines of discursive argumentation: a) an institutional one, which relates this methodology with the modernization and expansion of access to justice, as well as with the reduction of the procedural burden, b) another that considers it a more humanized, effective and dialogical proposal of justice.

O foco analítico deste trabalho se dá sob o olhar de um psicólogo inserido num programa de formação de facilitadores em práticas restaurativas. Diferentemente de formações dessa natureza e finalidade, a formação das Escolas de Perdão e Reconciliação convidam o educando a cumprir um deslocamento subjetivo por meio da prática do perdão, apoiando-o através de um espaço grupal acolhedor, catártico, linguageiro e reflexivo. Compreendendo o humano em suas quatro dimensões (comportamental, emocional, cognitiva e espiritual), as ESPERE provocam um espaço de tensão política ao aproximar a teoria e a prática do perdão à experiência de justiça. Com base na Educação Popular, a pedagogia do curso investe esforços no autocontrole e no apoio das relações humanas através de atividades plásticas, jogos e dinâmicas de grupo, fazendo com que as pessoas tenham, ao final, podido restaurar-se de um episódio violento de seu passado, experimentar essa nova relação com ele e querer multiplicála em sua prática como facilitador. Com a ajuda do outro, o participante do curso ainda promove a desconstrução de antigas verdades, reflete sobre as relações de poder dos conflitos, questiona-se quanto ao papel da vingança e da punição na sociedade e alfabetiza-se emocionalmente para se comunicar de modo assertivo. Isto cumpre consolidar práticas restaurativas informais para que possam seguir em direção à formalidade. Os capítulos do trabalho foram divididos da seguinte maneira: (1º) é feita uma explanação sobre as práticas restaurativas, seus valores e princípios, para levarmos em conta a hipótese destas estarem vinculadas a dois polos fundamentais que se apoiam: a exigência de uma repactuação social conseguida na radicalização do protagonismo dos envolvidos; (2º) fazemos um levantamento histórico-institucional do Centro de Direitos Humanos e Educação Popular de Campo Limpo (CDHEP) para que possamos situar as ESPERE dentro de um projeto de sociedade que a ONG empreende até os dias de hoje; (3º) abordamos a chegada das ESPERE no CDHEP como ponte fundamental para possibilitar a construção de uma Justiça Restaurativa independente e popular; (4º) reservado à descrição da formação das ESPERE e apontamentos para reflexão; (5º) são colocadas algumas contribuições e reflexões que articulam nossas experiências como educadores, retomando a hipótese e os apontamentos a fim de caracterizarmos as mudanças fundamentais da Justiça Restaurativa no que tange seus resultados, pressupostos, entendimentos e ética / This research is based on the outlook of a psychologist in a training program for facilitators in restorative practices. As opposed to other programs of this nature, the training programs of the Schools of Forgiveness and Reconciliation invite the students to create a subjective dislocation through the practice of forgiveness, supporting them in a welcoming, cathartic and reflexive group context. Understanding the human being in its fours dimensions (behavioral, emotional, cognitive and spiritual), the ESPERE schools create a context of political tension by uniting the theory and practice of forgiveness to the experience of justice. With its basis in Popular Education, the trainings theory is based in self-control and the support in human relations through artistic activities, games and group dynamics, in such a way that permits the participants to, in the end, restore themselves regarding a violent episode from their past, experience a new relationship with it, and pass this on as a facilitator. With the help of others, the participants achieve deconstruction of old truths, reflect about the power relations in conflicts, question themselves about the role of revenge and punition in society and build an emotional basis to communicate assertively. This consolidates informal restorative practices, in order to later move on to a formal approach. The chapters of this dissertation were divided as follows: (1st) an explanation about restorative practices, their values and principles, considering that these practices are linked to two main ideas, which support one another: a demand for social repactuation achieved by the radicalization of the empowerment of those involved. (2nd) The second chapter is a historical account of the institution Center for Human Rights and Popular Education of Campo Limpo (CDHEP), placing the ESPERE in the context of a project of society that the NGO continues to carry out to this day; (3rd) The third chapter addresses the arrival of the ESPERE at CDHEP as a fundamental bridge for the construction of an independent and popular Restorative Justice; (4th) The forth chapter is reserved for the description of the ESPERE training program and notes for reflection; (5th) In the fifth chapter contributions and reflections are put forth, which articulate our experiences as educators, and resume our hypothesis characterizing the main changes in Restorative Justice regarding results, assumptions, understandings and ethics

Resumé The study relates to the alternatives to unconditional sentence of imprisonment. The purpose of the study is to focus on the advantages and disadvantages of the alternative punishments and to discribe the application of chosen sentences in practise. The first part of my study is the introductory and defines basic terminology and institutes related to the topic. The second part looks at individual alternative punishments, coditions of their imposing and service of the sentences. The study is composed of six chapters. Chapter One explains the term punishment . It is subdivided into three parts. Part One defines the purpose of the punishment. Part Two briefly compares the absolute and the relative theory of the punishment and Part Three describes the principles of imposing the punishments. Chapter Two provides starting points of imposing the alternative punishments. This chapter consists of three parts. Part One is concerned with the restorative justice. Part Two explores the institutes of probation and mediation and Part Threee shows the advantages of the alternatives to unconditional sentence of imprisonment. Chapter Three deals with the alternative punishments. It is subdivided into four parts. Part One describes historical development of the alternative punishments. Part Two analyzes the aplication...

