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 impacted 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: Impacted 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.
Participation requires the consent of all parties, the prosecutor, and the judge.
All referred cases will be considered. No charges are categorically ineligible.
Participation requires the consent of all parties, the prosecutor, and the judge.
All referred cases will be considered. No charges are categorically ineligible.
Is participation in the program voluntary?
Yes, participation in the Restorative Justice Pilot Program is entirely voluntary. Any party may stop participating at any time. An impacted party may choose to participate or not participate in the RJ process. Either party may withdraw at any time
without negatively impacting their case.
without negatively impacting their case.
What if the other party does not agree to participate?
At the outset of the referral, all involved parties—including the prosecutor and any named impacted parties—must consent to the responsible party’s participation. If any party does not agree, 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 impacted party chooses not to participate, the process can still proceed with surrogate survivors representing their interests. However, participation is helpful to achieve 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 impacted party chooses not to participate, the process can still proceed with surrogate survivors representing their interests. However, participation is helpful to achieve 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 the 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.
Information shared by the responsible party, the impacted party, and any other participants in the RJ process, including during intake interviews, follow-up interviews, and circle processes, is confidential and may not be used as evidence against any person in any proceeding.
However, evidence obtained through an independent source or that inevitably would be discovered by lawful means may be used as evidence.
A note about mandated reporting:
Mandated reporting laws in Massachusetts require certain professionals to report to relevant authorities evidence of ongoing abuse or neglect of children, disabled persons, or the elderly, including intimate partner violence that may endanger children. These professionals will disclose their status as a mandated reporter prior to any conversation.
Information shared by the responsible party, the impacted party, and any other participants in the RJ process, including during intake interviews, follow-up interviews, and circle processes, is confidential and may not be used as evidence against any person in any proceeding.
However, evidence obtained through an independent source or that inevitably would be discovered by lawful means may be used as evidence.
A note about mandated reporting:
Mandated reporting laws in Massachusetts require certain professionals to report to relevant authorities evidence of ongoing abuse or neglect of children, disabled persons, or the elderly, including intimate partner violence that may endanger children. These professionals will disclose their status as a mandated reporter prior to any conversation.
Does agreeing to this process mean I am pleading guilty?
No. 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 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.