Progress 07/01/09 to 06/30/14
Outputs
Target Audience: The primary target audiences are criminal justice system policy makers and practitioners (staff and community volunteers) in Minnesota and others states. The secondary audiences are criminal justice system policy makers and practitioners in other countries, human rights scholars and activists in the United States and other countries, and citizens at large. A particular focus is on community leaders and members of the local Muslim community and the Liberian community in Minnesota who are committed to using restorative justice principles and empirically validated practices to help with the healing process within their families and community following the massive civil conflict and violence that resulted in more than 200,000 deaths in West Africa and the scars of which have been carried by those Liberians who fled their country and came to Minnesota. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? One book manuscript was finished and submitted to the publisher, to be published in 2015 (The Energy of Forgiveness: Lessons From Former Enemies in Restorative Dialogue), a second book will be finalized at the end of 2015 and submitted to a publisher in 2016, a journal article was published, another article submitted to a journal, and two articles to be finalized and submitted to journals in early 2015.. People from 22 countries and 14 states participated in the trainings or lectures provided by Dr. Umbreit on restorative justice and victim offender mediation. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Dr. Umbreit co-produced a broadcast quality film that is currently being shown on cable and a number of PBS stations throughout the country, including TPT-MN. The film is Being With The Energy of Forgiveness: Lessons Learned From Former Enemies in Restorative Dialogue. At the National Restorative Justice Conference in June of 2013 Dr. Umbreit was elected the founding President of the new National Association for Community and Restorative Justice. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The project is having an increasing impact upon practitioners and policy makers in Minnesota, other states, and a number of other countries. Through its research and scholarship, the project is strengthening the knowledge base on restorative justice theory through its empirical research and publications. With the assistance of Dr. Umbreit and his team of international colleagues, the Turkish Ministry of Justice is implementing national legislation to develop victim offender mediation services throughout the country. They have trained hundreds of judges, prosecutors, and mediators.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Armour, M. and Umbreit, M.S. (2014) Homicide Survivors: Factors that Influence Their Well- Being, Journal of Forensic Social Work
- Type:
Books
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Umbreit, M.S., Blevins, J. and Ted Lewis The Energy of Forgiveness: Lessons From Those in Restorative Dialogue. Eugene, Oregon: Wipf & Stock Book Publishers.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Lefevre, N., Houston, M., & Umbreit, M.S. The Human Rights-Based Approach to Conflict Transformation in Indigenous Contexts.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Umbreit, M.S. and Blevins, J. Restorative Justice and Islam: A Culturally Grounded Approach to Training. (prepared for submission in early 2015)
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Umbreit, M.S. A Humanistic Approach to Mediation and Dialogue: An Evolving Transformative Practice. (prepared for submission in early 2015)
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Progress 01/01/13 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Target Audience: The primary target audiences are criminal justice system policy makers and practitioners (staff and community volunteers) in Minnesota and others states. The secondary audiences are criminal justice system policy makers and practitioners in other countries, human rights scholars and activists in the United States and other countries, and citizens at large. A particular focus is on community leaders and members of the local Muslim community and the Liberian community in Minnesota who are committed to using restorative justice principles and empirically validated practices to help with the healing process within their families and community following the massive civil conflict and violence that resulted in more than 200,000 deaths in West Africa and the scars of which have been carried by those Liberians who fled their country and came to Minnesota. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Plans are underway for Dr. Umbreit to again present a new seminar on peacebuilding through restorative dialogue at the oldest and most influential peace center in Northern Ireland that played an important behind the scenes role in supporting the famous ”Good Friday” agreement that ended the violence between Catholics and Protestants and led to shared governance. Dr. Umbreit has been asked to continue expanding his teaching and research with the Corrymeela Peace Center in the years to come. He is also providing technical assistance and training to the Facing Forward Project in the Republic of Ireland. Dr. Umbreit also presented his research at an international conference of the Fetzer Institute, in Assisi, Italy. He provided technical assistance and training to Ministry of Justice officials and community activists in Peru. Dr. Umbreit’s research on a restorative justice perspective on the ultimate penal sanction was presented at a regional conference in Milwaukee. The article by his colleague and himself won the highest research award across all units at the University of Texas in Austin. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? From 10/1/12 to 9/30/13 one book manuscript was finished and published (Dancing With The Energy of Conflict & Trauma: Letting Go – Finding Peace), a second book manuscript is nearly completed and under contract to be published in 2014 (The Energy of Forgiveness: Lessons From Former Enemies in Restorative Dialogue), one journal article was published (Assessing the Impact of the Ultimate Penal Sanction on Homicide Survivors: A Two State Comparison) and one accepted for publication in 2014 (Homicide Survivors: Factors that Influence Their Well- Being). People from 28 countries and 8 states participated in the trainings or lectures provided by Dr. Umbreit on restorative justice and victim offender mediation. Dr. Umbreit co-produced a broadcast quality film that is currently being shown on cable and a number of PBS stations throughout the country, including TPT-MN. The film is Being With The Energy of Forgiveness: Lessons Learned From Former Enemies in Restorative Dialogue. At the National Restorative Justice Conference in June of 2013 Dr. Umbreit was elected the founding President of the new National Association for Community and Restorative Justice What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The project is having an increasing impact upon practitioners and policy makers in Minnesota, other states, and a number of other countries. Through its research and scholarship, the project is strengthening the knowledge base on restorative justice theory through its empirical research and publications. With the assistance of Dr. Umbreit and his team of international colleagues, the Turkish Ministry of Justice is implementing national legislation to develop victim offender mediation services throughout the country. They have trained hundreds of judges, prosecutors, and mediators.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Armour, M.P., Umbreit, M.S. (2013). Assessing the Impact of the Ultimate Penal Sanction on Homicide Survivors: A Two State Comparison, Marquette Law Review Vol 96:1.
