What is restorative justice in the context of Youth Court?

Restorative justice in the context of Youth Court emphasizes repairing harm and fostering reconciliation among all parties involved in a conflict, particularly the victim, the offender, and the community. This approach acknowledges the impact of the offense on the victim and aims to address their needs while also holding the offender accountable in a constructive manner. Rather than focusing solely on punishment, restorative justice seeks to create an opportunity for dialogue and understanding, allowing offenders to comprehend the consequences of their actions and to make amends directly to those they have harmed. Through this process, the goal is to restore relationships and reintegrate the offender positively into the community, rather than alienating them.

In contrast, the other options revolve around punitive measures or the removal of accountability, which is not in alignment with the principles of restorative justice. For example, focusing on punishment does not facilitate healing for victims or encourage rehabilitation for offenders. Isolating the offender from the community could exacerbate feelings of alienation and hinder their ability to reintegrate afterwards. Furthermore, removing legal consequences undermines accountability and fails to address the needs of those affected by the offense, which conflicts with the restorative approach of taking responsibility and making reparations.