According to the United Nations, restorative justice is a framework that involves the victim, the offender, and the community in seeking solutions to the effects of the conflict generated by the criminal act. It aims to promote reparation of the harm, reconciliation between the parties, and strengthening the collective sense of security.
Since 2009, ASAI and Terremondo have implemented restorative justice interventions. A collaboration was born between the Public Prosecutor’s Office at the Juvenile Court of Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta, the Turin Municipal Community Policing Unit, and ASAI due to our well-established experience in preventing criminal behavior in minors. The collaboration was later formalized in 2012 with a memorandum of understanding that is still in force today. The purpose of the agreement is to experiment with alternative paths to traditional criminal processes for minors between the ages of 14 and 18 who are offenders and their victims, with the involvement of the community.
From experience in the criminal justice field, the need to be present within the schools themselves became clear. Schools are the primary place where juveniles gather and form relationships and, thus, where they most often commit crimes. Being in schools allows for the prevention of crimes and the general dissemination of a culture of restorative justice.
A restorative justice training program for secondary school teachers and students began in 2016. The program then devised and formalized an intervention plan in various primary and secondary schools, offering alternative pathways to disciplinary suspension using a restorative approach.
Processes for Reparation
Processes for juvenile offenders and their victims, consolidated through the project RICOMINCIAMO (LET’S START OVER) managed by ASAI, Terremondo, the Turin Municipal Community Policing Unit, and the Public Prosecutor’s Office at the Juvenile Court of Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta, and the Turin Center for Mediation.
Processes in Schools
In cooperation with secondary schools, ASAI designs and implements various restorative processes as an alternative to disciplinary suspension, using our experience in the field of criminal justice. This makes it possible to work preventatively against the commission of crimes and to prepare educational interventions aimed at making children aware of and take responsibility for the consequences of their behavior. At the same time, it provides the space for victims (peers, teachers, school workers, families) to participate and be acknowledged and creates a dialogue between the adults responsible for the children involved. In addition, there are ongoing training courses for students and teachers, with workshops for raising awareness of conflict resolution.
Education and Training
There are training courses aimed at guardians, volunteers, and workers on restorative justice methodology, with the support of experts in the field.
Active Community Engagement
The families of offenders and victims, classmates, citizens, area associations, and institutions take ownership of the conflict and its resolution.
Creation of Networks
Networks are formed by community centers, schools, and public and private entities, all working together to create a restorative culture.
Round Tables
Meetings and discussion spaces between school leaders, law enforcement, the Public Prosecutor’s Office and area associations.
Support
Support is available to institutions and associations interested in initiating restorative processes.