- Type:
Books
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Umbreit, M.S. (2013). Dancing With The Energy of Conflict & Trauma: Letting Go Finding Peace. North Charleston, SC: Create Space Independent Book Publishing.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Armour, M. and Umbreit, M.S. (accepted for publication in 2014). Homicide Survivors: Factors that Influence Their Well- Being, Journal of Forensic Social Work
- Type:
Books
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Umbreit, M.S. and Blevins, J. (2013, under contract for publication in 2014). The Energy of Forgiveness: Lessons From Those in Restorative Dialogue. Eugene, Oregon: Wipf & Stock Book Publishers.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Lefevre, N., Houston, M., & Umbreit, M.S. (submitted in Fall of 2013 to the Journal of Peace and Development, American University, Washington, DC.). The Human Rights-Based Approach to Conflict Transformation in Indigenous Contexts.
|
Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: A major focus has been on the final preparation of a book manuscript that has been submitted, under contract, to a publisher in Oregon and beginning plans for preparation of another book manuscript. Dancing With The Energy of Conflict & Trauma: In Families, Communities, and Nations will be published in late 2013 or early 2014. Initial writing of Lessons From Former Enemies in Restorative Dialogue began in mid-2012 and will be finalized, with submission to a publisher, in 2013. This book will present an analysis of numerous case studies, in multiple settings, which have emerged from my research over the past 15 years in numerous countries, including in Northern Ireland, Africa, and the Mideast. Presentations and training seminars based on practice guidelines and empirical evidence emerging from our AES supported research were provided in multiple settings, both in Minnesota, other states, and several other countries. We received funding again from the International Institute for Education for our five-day workshop for International Hubert Humphrey Fellows. This new workshop is based on the research we have conducted on restorative justice dialogue, and is entitled "Peacebuilding Through Dialogue: From Conflict Management to Healing in Workplaces, communities, and Nations." Individuals from 21 different non-western countries attended this workshop in March of 2012. This workshop provides an important avenue for research dissemination. PARTICIPANTS: Two student Research Assistants worked on the project. The project actively collaborated with: the United Nations Development Program in Turkey and the Turkish Ministry of Justice; the Montana State Legislature; the Minnesota Department of Corrections; the MN Advocates for Human Rights; the Koram Centre in Northern Ireland; Catholic University in Milan, Italy; Marquette University Law School in Milwaukee; the Humphrey Center International Fellowship Program, the University of Texas School of Social Work. TARGET AUDIENCES: The primary target audiences are criminal justice system policy makers and practitioners (staff and community volunteers) in Minnesota and others states. The secondary audiences are criminal justice system policy makers and practitioners in other countries, human rights scholars and activists in the United States and other countries, and citizens at large. A particular focus is on community leaders and members of the local Muslim community and the Liberian community in Minnesota who are committed to using restorative justice principles and empirically validated practices to help with the healing process within their families and community following the massive civil conflict and violence that resulted in more than 200,000 deaths in West Africa and the scars of which have been carried by those Liberians who fled their country and came to Minnesota. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The project is having an increasing impact upon practitioners and policy makers in Minnesota, other states, and a number of other countries. Through its research and scholarship, the project is strengthening the knowledge base on restorative justice theory through its empirical research and publications. A new restorative justice dialogue program for Native American youth was fully implemented on the Ft. Peck Reservation in Eastern Montana following training and research dissemination by Dr. Umbreit. This was a result of a policy in support of restorative justice practices for youth on the Ft. Peck Reservation that was formally endorsed by Tribal Leadership during 2010. During this period of time, Dr. Umbreit developed and conducted a new seminar on peacebuilding through restorative dialogue at the oldest and most influential peace center in Northern Ireland that played an important