Webinars
As a part of its mission to increase public access to restorative justice education, the National Center on Restorative Justice regularly provides free webinars on various critical topics in restorative justice. The current webinar series, Restorative Justice in the Criminal Legal System, invites legal scholars, restorative justice practitioners, and system actors into conversation about restorative justice applications in different criminal legal contexts.
Next Webinar:
Restorative Justice for Police
Date: April 26, 2023, 3-4:15p.m. ET
This 75-minute webinar will introduce viewers to the key principles of restorative justice and ways of implementation for police officers. The panelists will share experiences and recommendations for police officers working in the criminal legal system that encourage self-reflection, engagement with the community members they serve, and strategies relevant to their direct role in the legal system.
Upcoming Webinars
Restorative Justice for Police
Date: April 26, 2023, 3-4:15p.m. ET
Restorative Justice for Reintegration and Reentry
Date: May 31, 2023, 3-4:30p.m. ET
Panelists: Josh Bacon, Vanessa Westley, Tiffany Krusey
Overview: This 75-minute webinar will introduce viewers to the key principles of restorative justice and ways of implementation for police officers. The panelists will share experiences and recommendations for police officers working in the criminal legal system that encourages self-reflection, engagement with the community members they serve, and strategies relevant to their direct role in the legal system.
Panelists: TBD
Overview: This webinar will introduce participants to restorative justice strategies to support reintegration following incarceration. It will correspond with the publication of a white paper on Restorative Reintegration by the National Center on Restorative Justice.
Restorative Justice for Prosecutors
Date: June 28, 2023, 3-4:30p.m. ET
Restorative Justice for Judges
Date: August 30, 2023, 3-4:30p.m. ET
Panelists: TBD
Overview: This webinar is intended for justice system actors and others looking to learn about restorative justice practices and their relevant applications for prosecutors. Current and former prosecutors will share their experiences of diverting legal cases from the traditional system and collaborating with community-led programs and partners, which include examining the process of establishing memorandums of understanding (MOUs) and any challenges within the criminal legal system.
Panelists: TBD
Overview: This webinar is intended for justice system actors and others looking to learn about restorative justice principles and their relevant applications for judges. Current and former seated justices will share their experiences implementing restorative justice practices in their role and the effectiveness within the criminal legal system. Panelists will also share challenges and recommendations for system implementation.
Restorative Justice Education in the Carceral System
Date: October 25, 2023, 3-4:30p.m. ET
Victim-Offender Dialogue in the Criminal Legal System
Date: November 15, 2023, 3-4:30p.m. ET
Panelists: TBD
Overview: This webinar will highlight various curricula and recommendations for teaching restorative justice in prisons. Panelists will share their experiences relating to the lived experience of being incarcerated and learning about restorative justice, as well as tools for implementing and improving restorative justice education in carceral settings.
Panelists: TBD
Overview: This webinar is intended for system actors and community members interested in learning about restorative justice facilitation. Panelists will share their experiences in VOD and the importance of offering an opportunity for harmed and responsible parties to engage in restorative justice practices. Presenters will share key recommendations and challenges during the implementation process.
Past Webinars
Restorative Justice in the Criminal Legal System
Date: November 16, 2022
Panelists: Bobby Sand (Moderator), Francisco “Paco” Carbajal, Erin Freeborn, Judge Timothy Connors, Eric Anderson, Emmanuel “Noble” Williams
Overview: In honor of International Restorative Justice Week, the National Center on Restorative Justice (NCORJ) offered a 90-minute webinar on restorative justice in the criminal legal system. The webinar was intended for justice system actors and others looking to learn more about restorative justice approaches and how to incorporate them into the justice system. Panelists shared how they implement restorative justice practices, the evidence of effectiveness and impact on the carceral system, and any challenges experienced during the implementation process.
Restorative Justice for Violence Prevention and Intervention
Date: February 22, 2023
Panelists: Dr. Sejung Yang, Erika Sasson, Rami El Gharib, Vanessa Westley, Dr. Elena Quintana, Avery Arrington (moderator)
Description: This session introduced participants to the key principles of restorative justice, an alternative response to crime that focuses on understanding the needs that led to an offense, the impacts of the crime on the victim and wider community, and on forming a plan to repair the harm caused to the degree possible. Restorative justice approaches promote accountability and help facilitate greater understanding and healing. The panel featured representatives from community restorative justice programs who discuss their programs, how they interact with the criminal justice system, and outcomes relevant to community violence prevention and intervention. Presenters will share recommendations for implementing restorative justice across the country based on their experience.