A presente pesquisa busca analisar o fenômeno do conflito humano, sintoma do mal-estar trabalhado por Freud, quando expresso através da agressividade, da violência, do ato infracional e da exclusão do diferente que, em níveis extremos, resulta no genocídio. A partir daí, interessa-nos a avaliação de um método alternativo para a resolução desses conflitos, a justiça restaurativa, cujo posicionamento diverso do sistema jurídico-penal vigente é aqui embasado pela criminologia crítica, de Alessandro Baratta. Temos como pano de fundo o estudo da biopolítica, representada pelos processos de normalização e práticas jurídicas descritos por Michel Foucault, sobremaneira influentes na constituição das subjetividades, e, especificamente, o contexto sociopolítico-econômico brasileiro, cujas particularidades determinam o crivo seletivo do sistema penal, que pune com maior rigor as camadas mais vulneráveis da população. Com o foco da pesquisa no ato infracional cometido pelo sujeito adolescente, abordamos o Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente, o qual, apesar de seu excelente texto e de já estar em vigor há vinte e um anos, parece resultar em processo similar de punição seletiva. Amparados pelas proposições de Giorgio Agamben, analisaremos situações onde o poder instaura um estado de exceção no qual as leis são suspensas em prol da autorização do extermínio, e o homem, destituído de sua condição humana e de seus direitos, não é mais visto como sujeito, senão enquanto vida que pode ser morta impunemente. Além de prisioneiros de campos de concentração, de acordo com o que originalmente propõe Agamben, influenciados pelo trabalho do psicanalista Paulo Endo, acreditamos que se aproximam dessa categoria os presidiários, tendo em vista as condições precárias em que se encontram subjugados, e os próprios adolescentes autores de ato infracional. Ambos encontram-se sob o jugo de um imaginário social de extrema intolerância, representado pelos clamores por uma segurança pública de “tolerância zero”. Realizamos uma leitura positiva acerca da violência e do ato antissocial, enxergando-os como denúncia, busca de reconhecimento, e, conforme propõe Winnicott, como resultado de privações e sinal de esperança. A justiça restaurativa, diante desse contexto, pode ser vista como espaço favorável a mudanças de perspectivas, da verticalidade para a horizontalidade, de uma cultura punitiva para uma cultura do diálogo, onde um sistema autoritário de resolução de conflitos dá lugar a um encontro no qual o conflito é devolvido àqueles a quem de fato pertence, possibilitando a visão do outro enquanto alteridade, e ainda a responsabilização e a restauração de um pacto social que fora rompido muito antes da ofensa em questão. No entanto, apesar da esperança que caracteriza nossas proposições, a pesquisa, embasada pela metodologia psicanalítica, tem como base duas asserções: um conflito original inconsciente, figurado pela pulsão de vida e pulsão de morte em incessante disputa no psiquismo, e a agressividade como inerente a todo o ser humano. Disso decorre que a paz que simboliza as aspirações utópico-projetistas será aqui questionada, abrindo a rasura de uma utopia iconoclasta, que busca, a partir da crítica do presente, a construção de outros porvires: um futuro que não podemos nomear e cujo formato não se pode enxergar. / This research examines the phenomenon of human conflict, a symptom of the malaise developed by Freud, as expressed through aggression, violence, criminal offenses and the exclusion of that which is divergent which, at extreme levels, results in genocide. From there, we are drawn to the study of an alternative method for resolving these conflicts – restorative justice – whose posture which differs from the current judicial penal system is based on the critical criminology of Alessandro Baratta. The backdrop for this study is biopolitics, represented by the processes of standardization and legal practices described by Michel Foucault, greatly influential in the formation of subjectivities, and, specifically, the social, political and economic context in Brazil, whose particular characteristics create the selective filter of the penal system, which punishes more vigorously the most vulnerable strata of the population. With the research focus on offenses committed by adolescents, we address the Statute of the Child and Adolescent, which, despite its excellent text and having been in force for twenty-one years, seems to result in a process similar to selective punishment. Supported by propositions from Giorgio Agamben, we will study situations where the government establishes a state of exception in which laws are suspended in favor of authorizing extermination, and man, stripped of his humanity and rights, is no longer seen as an individual, but as a life which can be taken away with impunity. Apart from prisoners in concentration camps, according to what Agamben originally proposed, we believe, as influenced by the work of psychoanalyst Paulo Endo, that inmates draw nigh to being in this category, taking into account the precarious conditions to which they are subjected, and the adolescents themselves who commit criminal offenses. We did a reading study about violence and antisocial acts, seeing them as a denunciation, a search for recognition, and, as Winnicott suggests, the result of deprivation and a sign of hope. Restorative justice, within this context, can be seen as a favorable milieu for a change of perspective, from verticality to horizontality, from a punitive culture to a culture of dialogue, where an authoritarian system for conflict resolution gives way to an encounter in which the conflict is bounced back to those to whom it actually belongs, making possible a vision of the other in terms of otherness, accountability and the restoration of a social pact that was broken long before the offense in question. However, despite the hope that characterizes our propositions, the research, grounded on psychoanalytic methodology, is based on two assertions: an original unconscious conflict, represented by the life instinct and death instinct in relentless competition in the psyche; and aggression as inherent to every human being. From this, the peace which symbolizes the aspirations of the utopian designers will be questioned here, making way for the removal of an iconoclastic utopianism, which seeks, on the basis of criticism of the present, the construction of another future: a future that cannot be denominated and whose format cannot be seen.