behind the scenes role in supporting the famous "Good Friday" agreement that ended the violence between Catholics and Protestants and led to shared governance. Dr. Umbreit has been asked to continue expanding his teaching and research with the Corrymeela Peace Center in the years to come. Dr. Umbreit was asked by the United Nations Development Program and the Turkish Ministry of Justice to assist them to amend their new national restorative justice legislation and to organize a team of international colleagues to conduct a national conference and to provide extensive training of judges, prosecutors, and mediators, all based on Dr. Umbreit extensive research and practice. Dr. Umbreit traveled to Istanbul on to occasions, to be involved in a task force meeting and then later to provide the first training sessions for mediators. Dr. Umbreit also presented his research at an international conference of the Fetzer Institute, in Assisi, Italy. In addition to these international engagements, Dr. Umbreit provided technical Assistance and training in Rapid City, SD and to Tribal Leadership of the Oglala Lakota Nation on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Dr. Umbreit was asked to present his research to a special legislative committee in Montana. Other lectures were given at Michigan State University and Augsburg University. From 10/1/11 to 9/30/12 one book manuscripts was finished (to be published in 2013), along with one article and a book chapter. The outline of another book on restorative justice dialogue was prepared and the manuscript will be finalized in 2013, to be published in late 2013 or early 2014. People from 33 countries and 7 states participated in the trainings or lectures provided by Dr. Umbreit on restorative justice and victim offender mediation. An article entitled "Survivors of Homicide Victims: Factors that influence their well-being" has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Forensic Social Work in Winter 2012. An article entitled "Impact of the Ultimate Penal Sanction on the Healing of Family Survivors of Homicide Victims" has been accepted for publication the Marquette University Law Review Journal in early 2013 and a day long conference at the Law School is being planned for in 2013.
Publications
- Armour, M.P., Umbreit, M.S. (2011). "Restorative justice and juvenile offenders". In Springer, D. and Roberts, A.R. (Eds.) Juvenile Justice and Delinquency. Boston, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers
- Umbreit, M.S. (2012). Peacemaking and spirituality: Touching the soul within the energy of conflict and trauma. In Corrymeela Magazine
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Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: A major focus during 2011 was the final preparation of a book manuscript for a publisher in Oregon and beginning plans for preparation of another book manuscript. Dancing With The Energy of Conflict & Trauma: In Families, Communities will be published in mid-2012. Initial writing of Lessons From Former Enemies in Restorative Dialogue will begin in mid-2012 and finalized, with submission to a publisher, in 2013. This book will present an analysis of numerous case studies, in multiple settings, which have emerged from my research over the past 15 years in numerous countries, including in Northern Ireland, Africa, and the Mideast. Plans have been finalized to present my research in Liberia (West Africa) in 2012 and to provide assistance in developing a Center for Restorative Justice & Dialogue in Monrovia, as well as assisting in the development of a Muslim-Christian Youth Dialogue Team in Monrovia, including the training of youth facilitators of restorative dialogue and mediation. Funding was secured to cover travel costs in 2012 related to my continuing research on restorative justice and peacebuilding through dialogue in Israel and the occupied territories (West Bank). A particular focus has be on documenting case studies of joint Israeli-Palestinian peacebuilding initiatives through face-to-face dialogue and collaboration. Presentations and training seminars based on practice guidelines and empirical evidence emerging from our AES supported research were provided in multiple settings, both in Minnesota, other states, and several other countries. We received funding again from the International Institute for Education for our new five-day workshop for International Hubert Humphrey Fellows. This new workshop is based on the research we have conducted on restorative justice dialogue, and is entitled "Peacebuilding Through Dialogue: From Conflict Management to Healing in Workplaces, communities, and Nations." Individuals from 26 different countries attended this workshop in March of 2011. This workshop provides an important avenue for research