What Is Restorative Justice?

I believe Restorative Justice is the best ADR form suited for criminal justice. Restorative Justice primarily focuses on rehabilitating offenders through the reconciliation of victims and the community. Secondly, Restorative Justice is more appropriate for misdemeanors and minor offenses (substance abuse, traffic offenses and theft) due to the minimal sentencing. Once the offender has been reentered back into society he should be given the opportunity to right the wrong he has done to his victim through community service, an apology or repayment. If someone drives while under the influence of alcohol he should be ordered to volunteer with an advocacy organization (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) as a part of the terms and conditions of his sentencing.
Further, if a woman is pregnant and abuses opioids she should be ordered to volunteer in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) as a part of the terms and conditions to obtain visitation or to reinstate permanent custody. Volunteering will allow the offender an opportunity to learn how their actions has affected their victims (death or injuries), families and the communities. I believe no one is perfect and people learn by doing (volunteering) so this would help promote awareness, reconciliation and reassurance. I believe when people began to treat each other with empathy and take the time to understand the psychological well-being of others they will began to identify why people participate in criminal activities this will open the door to rehabilitation, healing and crime deterrence.