3 Ways Organizations React to the Challenge of Restorative Justice

Reimagining justice and relationships within organizations requires a change process. Accordingly, as we find ourselves in conversations with our clients and partners about justice, we’re also involved in a parallel conversation about organizational change. There is a lot to be learned about organizational change, and the inevitable resistance to it, with plenty of valuable information […]

The Culture of Restorative Justice (The Cultures United Podcast)

In October 2021, I was nervous, thrilled and honored to be invited to share on the “The Cultures United Podcast”.  I was in dialogue with Jemma and Mista B—two individuals with diverse experiences who had a ton of great questions about restorative justice.  Some of those questions included: How are your values and beliefs around […]

Establishing Community-System Partnerships

Across North America, there has been a recent and significant push to expand access to restorative justice processes for justice system-involved community members. In Oregon, the aim has been to provide true diversion (limited system involvement and community-based) for more serious and violent crimes. This expansion has also cultivated a push for stronger and more […]

Serving Crime Victims Through Restorative Justice

Serving Crime Victims Through Restorative Justice: A Resource Guide for Leaders and Practitioners

This practical guide created for restorative justice leaders and practitioners has been one of the most wide-reaching projects Just Outcomes has had the opportunity to lead. Funded by the Government of Canada and commissioned by the Alberta Restorative Justice Association, this Guide provides research to back up the practical navigation skills for how to align […]

Ground-Breaking Roundtable on Restorative Justice and Gender-Based Violence in BC

We are thrilled to announce that the results of our project “Restorative Justice and Gender-Based Violence: Revisiting the Conversation in British Columbia” are now available! Just Outcomes was privileged to partner with the Ending Violence Association of BC to design, coordinate and facilitate a round table of restorative justice, gender-based violence, and Indigenous and immigrant […]

Cutting Edge Developments in Restorative Justice in Vancouver BC

We are so happy to share an article that highlights Catherine Bargen and Aaron Lyons’ work in partnership with Peace of the Circle! Together the team has been exploring the benefits and strengths of restorative justice, and are looking ahead to how it can influence, inform, and complement Vancouver’s justice system. This article speaks to […]

Who’s Driving the RJ Bus? Race, Equity and Standards in Restorative Justice

It’s uncomfortable talking about privilege, power, control and race within a movement dedicated to justice. We want to believe we’re doing good! But I am convinced that achieving the potential of our movement will start with some reckoning. I don’t have answers, but I hope the experiences shared here will provide some food for thought […]

Restorative Justice and Sexualized Violence – New Conversations Emerging

Last month, I attended the Ending Violence Association of British Columbia’s (EVA BC’s) annual forum, “Supporting Survivors Across the Years.” I have worked alongside the Victim Services sector for almost a decade, so there were many familiar faces. But the conversations have changed. When I introduce myself, saying, “Hi, I’m Catherine and a lot of […]

Restorative Justice: a Framework for Juvenile Justice

“Restorative justice is a response to a harmful incident that seeks the inclusion of all involved, in efforts to meaningfully address the harm and restore trust in relationships.” – Just Outcomes There is a growing movement within the United States to establish an equitable and dignified criminal justice system that aligns with human needs and […]

Restorative Justice vs. Conflict Resolution: Assessing for Intervention

While “restorative justice” and “conflict resolution” both deal with issues of crisis in relationship, these disciplines differ somewhat in their basic assumptions, language, and goals. Discerning and choosing the discipline or “frame” best suited to the crisis at hand helps preserve the well-being of all parties, as well as societal and organizational ethics. Definitions and […]