dissemination. During 2011, trainings in restorative justice and victim offender mediation included, among other locations: a return to Kalispell MT; Milwaukee, WI; Minneapolis, MN; Raleigh, NC; and Rapid City SD, and at the Ft. Peck Tribal Community of Assiniboine and Sioux, where the Tribal Council formally endorsed development of a new restorative justice youth project. In addition, I led training seminars and presented my research in: Catholic University, Milan, Italy; Hebrew University in Jerusalem; Corrymeela Peace Center in Northern Ireland; and the University of Ulster in Northern Ireland; I have further developed the Restorative Justice and Islam project, working with colleagues in Liberia (West Africa); Palestine; and the local Somali community in Minneapolis. PARTICIPANTS: During 2011, two student Research Assistants worked on the project. The project actively collaborated with: the Minnesota Department of Corrections; the MN Advocates for Human Rights; the Koram Centre in Northern Ireland; Catholic University in Milan, Italy; Marquette University Law School in Milwaukee; the Humphrey Center International Fellowship Program, the University of Texas School of Social Work. TARGET AUDIENCES: The primary target audiences are criminal justice system policy makers and practitioners (staff and community volunteers) in Minnesota and others states. The secondary audiences are criminal justice system policy makers and practitioners in other countries, human rights scholars and activists in the United States and other countries, and citizens at large. A particular focus is on community leaders and members of the local Muslim community and the Liberian community in Minnesota who are committed to using restorative justice principles and empirically validated practices to help with the healing process within their families and community following the massive civil conflict and violence that resulted in more than 200,000 deaths in West Africa and the scars of which have been carried by those Liberians who fled their country and came to Minnesota. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The project is having an increasing impact upon practitioners and policy makers in Minnesota, other states, and a number of other countries. Through its research and scholarship, the project is strengthening the knowledge base on restorative justice theory through its empirical research and publications. A new restorative justice dialogue program for Native American youth was implemented on the Ft. Peck Reservation in Eastern Montana following training and research dissemination by Dr. Umbreit. This was a result of a policy in support of restorative justice practices for youth on the Ft. Peck Reservation that was formally endorsed by Tribal Leadership during 2010. Two video conferences with youth leadership in Liberia, West Africa have been conducted in 2011 as part of a broader partnership with colleagues in Liberia to foster healing and reconciliation in the wake of intense, violent political conflict between tribes, and between Christians and Muslims. Dr. Umbreit is planning to travel to Liberia in 2012 to conduct intense trainings in restorative dialogue and to present his research to government policy makers and at the University. During 2011, Dr. Umbreit spent ten days in the Middle East, meeting with the Israeli Attorney General and Minister of Justice, as well as with Palestinian community and academic leaders on the west bank. He also conducted several training seminars on restorative justice and dialogue in Israel and Palestine. Dr. Umbreit also presented his research through lectures at Catholic University in Milan, Italy and at the University of Ulster in Northern Ireland, as well as at the National Conference on Restorative Justice in Raleigh, North Carolina. During 2011 one book manuscripts was finished (to be published in 2012), along with two articles and a book chapter. The outline of another book on restorative justice dialogue was prepared and the manuscript will be finalized in 2012, to be published 2013. Four other publications that were prepared and were initially to be published in 2011 will now be published in 2012, including publications in Turkey, India, and South Korea. People from 28 countries and 5 states participated in the trainings I provided on restorative justice and victim offender mediation.
Publications
- Umbreit, M.S. and Armour, M. (2011). Restorative Justice and Re-entry: Impact, Opportunities, and Challenges, ACA Journal.
- Umbreit, M.S., Armour, M. (2011). Restorative Justice and Dialogue: Impact, Opportunities, and Challenges in the Global Community, Law & Policy Journal: Washington University.
- Umbreit, M.S. (2011). Mindfulness, Deep Listening, and Stories: The Spiritual Core of Peacemaking, Mediation Digest: Northern Ireland.
