How is the success of a restorative justice approach typically measured?

The success of a restorative justice approach is typically measured by the quality of relationships and community rebuilding because this methodology focuses on repairing harm and restoring relationships rather than simply punishing offenders. Restorative justice seeks to engage all stakeholders—victims, offenders, and the community—in a dialogue aimed at understanding the impacts of behavior and fostering accountability and healing.

By measuring the quality of relationships, practitioners can assess improvements in trust, respect, and collaboration among individuals involved in conflicts. This emphasis on building a supportive community creates an environment where individuals feel valued and connected, which can lead to a decrease in future conflicts and an overall healthier atmosphere in schools or communities.

In contrast, measuring success through the number of disciplinary actions taken, student test scores alone, or the frequency of conflicts does not align with the restorative justice philosophy. Those methods focus more on punitive measures or academic performance, rather than the relational dynamics essential to the restorative process.