What is the purpose of restorative circles in Youth Court?

Restorative circles in Youth Court serve primarily to facilitate open dialogue among the involved parties, including offenders, victims, and community members. This approach emphasizes communication and understanding rather than punishment. The primary goal is to allow all participants to share their perspectives, feelings, and experiences related to the offense, fostering empathy and promoting healing.

Through this dialogue, offenders can better comprehend the impact of their actions on victims and the community, which can lead to a greater sense of accountability and responsibility. This process often results in collaborative solutions and agreements that address the needs and concerns of both the victim and the offender, aiming to restore relationships affected by the crime.

The other options, such as expediting the court process or gathering evidence, do not align with the primary focus of restorative circles, which is on healing and dialogue rather than a punitive approach or a procedural efficiency.