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Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: A major focus during 2010 was the publication of one book and the preparation of another book manuscript, both under contract with well academic publishers. In the summer of 2010, Restorative Justice Dialogue: An Essential Guide for Research and Practice was published by Springer Publishing in New York. It presents a state-of-the-art analysis of restorative justice dialogue, based on the AES supported research over the past many years. This is the first publication of its kind and will make a significant contribution to the literature in the field. The second book is entitled "Facing Trauma-Finding Peace: The Search for Meaning and Wholeness." This book will present an analysis of numerous case studies, in multiple settings, that have emerged from my research over the past 15 years in numerous countries, including in Northern Ireland, Africa, and the Mideast. This second book manuscript will be submitted to the publisher in October of 2011. Plans have been finalized to present my research in Liberia (West Africa) in 2011 and to provide assistance in developing a Center for Restorative Justice & Dialogue in Monrovia, as well as assisting in the development of a Muslim-Christian Youth Dialogue Team in Monrovia, including the training of youth facilitators of restorative dialogue and mediation. Funding was secured to cover travel costs in 2011 related to my continuing research on restorative justice and peacebuilding through dialogue in Israel and the occupied territories (West Bank). A particular focus will be on documenting case studies of joint Israeli-Palestinian peacebuilding initiatives through face-to-face dialogue and collaboration. Presentations and training seminars based on practice guidelines and empirical evidence emerging from our AES supported research were provided in multiple settings, both in Minnesota, other states, and several other countries. We received funding again from the International Institute for Education for our new five day workshop was developed last year for International Hubert Humphrey Fellows. This new workshop is based on the research we have conducted on restorative justice dialogue, and is entitled "Peacebuilding Through Dialogue: From Conflict Management to Healing in Workplaces, communities, and Nations." Individuals from 26 different countries will be attending this new workshop in March of 2011. This workshop provides an important avenue for research dissemination. Three day trainings in restorative justice and victim offender mediation included, among other locations: Kalispell MT (twice), Rapid City SD, and at the Ft. Peck Tribal Community of Assiniboine and Sioux, where the Tribal Council formally endorsed development of a new restorative justice youth project. In addition, I have initiated a new Muslim Engagement Project in which our research is being applied to organize and facilitate inter-faith dialogues among students and others in the local community. PARTICIPANTS: During 2010, two student Research Assistants worked on the project. The project actively collaborated with: the Minnesota Department of Corrections; the MN Advocates for Human Rights; the Koram Centre in Northern Ireland; Catholic University in Milan, Italy; Marquette University Law School in Milwaukee; the Humphrey Center International Fellowship Program, the University of Texas School of Social Work. TARGET AUDIENCES: The primary target audiences are criminal justice system policy makers and practitioners (staff and community volunteers) in Minnesota and others states. The secondary audiences are criminal justice system policy makers and practitioners in other countries, human rights scholars and activists in the United States and other countries, and citizens at large. A particular focus is on community leaders and members of the local Muslim community and the Liberian community in Minnesota who are committed to using restorative justice principles and empirically validated practices to help with the healing process within their families and community following the massive civil conflict and violence that resulted in more than 200,000 deaths in West Africa and the scars of which have been carried by those Liberians who fled their country and came to Minnesota. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The project is having an increasing impact upon practitioners and policy makers in Minnesota, other states, and a number of other countries. Through its research and scholarship, the project is strengthening the knowledge base on restorative justice theory through its empirical research and publications. A new policy in support of restorative justice practices for youth on the Ft. Peck Reservation was formally endorsed by Tribal Leadership. An entirely new restorative justice youth initiative involving both a community center and interfaith dialogue has been initiated in Liberia. Continuing exposure of our research and training is occurring in Israel/Palestine, Northern Ireland, Italy, and a number of other countries. During 2010 one book manuscripts was published, along with one article. A book chapter and a journal article have been accepted for publication in 2011. A second book manuscript was prepared in 2010 and will be published in 2011. Four other publications that were prepared and were initially to be published in 2009 will now be published in 2011, including publications in Turkey, India, and South Korea. People from 32 countries and 12 states participated in the trainings I provided on restorative justice and victim offender mediation.
Publications
- Umbreit, M.S. and Armour, M. (2010). Restorative Justice Dialogue: An Essential Guide for Research and Practice. NY: Springer Publishing.
- Umbreit, M.S., Armour, M., Vos B., and Coates, R.B. (2010). Family survivors of homicide meet the offender: The impact of restorative dialogue. Journal of Community Corrections, Vol. XIX, No. 1-2, pages 25-34.
- Umbreit, M.S. (2010 acceptance, for publication in 2011). Facing Conflict & Trauma: The Search for Meaning and Wholeness. NY: Springer Publishing.
