Restorative Justice

Lately Forward Step has begun working with those promoting Restorative Justice. In short, Restorative Justice is a program in which both the perpetrator(s) and the victim(s) of a crime can meet and reconcile within an agreement that mutually heals both sides. The idea nudges me to consider the views of the public on NFL player, Michael Vick, who committed a crime and recently finished serving his time in prison. For those of you who need a refresher of this individual’s previous notoriety, he is the former quarterback of the Atlantic Falcons, who was later convicted of felony charges because of his involvement with a dog- fighting operation. Since then, Mr. Vick has completed his sentence for his crime and reinstated in the NFL as a quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Now that Vick has moved on with his life, I have found differing views and opinions amongst my friends, acquaintances and in the media about how he should be treated. Friends of mine that own four dogs and champion animal rights expressed that they don’t care what sentence he served or reparations he has made (for example, he has set up a fund for care of the dogs injured in the fighting ring). They still think he is an awful human being and always will be, and do not see fit to forgive his actions or his person. However, I have found that the media and many of my other friends have forgiven Vick’s crime, and are even impressed by how he has handled himself post-prison. I myself am of this latter opinion.

Considering Vick’s actions since being released and how people have differing opinions on the issue, I needed to take a moment to meditate on how so many convicted criminals are brought back into society (Mind, I am not talking about capital crimes or crimes of violence). For one thing, if we believe that men and women who have served their time to society cannot become productive and useful citizens, we are concluding that indefinite punishment is the answer. The study of Restorative Justice, however, demonstrates how this stance creates not only social problems but also financial drains in our country.

Vick is an NFL star, and unlike him, many come back from prison without the support system he had that can get them on track to being a productive citizen. Therefore, the ones who do want to get back on track need help from programs like Forward Step’s COMPASS, as well as employment and medical services.

As I learn more about Restorative Justice and its implications and promises for society as a whole, I will make sure to update this blog!

- Holly White