The concept of restorative justice acknowledges that the criminal justice system has not been effective in reducing crime, that prisons make offenders worse rather than rehabilitating or deterring them, and that victims are dissatisfied with their treatment by the criminal justice system. Restorative justice is based on a new pattern of thinking that emphasizes informal justice, restitution, victims, reconciliation, and social justice. Restorative justice focuses on the harmful effects of crime and actively involves both offenders and victims in reparation and rehabilitation. The restorative justice model is detailed, and conceptual impediments to applying restorative justice theory are examined. Victim-offender reconciliation programs are described, along with family group conferencing and victim-offender panels. Reparation and reintegration are discussed in the context of victims, offenders, and communities. Specific attention is paid to community-based sentences, victim participation at various stages of criminal proceedings, and planning for and the impact of restorative justice. Appendixes list restorative justice resources and programs and discussion questions. References, footnotes, tables, and figures