Partners in Restorative Initiatives

Description

Partners in Restorative Initiatives (formerly Finger Lakes Restorative Justice Center) was incorporated as a 501c3 charity in 2002 to promote the principles and practices of restorative justice in the nine-county Genesee/Finger Lakes Region. We serve individuals who have been harmed, individuals causing the harm, and community members affected by harmful incidents; Organizations and institutions with responsibility for responding to harmed persons and those causing the harm; Communities seeking peaceful and healthy ways to handle and forestall dispute and conflict. On the micro level, the Center facilitates face-to-face circles and conferences with persons who have been harmed, persons who have caused the harm, and stakeholders from the community in which the harm occurred. Picture, for example, a crime victim speaking directly to an offender about how they were impacted by a crime and the offender apologizing, accepting responsibility for his actions, and making restitution -- rather than going to court. On the mezzo level, PiRI works with organizations and institutions to establish internal restorative justice programs. For example, the State School at Industry recently hired a full-time staff person to conduct restorative justice circles with juvenile offenders, their families, and community stakeholders. These circles operate both during institutionalization and after a juvenile returns to the community, thus forming a support network that dramatically reduces recidivism. On the macro level, the Center uses restorative justice principles to proactively work for peaceful and healthy communities. Picture a community beset with crime and disorder problems in which monthly peacemaking circles are held. These circles are comprised of community residents who discuss the crime and public safety problems that they are confronting in a manner that results in informal and collective problem solving. Collective efficacy and increased social capital are promoted when such activities take place.