Traditionally, America’s systems of criminal and juvenile justice have focused on crimes committed against the state, on seeking justice through an adversarial process and on punishment of the offender. Victims’ involvement in the criminal justice system has been primarily as witnesses rather than as active, welcome participants. Restorative justice is a philosophy and approach that seeks to balance the interests and needs of crime victims, offenders and the community. It is based upon a shared set of values that determines how conflicts can be resolved and how damaged relationships can be repaired or improved. The chapter discusses the guiding principles, values and concepts of restorative justice; the differences between traditional and restorative approaches to justice; the victim’s role in restorative justice as it translates to practical programs and services; the balanced and restorative justice approach to juvenile justice; and a comparison of the tenets and practical applications of restorative justice and community justice. Tables, references