The purpose of this study is to identify the barriers to and facilitators of mental health services utilization among youth in the justice setting, and to explore ways to overcome these barriers and expand these facilitators. This qualitative study utilized focus groups as a means to extract themes among the perceptions of social workers on this topic. Results were transcribed to written form. Qualitative analysis procedures were followed to identify and label themes. A total of 473 statements are organized into 26 major themes with 18 sub‑themes. Suggestions for change under the agency/organizational category of domain three received the most overall discussion with 108 statements in all. The most discussed topics in the focus groups are quality of or improvements to services, which receives a total of 114 statements total, and punitive systems of care, which receives a total of 60 statements in all. Major suggestions for change made by participants include education and outreach for the public on mental health for juveniles, training on interventions and cultural competence for providers, and a shift from punitive to restorative for systems that justice youth interact with, to include schools, courts, probation, and law enforcement.

Alternative disciplinary strategies for K-12 educational institutions have been gaining popularity around the globe for challenging the epidemic of suspensions and expulsions that foster unsafe school climates and position youth on the pipeline-to-prison. This study used a qualitative approach to investigate Restorative Practices (RP) an innovative, alternative approach to discipline that appears to make a difference in New Zealand schools. The purpose of this intrinsic case study was to gain qualitative insight from twelve experienced professionals in RP in New Zealand into an approach that appears to transform school cultures and helps students remain in school and continue learning. The data collected from participants included their perspectives on the purpose and significance of the RP approach and offered insight into the implementation process and suggestions for long lasting sustainability. Participants also stressed how harsh disciplinary policies can impede positive school climates, which ultimately in large measure shape our society. Furthermore, it has been well documented that punitive practices, such as zero-tolerance are largely responsible for the enormous number of suspensions and expulsions that disproportionately impact primarily students with disabilities and students of color. California and other states around the US are currently using the RP model to address problems. The approach has been noted in this study as a paradigm shift in school culture that largely depends on leadership buy-in and effective implementation for success. The objective of this study was to investigate the purpose and significance of the RP for schools using qualitative methods to conduct twelve in-depth interviews of professionals with significant experience of RP in the region of Auckland, New Zealand. Findings from this study suggested that RP is a useful approach for attending to relational harm, which threatens to breakdown social structures in educational institutions. RP was also found to strengthen relationships, improve classroom and school climates and cultures and build social capital. Findings also indicated that RP shifts the power dynamic in the classroom, empowering students by enabling voice and agency, while improving teacher-student relationships, known to help narrow achievement gaps. Moreover, findings showed that RP teaches students valuable life skills, enabling them make better decisions, have healthier relationships, and be positive contributors to society. Finally, the findings suggested that RP repositions education significantly amounting to a huge revolution that can potentially change the future of education. Astute educational leaders and institutions around the globe recognize the need for systemic transformation. New Zealand is highlighted in this study as the leading country for RP in schools worldwide, as it has experienced transformative success with this approach so far.

