Restorative justice is a victim-centered approach to justice that utilizes community-based, restorative resolutions in the aftermath of a crime in order to foster healing for victims and accountability for those responsible for the harm. Instead of using a traditional criminal justice system response, restorative justice focuses on the needs of the communities most impacted by the harm that was caused, starting with the victim, while at the same time yielding more meaningful accountability from the person who created the harm.

Restorative justice programs create safer outcomes for communities and also lead to enhanced feelings of safety and satisfaction for participating victims and survivors.

Restorative Roots Project

Through a grant from the Criminal Justice Commission, MCDA partnered with The Insight Alliance to create the Restorative Roots Project – a restorative justice program in Multnomah County. Using trained facilitators, the program brings together the responsible person, the person harmed, and impacted community members into an accountability process that heals, builds, and strengthens relationships in the community.

Restorative Roots Brochure

Eligibility

General eligibility requirements for the restorative justice program are as follows. Once someone is determined eligible, they will undergo a suitability screening for the program.

1. Cases for which the DDA would otherwise pursue indictment and prosecution.
2. Robbery I, Robbery II, or Assault II must be the most serious charge alleged.
3. Cases where there is an identifiable person harmed.
4. Cases within MCDA’s exclusive jurisdiction.
5. Criminal history, on its own, will not disqualify anyone from participating in RJ.