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Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The major focus during 2009 was on preparation of two book manuscripts, under contract with Springer Publishing in New York, that present a state-of-the-art analysis of restorative justice dialogue, based on my AES supported research. The first book is entitled "Restorative Dialogue: A Research-based Intervention for Individuals, Families, and Communities." This is the first publication of its kind and will make a significant contribution to the literature in the field. The second book is entitled "Facing Trauma/Finding Peace: The Search for Meaning and Wholeness." This book will present an analysis of numerous case studies. The first book manuscript will be submitted to the publisher in January 2010. The second book manuscript will be submitted to the publisher in July 2010. I was also invited to prepare a forward to two different new books on restorative justice during 2009. Five publications, including two articles and three book chapters that were initially scheduled for publication in 2009 have been rescheduled for publication in 2010. These include: an article on the impact of restorative dialogue on family survivors of homicide victims, to be published in a corrections journal; an article on the growing international impact of the restorative justice movement, to be published in a Turkish Law Journal; a chapter on restorative justice, to be published in a book in India; a chapter on the impact of victim offender mediation, to be published in a book in South Korea; and a chapter on forgiveness, to be published in a book by the Alban Institute. Presentations based on my AES supported research were provided in multiple settings, both in Minnesota, other states, and several other countries. An entirely new five day workshop was developed for International Hubert Humphrey Fellows, with support from the International Institute for Education. The new workshop is entitled "Peacebuilding Through Dialogue: From Conflict Management to Healing in Workplaces, Communities, and Nations." Thirty individuals from 27 different countries will be attending this workshop in March of 2010. A three-day training on restorative justice was held in Mexico City, in response to a request from the U.S. Embassy, in April of 2009. A two-day advanced training on transformative dialogue was held in Northern Ireland in March of 2009, followed by a lecture at the University of Florence in Italy. Three day trainings in restorative justice were also held in Billings Montana (May) and Grand Rapids, MI (Nov.). A two day training and a day of consultation was provided in response to the Tribal Court in the Fort Peck community of Sioux Tribes in eastern, Montana. Additional training and consultation will be provided in Grand Rapids, MI and Fort Peck, MT during 2010. My research will be presented and training offered to organizations in South Korea, Hong Kong, and Liberia during 2010. In addition, I continued to provide technical assistance and training for the local Liberian community in Minnesota, in support of their Truth and Reconciliation Hearing process conducted in West Africa and among the diaspora community of Liberians in the U.S., primarily in MN. PARTICIPANTS: During 2009, two student Research Assistants worked on the project. The project actively collaborated with: the Minnesota Department of Corrections; the MN Advocates for Human Rights; the Koram Centre in Northern Ireland; Catholic University in Milan, Italy; Marquette University Law School in Milwaukee; the Humphrey Center International Fellowship Program, the University of Texas School of Social Work; and, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico. TARGET AUDIENCES: The primary target audiences are criminal justice system policy makers and practitioners (staff and community volunteers) in Minnesota and others states. The secondary audiences are criminal justice system policy makers and practitioners in other countries, human rights scholars and activists in the United States and other countries, and citizens at large. A particular focus is on community leaders and members of the Liberian community in Minnesota who are committed to using restorative justice principles and empirically validated practices to help with the healing process within their families and community following the massive civil conflict and violence that resulted in more than 200,000 deaths in West Africa and the scars of which have been carried by those Liberians who fled their country and came to Minnesota. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The project is having an increasing impact upon practitioners and policy makers in Minnesota, other states, and a number of other countries. Through its research and scholarship, the project is strengthening the knowledge base on restorative justice theory through its empirical research and publications. During 2009 two book manuscripts were prepared and five journal articles and book chapters which were initially to be published in 2009 will now be published in 2010. People from four countries and eight states participated in the trainings I provided on restorative justice and victim offender mediation.
Publications
- During 2009 two book manuscripts were prepared and five journal articles and book chapters which were initially to be published in 2009 will now be published in 2010.