The harmful effects of exclusionary disciplinary practices, including its disproportionate impact on Black students, have led to calls for school discipline reform at both the national and state levels. Many have called for the dissolution of zero-tolerance policies and the adoption of alternative methods that can ameliorate their harmful impact. Two reform efforts that have been proffered to address this issue center on school climate and restorative justice (RJ). This study focused on narrow aspects of both: Authoritative School Climate (ASC) and restorative justice readiness (RJR). RJR is defined as the measure of beliefs aligned with foundational RJ principles and values concerning harm, needs, obligations, and engagement. Such alignment can potentially lead to increased buy-in and willingness to implement RJ practices. While a large portion of the RJ literature focuses on implementation of RJ practices, researchers have indicated the challenge of successfully implementing and sustaining RJ in schools where there is a lack of buy-in or staff alignment with the principles and values of RJ. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between Authoritative School Climate, as measured by Disciplinary Structure and Student Support, and the construct Restorative Justice Readiness. A secondary purpose of the study was to develop a reliable instrument that could be used to measure both. A quantitative methodology was chosen for this study. A survey comprised of tested and original items was administered to high school staff at twelve high schools in the Inland Valley of Southern California and yielded a sample of 126. Multiple analyses were conducted. Findings revealed statistically significant relationships between items in each subscale; a five-factor solution, statistically significant relationships between Restorative Justice Readiness and both Disciplinary Structure and Student Support; and finally, that Disciplinary Structure and Student Support were predictors of Restorative Justice Readiness. To turn the tide and create more equitable schools, leaders must work to reform current discipline policies and practices. RJ and school climate are two ways to do so. It is important to ensure staff values and beliefs align with these reform efforts before implementation to increase the likelihood of implementation fidelity and sustainability.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is an extremely prevalent and concerning social issue, with limited current intervention and prevention strategies. Batterer intervention programs (BIPs) have demonstrated some small effects of programs in reducing offender recidivism, however there is a growing understanding that not all offenders respond similarly to batterer intervention and the problem of IPV persists. Restorative justice programs including impact panels may be an important addition to BIPs, but research is extremely limited on impact panel effectiveness and whether panels are appropriate for IPV or pose additional safety risks to survivors. The current study consists of a naturalistic mixed-methods evaluation of the use of IPV impact panels in the context of batterer intervention. Data collection methods include an ethnographic inquiry of the program setting and participant experiences, archival data analysis of offender responses to the panel (N = 287), and focus groups (k = 4) with survivors, offenders, and BIP providers to investigate the panel's impact on survivors and offenders and generate potential indicators of panel outcomes for survivors and offenders. Findings suggest that panel impacts on survivors include reaching new understandings, healing, and empowerment; panel impacts on offenders include connection with survivor speakers, reaching new understandings, and healing. Implications, limitations, and future aims of this program of research are discussed.

The rise in the number of Black, male, incarcerated, rural youth and the retributive juvenile justice system is a prominent problem in the United States, creating a revolving door for youth in conflict with the law. Restorative justice is an alternative approach that diverts youth from court and focus on rehabilitation, but lacks sufficient experiential evidence from those involved in the process to support broader implementation. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of restorative justice arbitrators and the role they play in facilitating resolution of youth criminal charges in a rural setting in a southern U.S. state. The research question asked how restorative justice arbitrators perceive and explain their roles, and successes and failures of a restorative justice process with Black male rural youth. The theoretical framework for the study was Braithwaite's reintegrative shaming, which posits the significance of the immediate family and community in rehabilitation. In this multicase study, research data were collected from semistructured interviews of 4 rural restorative justice arbitrators and analyzed using content analysis. Themes that emerged from the analysis were: the key role of rural community involvement in holding youths accountable to victims for their actions, preventing youths from developing a criminal record, and redirecting youth away from incarceration and more toward the community wellbeing. These findings contribute to social change by informing those working with youth crime about implications for the field of restorative justice specifically related to the opportunity for communities to provide benefits not only for juvenile offenders but also for victims and the community as a whole.

Domestic violence impacts millions of Americans annually and, in spite of the use of rehabilitative programs, recidivism in domestic violence continues to be more likely than in any other offense. To date, batterer intervention programs (BIPs) have not proven to be consistently impactful in reducing recidivism in cases of domestic violence. The purpose of this quasi-experimental, quantitative study was to examine differences in recidivism for first-time male domestic violence offenders who have participated in a BIP and a more recently developed alternative: victim-offender mediation (VOM). The theories of restorative justice and reintegrative shaming frame this study to determine if offenders take accountability for their actions and face the victim in mediation, there can be a reduction in recidivism. Archival data from records of first-time male, domestic violence offenders, between the ages of 18 and 30, who participated in either a VOM or BIP in a county in the Midwest were examined for recidivism 24-months postintervention, and analyzed with an ANCOVA analysis while controlling for age. The findings revealed no significant difference in recidivism for first-time male offenders 24-months post participation in a BIP or a VOM intervention while controlling for age F (1,109) =.081, p = .777. The findings provide support for the notion that restorative justice interventions may be an additional intervention used in cases of domestic violence deemed appropriate for the intervention. The findings from this study can add to the body of research examining interventions to address the high recidivism in cases of domestic violence, which impacts victims, offenders, and communities.