Crime and Reconciliation describes the original setting in the United States where contemporary restorative justice practices first took root. Having worked with the Indiana-based Prisoner and Community Together program (PACT), which eventually advocated for healing dialogue between offending and victimized parties along with family and community members, Mark Umbreit received firsthand experience, which, ten years later, he wrote about in this early classic. In the face of overcrowded jails and a nation with the highest per capita prison population in the world, the author presents a viable alternative to the tough “law and order” approach. Casework examples are plentiful in chapters which also conclude with study guide questions for discussion groups. Written in 1985, students of the history of modern restorative justice will appreciate the wide vision held by the pioneering practitioners who laid the foundations for a peacemaking movement that is now worldwide. This book also highlights how church communities played a key role, through independent ministries of reconciliation, in fostering the early growth of restorative work. And yet, the phrase “restorative justice” will not be found in this entire book, as it still took a few more years for that term to be popularized.
Forgiveness is a profound, life-changing experience for many people who have been hurt by others. But forgiveness is paradoxical in that if one relies on forgiveness language or if others prescribe it as an expectation, the depth of that experience can be significantly compromised. By the same token, many people experience deep forgiveness without ever using the language of forgiveness. Most of the stories in this book testify to how forgiveness is experienced primarily as an inner unburdening of negative emotions, a process that is aided by safe, facilitated dialogue with the offending party. New research on the benefits of forgiveness is on the rise these days, yet there is often little narrative to show the power of forgiveness. The authors present more than twelve case studies that led up to restorative dialogue processes where parties chose to meet together. Whether the case involves the murder of a loved one, a burglary, or the buildup of workplace tensions, a common pattern emerges: as both parties encounter the true humanity of the other person, the negative energy stemming from the offense is transformed into a positive energy that gives both parties a deep inner peace and new freedom.
Drawing upon real-life stories from his extensive restorative justice work in many countries and cultures, Dr. Mark Umbreit illuminates the power we all have to make profound shifts in the troubles that rob our lives of zest, joy, meaning, and fulfillment. Using personal stories of anguish, trauma, and woundedness, Umbreit demonstrates again and again how he and others have transformed the toxicity of violation into its life-giving properties through restorative practices and facilitated dialogue.
Written by Mark Umbreit, internationally known for his work in restorative justice, this indispensable resource offers an empirically grounded, state-of-the-art analysis of the application and impact of victim offender mediation, a movement that has spread throughout North America and abroad. The Handbook of Victim Offender Mediation provides practical guidance and resources for offering victim meditation in property crimes, in minor assaults, and, more recently, with crimes of severe violence, including with family members of murder victims who request to meet the offender.
Although Restorative Justice Dialogue is not a long text, it is an impressive achievement. Each chapter is rich in content, as Umbreit and Armour blend theory, practice, empirical research, and case studies to discuss a range of topics from specific models of restorative justice to the role of facilitators in restorative justice dialogue." --PsycCRITIQUES "Restorative Justice Dialogue presents a thorough and comprehensive explanation and assessment of the current state of restorative justice in the world." --Journal of Social Work Values and Ethics "[A]n evidence-based description of the history, practices, and future of restorative dialogue that is informed by the values and principles of law, social work, and spirituality. This is an impressive achievement." --Daniel W. Van NessPrison Fellowship International, Washington, DC "I know of no other book that provides such a complete review of the various and emerging restorative practices and the phenomenal growth of this movement worldwide." --David Karp, PhDSkidmore College "The combination of two outstanding and widely recognized restorative justice researchers, practitioners, and authors has produced a text that is destined to be a major resource." --Katherine Van Wormer, PhDUniversity of Northern Iowa This book provides a comprehensive foundation for understanding restorative justice and its application worldwide to numerous social issues. Backed by reviews of empirical research and case examples, the authors describe the core restorative justice practices, including victim-offender mediation, family group conferencing, and peacemaking circles, as well as cultural considerations, emerging variations in a wide variety of settings, and the crucial role of the facilitator. Together, authors Umbreit and Armour bring the latest empirical research and clinical wisdom to those invested in the research and practice of restorative justice. Key topics: Spiritual components of restorative justice Victim-offender mediation Family group conferencing Peacemaking circles Victim-offender dialogue in crimes of severe violence Dimensions of culture in restorative justice Humanistic mediation Application to domestic violence, higher education, and incarceration
Conflict is a normal and predictable part of life. How we respond to it, however, determines whether or not the conflict will be destructive. 'Mediating Interpersonal Conflicts' is an up-to-date presentation showing how the techniques of negotiation and mediation can be applied in resolving a wide range of conflicts in families, communities, schools, and workplaces. Dr. Umbreit not only clearly outlines the communication, negotiation, and mediation skills involved in effective resolution of interpersonal conflict, he moves the reader beyond the mechanics of mediation to what he calls a journey of the heart through a humanistic mediation model that addresses the emotional context of the conflict.
Evaluates pioneering programs that employ mediation/dialogue techniques in homicide, rape, and other cases involving extreme violence. It documents the positive impact that these programs have had not only on the lives of victims and offenders, but also on restitution payments, recidivism, and costs.
A groundbreaking book founded on extensive original research, designed to determine how restorative dialogue works, and the role of forgiveness within it. The research involved interviews with 20 victims who went through a Victim Offender Dialogue (used in crimes of severe violence), and documents how the shifts in energy during the course of their dialogue moves the toxicity associated with the crime to a different place. This study explores the role of bilateral forgiveness in restorative work and addresses key questions about the role of forgiveness in restorative justice, such as how it can be measured. It also outlines a model which explains how the energy flow of dyadic forgiveness in restorative justice dialogue is formed. Rich in data and in findings, this book will deepen understanding of how restorative justice works, and will inform future research and practice in the field.
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