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Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Articles and book chapters I prepared were published in five countries: Italy, London, South Africa, South Korea, and the U.S. Presentations and training seminars based on practice guidelines and empirical evidence emerging from our AES supported research were provided in multiple settings, both in Minnesota, other states, and several other countries. Two book manuscripts are being prepared under contracts with Springer Publishing in NY. An entirely new course was developed for International Fellows spending a year in Minnesota through the Humphrey Center. Further review and analysis of available data that examines the impact of restorative dialogue in homicide cases from primarily MN, TX, and OH that came from previous years of this study occurred and a journal article has been prepared for submission in 2009. A book chapter on my research will be published in India during 2009. A three-day introductory training on restorative justice and victim offender mediation was held in May of 2008 and a six-day advanced training on victim offender dialogue in crimes of severe violence was held in October of 2008. A two-day advanced training was provided to the Center for Conflict Resolution at Missouri State University, in September of 2008, and a three-day "train the trainer" seminar was presented to the 19th Judicial District in Florida, in October. In December a new course was developed entitled "Peacebuilding Through restorative Dialogue: From Conflict Management to Conflict Transformation" and presented to the Humphrey Center International Fellows. All of these trainings are grounded in the research supported by AES over the past years. From January through May of 2008, my research was presented during keynote addresses at conferences in Italy, Northern Ireland, Israel/Palestine, and Hong Kong/China. In addition, I provided technical assistance and training for the local Liberian community in Minnesota, in support of their Truth and Reconciliation Hearing process being conducted in West Africa and among the diaspora community of Liberians in the U.S., primarily in MN. PARTICIPANTS: During 2008, two Research Assistants worked on the project, Jamie Williams during Spring semester and La Cresha Payne during Fall semester. The project actively collaborated with: the Minnesota Department of Corrections; the MN Advocates for Human Rights; the Israeli Ministry of Justice; the Koram Centre in Northern Ireland; Catholic University in Milan, Italy; Marquette University Law School in Milwaukee; the Humphrey Center International Fellowship Program, Missouri State University, Center for Conflict Resolution; the 19th Judicial Circuit in Florida; and Lutheran Social Services in Hong Kong, China. TARGET AUDIENCES: The primary target audiences are criminal justice system policy makers and practitioners (staff and community volunteers) in Minnesota and others states. The secondary audiences are criminal justice system policy makers and practitioners in other countries, human rights scholars and activists in the United States and other countries, and citizens at large. A particular focus is on community leaders and members of the Liberian community in Minnesota who are committed to using restorative justice principles and empirically validated practices to help with the healing process within their families and community following the massive civil conflict and violence that resulted in more than 200,000 deaths in West Africa and the scars of which have been carried by those Liberians who fled their country and came to Minnesota. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The project is having an increasing impact upon practitioners and policy makers in Minnesota, other states, and a number of other countries. Through its research and scholarship, the project is strengthening the knowledge base on restorative justice theory through its empirical research and publications. During 2008 there were eight publications. Two journal articles and two book chapters have been accepted for publication in 2009. People from three countries and four states participated in our introductory training on restorative justice and victim offender mediation. People from seven countries and three states participated in our advanced training on restorative justice and victim offender dialogue in cases of severe violence. Twelve staff and volunteers of the 19th Judicial Circuit in Florida participated in a "train the trainer" seminar. Twenty-six criminal justice system personnel and community volunteers participated in an advanced training seminar at the Missouri State University Center for Conflict Resolution. People from fourteen countries participated in a new course that I developed, entitled "Peacebuilding Through Restorative Dialogue: From Conflict Management to Conflict Transformation," for the Humphrey Center International Fellowship Program. In addition, my book The Handbook on Victim Offender Mediation: An Essential Guide for Research and Practice, originally published by Jossey-Bass in 2001, was translated into Japanese and re-published by Jossey-Bass. This book reports on the multi-site and international research that I have been engaged in for many years, with AES support.
Publications
- Umbreit, M.S. (2008). Criminal and juvenile mediation in the United States. In Scalfati (Ed.) Developments in Juvenile Justice, Italian Ministry of Justice, Rome.
- Umbreit, M.S. (2008). Victim offender mediation and dialogue. In Renzetti, C. M. & Edleson, J. L. (Eds.) Encyclopedia of Interpersonal Violence (Vol. 2). Thousand Oaks , CA : Sage.
- Umbreit, M.S. (2008). "Restorative justice dialogue: Three decades of victim offender mediation practice & research in the global community." Corrections Review: Korean Society for Correctional Service. Vol. 37: 171-201.
- Umbreit, M.S. (2008). Peacemaking circles. In Renzetti, C. M. & Edleson, J. L. (Eds.) Encyclopedia of Interpersonal Violence (Vol. 2). Thousand Oaks , CA : Sage.
- Umbreit, M.S., Vos, B., Coates R.B., Brown, K. (2008). Victim offender dialogue in violent cases: A multi-site study in the United States. In Spuy, E., Parmentier S., and Dissel A. (Eds.) Restorative Justice: Politics, Policies, and Prospects. Juta and Company Ltd, Cape Town, South Africa.
- Umbreit, M. (2008). Victim-offender mediation model. In Vincent N. Parrillo (Ed.) Encyclopedia of Social Problems (Vol. 2). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
- Umbreit, M.S. (2008). The Handbook of Victim Offender Mediation: An Essential Guide to Practice and Research (Translated in Japanese), John Wiley & Sons, San Francisco, CA.
