What is Restorative Justice?
With the goal of giving back to the people of the state, Missourians in state correctional centers perform volunteer work and complete projects to support nonprofit agencies. Cultivating Restorative Justice Gardens at adult institutions, each season offenders, with staff oversight and assistance, grow approximately 100 tons of fresh produce for donation to local food banks, shelters, schools and other organizations. In partnership with Missouri animal shelters, offenders participating in the Puppies for Parole program train and socialize thousands of rescue dogs in preparation for adoption by Missouri households. Every year offenders and staff hold fundraisers to provide school supplies to low-resource kids and give aid to people affected by natural disasters.
Through restorative justice initiatives, offenders serve fellow citizens and strengthen social bonds that serve as the foundation of communities. Offender-volunteers sew and donate handmade quilts, including weighted quilts for people on the autism spectrum and fidget quilts for people with Alzheimer’s disease. They refurbish used bicycles for donation to people who need them. They knit tiny hats for premature newborn babies at area hospitals. They create handcrafted woodwork projects such as birdhouses and children’s furniture. They make backpacks and overnight bags for foster children. They produce educational materials and coloring books for preschool programs. All projects are donated to nonprofit organizations for their own use, for distribution to citizens, or for fundraising auctions.
Probation and Parole Restorative Justice Programs
Community Service: Many offenders are ordered to complete a set amount of community service hours as partial repayment of the debt that has occurred from their criminal behavior. Offenders are assigned to non-profit or tax-supported agencies where the work performed serves public needs.
Reparation Boards: Reparation Boards (also known as Neighborhood Accountability Boards) are comprised of diverse groups of citizens, who serve as the face and voice of the community. Board members meet with the offenders on a regular basis. Through innovative and creative intervention plans, the offender is held accountable while repairing the harm to victims and communities.
Restitution and Crime Victim Compensation Fund: Many offenders are ordered by the court to pay financial restitution to their victims as well as payments to the Crime Victim Compensation Fund (CVCF). Probation and Parole Officers monitor the offenders compliance with court-ordered financial obligations.
Victim Impact Statements: All crime victims have an opportunity to provide information outlining what impact the crime has had on their lives through the court reports prepared by Probation and Parole staff. All identifiable victims are encouraged to provide a statement for the court, which may include physical and/or psychological harm and financial loss.
Impact of Crime on Victims Classes
Offenders participate in Impact of Crime on Victims classes throughout the state. The 40-hour curriculum provides victims with a safe and structured environment to talk about the impact of crime on their lives. Classes help offenders develop a sensitivity toward victims and help prevent further victimization. Offenders are expected to develop respect for the rights of others and to be held accountable for their behavior. Each of the 10 classes covers a different topic including:
- Overview of victimization
- Property crimes;
- Child and elder abuse;
- Domestic violence;
- Assault;
- Sexual assault;
- Drunk driving;
- Robbery;
- Drugs; and
- Homicide.
Since its inception, more than 50,000 offenders have successfully completed the program.
Restorative Justice
2729 Plaza Drive
Jefferson City, MO 65102
573-526-1664
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