What does it look like for leaders to embody the work of restorative justice, in an effort to affect change within systems? How do we ensure that “how” we show up to create change is aligned with ‘what’ we are trying to shift? Can we generate buy-in, inspire action, and transform organizational culture by modeling […]
How can restorative justice services be reliably safe and accountable to our own principles? While for some, creating “standards” in restorative justice seems like an effective path forward to ensuring good practice, concepts of “standards” and “standardization” are tricky! These terms bring up important issues of hierarchy, power, privilege, and worldview. Who sets the standards, […]
In October 2021, I was nervous, thrilled and honored to be invited to share on the “The Cultures United Podcast”. I was in dialogue with Jemma and Mista B—two individuals with diverse experiences who had a ton of great questions about restorative justice. Some of those questions included: How are your values and beliefs around […]
Across North America, there has been a recent and significant push to expand access to restorative justice processes for justice system-involved community members. In Oregon, the aim has been to provide true diversion (limited system involvement and community-based) for more serious and violent crimes. This expansion has also cultivated a push for stronger and more […]
This practical guide created for restorative justice leaders and practitioners has been one of the most wide-reaching projects Just Outcomes has had the opportunity to lead. Funded by the Government of Canada and commissioned by the Alberta Restorative Justice Association, this Guide provides research to back up the practical navigation skills for how to align […]
We are so happy to share an article that highlights Catherine Bargen and Aaron Lyons’ work in partnership with Peace of the Circle! Together the team has been exploring the benefits and strengths of restorative justice, and are looking ahead to how it can influence, inform, and complement Vancouver’s justice system. This article speaks to […]
Whether in our roles as parents, co-workers, employees, or teachers, many of us are affected by bullying behavior. How do we, as bystanders and supporters, be of help in these situations – and might we set the conditions in motion that make bullying less likely in the first place? Last week, I was at the […]
Last month, I attended the Ending Violence Association of British Columbia’s (EVA BC’s) annual forum, “Supporting Survivors Across the Years.” I have worked alongside the Victim Services sector for almost a decade, so there were many familiar faces. But the conversations have changed. When I introduce myself, saying, “Hi, I’m Catherine and a lot of […]
Most people would agree that the criminal justice system needs to change in some way. The restorative justice (RJ) movement offers an approach to justice reform for both youth and adults that values repair and relationship over punishment and isolation when dealing with the aftermath of crime, and research is showing its positive effects and support […]