Restorative practices exist on a continuum, from those that prevent relational rupture to those that respond when conflict arises or harm happens. DSC offers services and spaces along this entire continuum.
Restorative justice (RJ) is a restorative practice centering on a particular incident of harm, addressing the needs of people who have been harmed and giving space for people who caused harm can take accountability and offer repair. DSC facilitates RJ processes in criminal cases referred from Orange County courts.
The RJ process is an opportunity for the person harmed and the person who caused the harm, with their supporters and community members, to talk about the incident of harm through a facilitated, confidential conversation. All participants work together to create an agreement for how the person who caused harm can take responsibility for their actions.
RJ can be used in any situation involving harm between people; no harm is too serious for RJ.
RJ is always voluntary, and a person who has been harmed can participate in an RJ process even if they do not want to have contact with the person who harmed them.
Attorneys wishing to refer a case should contact Elizabeth Hambourger and fill out our online RJ referral form
We regularly host community listening circles, webinars, and workshops and we’d love you to join us.
