Restorative justice promotes fundamental change within the criminal justice system and schools by responding to crime and wrongdoing through safety for the community, support and healing for victims and accountability and reintegration of the offender.

The Restorative Justice Project of The Mid Coast is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 2005. It operates with a small staff and 150 volunteers in five counties, Hancock, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc and Waldo. RJP incorporates its philosophy through youth and adult programs. The youth programs include Community Resolution Conferencing and Restorative School Practices and for the adult program, The Maine Coastal Regional Reentry Center and Court Deferred Disposition. Trained volunteer mentors are provided to both juvenile and adult offenders.

The restorative philosophy seeks to repair the harm caused by crime and wrong doing by addressing victims' needs, holding offenders accountable for their actions, and engaging the community in the justice process. Rooted in a grounding philosophy that fosters a transformative process for individuals and the community they are a part of by emphasizing connection. Based on the belief that through connection, not exclusion, balance can be restored when harm is done. This approach relies on the faith that people have it within themselves to move through conflict when given a safe space and an opportunity for authentic communication.

Restorative justice is a victim centered process that addresses harm caused to individuals and the community. This is accomplished by bringing together those affected by a crime in a facilitated process to work through the issues that were a result of the crime and to determine what steps are necessary to repair the harm done. This process has proven successful for both victims and offenders. Looking at data collected from over 150 community resolution circles, victims reported a 98 percent satisfaction rate that justice was achieved and their needs were met through the restorative process. One hundred percent reported being satisfied that they were treated fairly during the process. For offenders, 92 percent successfully completed their repair agreements; 93.7 percent would recommend the restorative conferencing to another person in the same situation. Since the project began in 2005, participants in the restorative conferencing program have contributed more than 5,500 hours of community service and paid more than $50,000 in restitution

Restorative justice offers hope to both victims and offenders through safety and accountability and by strengthening the community through the restorative process. The Restorative Justice Project of The Mid Coast works closely with a divergent population often struggling with issues including substance abuse, mental health, and poverty. Through the support of Mentors and staff, RJP can help these individuals access appropriate resources of support while working through the restorative process.

For more information about The Restorative Justice Project of The Mid Coast, visit our website, http://www.rjpmidcoast.org or contact the office by phone (207) 338-2742 or email info@rjpmidcoast.org