Research has focused mainly on victim-offender mediation and family group conferencing. Overall, research on restorative justice processes suggests that victim-offender mediation has positive impacts on offenders in terms of satisfaction, compliance rates, and reductions in recidivism. Family group conferencing represents a promising restorative alternative to traditional processes, but little comprehensive data exists. Future research should examine net widening, the fairness of the process, and consistent outcome measures. Restorative justice sanctions consist mainly of restitution and community service. Research suggests that restitution has some clear benefits, but these benefits may relate to other program elements such as academic or employment services or to the process through which the sanction is determined or delivered. The lack of restorative intent in most community service programs has had some negative impact on offenders. However, imposing community service as a restorative sanction increases the possibility that this service will benefit offenders, victims, and the community. Further research should focus on broad systemic issues and on program-specific empirical issues. Notes and 121 references