The Transformational Prison Project, in partnership with Legacy Lives On, has been selected to provide Restorative Justice (RJ) intervention for the Massachusetts Executive Office of the Trial Courts (MTC). This project is being piloted with the support of the Supreme Judicial Court Committee on Restorative Justice.
The Restorative Justice Pilot Program offers a unique, survivor-centered approach to resolving criminal cases within the Massachusetts court system. This initiative provides a compassionate alternative to traditional legal proceedings, focusing on healing, accountability, and community engagement.
The Restorative Justice Pilot Program offers a unique, survivor-centered approach to resolving criminal cases within the Massachusetts court system. This initiative provides a compassionate alternative to traditional legal proceedings, focusing on healing, accountability, and community engagement.
How it Works
The program facilitates a structured dialogue between harmed parties, responsible parties, and community members. Through a series of RJ circles, participants explore the impact of harm, understand its underlying causes and trauma, and collaboratively develop a plan for repair and accountability. The goal is to foster healing, promote personal responsibility, and reduce recidivism.
Key Features
- Survivor-Centered Process: Prioritizing the needs and voices of those harmed.
- Voluntary Participation: All parties must consent to engage in the RJ process.
- Confidentiality: Ensuring a safe and protected environment for open discussion.
- Holistic Healing: Addressing the emotional, psychological, and social impacts of harm.
Benefits
Participants in the Restorative Justice Pilot Program gain an opportunity to resolve their case in a way that promotes healing and accountability: Harmed parties have an opportunity to express their needs and receive validation, responsible parties take responsibility and begin to make amends, and the community can strengthen its fabric through collective involvement.
Get Involved
If you're interested in participating or learning more about the program, please contact us. Whether you are a survivor seeking closure, a responsible party seeking support in navigating accountability, a judge or attorney with a case referral, or a community member looking to support restorative justice, your involvement can make a difference.
Contact Us
For more information or to inquire about eligibility, please reach out to our Restorative Justice team at [email protected].
Together, we can create a more just and compassionate community, one conversation at a time.
Together, we can create a more just and compassionate community, one conversation at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
We know you have a lot of questions! Please take a look at the FAQ, below. If these do not answer your question, please contact us.
Who can participate?
The pilot program is available in the Boston Municipal Court, Roxbury District Court, Brockton District Court, and the Superior Courts in Suffolk and Plymouth Counties.
Eligibility is determined based on consent from all involved parties, including the responsible and harmed parties. No criminal charges will be categorically ineligible.
Eligibility is determined based on consent from all involved parties, including the responsible and harmed parties. No criminal charges will be categorically ineligible.
Is participation in the program voluntary?
Yes, participation in the Restorative Justice Pilot Program is entirely voluntary. Both the responsible party and the harmed party must agree to take part, and each party can withdraw from the process at any time without penalty.
What if the other party does not agree to participate?
For the program to proceed, all involved parties—including the prosecutor and any named victims—must consent to the defendant’s participation. If any party does not agree at the outset of the referral, the case will continue through the traditional court process.
What happens if I decide to withdraw from the program?
This process isn't for everyone. And if you choose not to continue, it cannot be used against you. No negative assumptions will be made if you decide not to continue.
If the harmed party chooses not to participate, the process can still proceed with surrogate survivors representing their interests. However, participation is essential for achieving the program’s goals.
If the responsible party decides to withdraw from the program, the case will then return to the regular court proceedings. It cannot be adversely considered by the sentencing judge, and the district attorney will object to any indication that a sentencing judge is considering.
If the harmed party chooses not to participate, the process can still proceed with surrogate survivors representing their interests. However, participation is essential for achieving the program’s goals.
If the responsible party decides to withdraw from the program, the case will then return to the regular court proceedings. It cannot be adversely considered by the sentencing judge, and the district attorney will object to any indication that a sentencing judge is considering.
Is the information I share confidential?
All discussions and statements made during an RJ process are confidential and cannot be used in future legal proceedings. Participants' privacy is protected to ensure a safe and open environment for dialogue.
Any statement made during the RJ program is confidential and will not be subject to disclosure in any judicial or administrative proceeding. No information obtained during the program will be used in any stage of a criminal investigation or prosecution or civil or administrative proceeding.
However, this does not preclude any evidence obtained through an independent source or that would have been inevitably discovered by lawful means from being admitted at such proceedings.
A brief note about mandated reporting:
Mandated reporting laws may require facilitators or participants to report evidence of ongoing abuse or neglect of children, disabled persons, or elderly persons.
Any statement made during the RJ program is confidential and will not be subject to disclosure in any judicial or administrative proceeding. No information obtained during the program will be used in any stage of a criminal investigation or prosecution or civil or administrative proceeding.
However, this does not preclude any evidence obtained through an independent source or that would have been inevitably discovered by lawful means from being admitted at such proceedings.
A brief note about mandated reporting:
Mandated reporting laws may require facilitators or participants to report evidence of ongoing abuse or neglect of children, disabled persons, or elderly persons.
Does agreeing to this process mean I am pleading guilty?
Participation cannot be used as evidence or as an admission of guilt, delinquency or civil liability in current or subsequent legal proceedings.
What about my immigration status?
Participants will not be required to provide information regarding their immigration status to anyone as part of this program.
How long does the restorative justice process take?
The time to complete this process varies depending on the complexity of the case and the needs of the participants. We anticipate interventions will be no fewer than 12 weeks, and may be substantially longer.
Can I participate in the program before or after a plea or sentencing?
Yes, you can participate in the program before or after a plea or sentencing, depending on the version of the program and the timing of your case. The court will inform you of the specific conditions and procedures for participation in your situation.
What are the potential outcomes of participating in the program?
Successful completion of the program can lead to various outcomes. This is to be determined by the court, and not TPP or LLO. Successful completion may result in the dismissal of charges. While dismissal is not guaranteed, it can positively influence case resolution, including charge reductions or other favorable considerations.
How are participants prepared for the restorative justice process?
If RJ is new to you, no need to worry, we will help you! Once a case is referred and accepted, a member of our team will guide you every step of the way. Our first step will be to meet with you so that you get to know us, we get to know you, and you understand what RJ is and what this process will look like.
Are there any costs associated with participating in the program?
There is no charge to participate in this program.
Any associated costs, such as for counseling or additional services, will be addressed separately and are generally covered by available resources.
Any associated costs, such as for counseling or additional services, will be addressed separately and are generally covered by available resources.