Youth Offenders and Restorative Justice: A Critical Examination of Rehabilitation Approaches

This paper critically examines the increasing utilization of restorative justice as a rehabilitative framework for youth offenders within the juvenile justice system. It defines youth offenders and explores the emergence of restorative justice as a promising alternative to traditional punitive measures. The core principles and values of restorative justice, which prioritize repairing harm, fostering dialogue, and promoting accountability, are analysed as a fundamental shift in addressing youth crime. The paper investigates various restorative justice models designed for young people, including Victim-Offender Mediation, Family Group Conferencing, Restorative Circles, Teen Courts, Community Service, and VictimOffender Dialogue. The unique processes and objectives of each model in facilitating rehabilitation are discussed.