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: As restorative justice policies and practices continue to develop throughout Minnesota and the global community, following the earlier endorsements by the United Nations and the European Union, it has become increasingly important to further conceptualize and validate the core practice of restorative justice dialogue which represents an umbrella term that includes victim offender mediation, family or community group conferencing, sentencing or peacemaking circles, and related interventions that involve a face-to-face encounter through dialogue among crime victims, offenders, and their communities that focuses on accountability and healing. Several publications during 2007 offered further empirically grounded conceptual development of restorative justice dialogue and a book contract with a major academic publisher in NY has been signed to produce the first text on this subject, entitled "Restorative Justice Dialogue: A Research-based Intervention for Victims, Offenders,
Families, and Community." An on-line statewide survey of the use of restorative dialogue in Minnesota has been initiated in collaboration with the MN Department of Corrections. This survey will be completed early next year. Further review and analysis of available data that examines the impact of restorative dialogue in homicide cases from primarily MN, TX, and OH that came from previous years of this study occurred and a journal article has been prepared for submission in 2008.
PARTICIPANTS: Restorative justice clients, policy makers, and practitioners and professionals in the state of Minnesota and other states. Restorative justice policy makers and practitioners in several other countries as well.
TARGET AUDIENCES: Restorative justice policy makers and practitioners primarily in MN and other states, but also in other countries such as Belgium, Italy, Northern Ireland, Canada, Israel/Palestine, Liberia, South Korea, China, and South Africa.
PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: None.
Impacts
The work of this project is receiving increasing local, national, and international recognition. Based largely on our research and protocols, 22 state departments of corrections, including MN, have developed victim offender dialogue programs for the most severe crimes, including homicide. The most comprehensive and researched-based text in the field of restorative justice, "The Handbook on Victim Offender Mediation: An Essential Guide for Practice and Research" by Professor Umbreit and based on research from prior years of AES funding has been translated into Japanese during 2007. Articles by Professor Umbreit are being prepared for publication during 2008 in journals in Argentina, Italy, South Africa, South Africa, and South Korea. Dr. Umbreit provided training and consultation to the Italian Ministry of Justice related to their efforts to have national legislation on victim offender mediation and he served on a working group from the European Union that is developing
guidelines for the treatment of victims of terrorism that incorporate restorative justice principles. Leaders within the Liberian community in MN have requested Dr. Umbreit's consultation and assistance on restorative justice dialogue with the Liberian Truth and Reconciliation Commission process that is occurring both in West Africa and MN following many years of violent civil conflict. He presented his research as a keynote address at a university conference in South Korea.
Publications
- Umbreit, M.S., Coates R.B. and Vos, B. (2007). The practice of victim offender mediation: A look at the evidence. In S.Shoham, O. Beck and M. Kett (Eds.) International Handbook of Penology and Criminal Justice. CRC Press.
- Umbreit, M.S., Coates, R.B. & Vos, B. (2007). "Restorative justice dialogue: A multi-dimensional evidence-based practice theory." Contemporary Justice Review, Vol. 10(1): 23-42.
- Peterson Armour, M. & Umbreit, M.S. (2007). Victim offender mediation and forensic social work. In Forensic Social Work in Juvenile and Criminal Justice Settings: Evidence-Based Handbook, Springer Publishing.
- Umbreit, M.S., Vos, B., Coates R.B. and Lightfoot, E. (2007). "Restorative justice: An empirically grounded movement facing many opportunities and pitfalls." Cardoza Journal of Conflict Resolution, Vol. 8:1001-1059.
- Armour, M.P. & Umbreit, M.S. (in press, 2007). The ultimate penal sanction and "closure" for survivors of homicide victims. Marquette Law Review, pages 101-141.
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Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
Restorative justice is a social movement that is developing throughout the United States and abroad, with recent endorsements by the United Nations and the European Union. This research continues to examine the impact of restorative justice policies and practices, with a particular focus on the impact of restorative justice mediation/dialogue in severely violent crimes and political violence, victim satisfaction with victim offender mediation/dialogue, and recidivism of offenders. Victim offender mediation and dialogue in crimes of severe violence was examined at both a national and international level. An analysis of several capital cases from the state of Texas in which the prisoner met the surviving family member of the victim was conducted and a book chapter was published and an article was submitted to Homicide Studies journal. Today there are 19 states providing or developing public policy to allow restorative justice dialogue in crimes of severe violence and
the findings and recommendations of this research have been drawn upon heavily. As the field of restorative justice has grown, with surveys finding restorative justice polices or practices in nearly every state, our research has continued to provide reviews of all known empirical research in the field, including involvement in several meta-analyses with co-investigators. Three journal articles and two book chapters were published on this work during 2006. Restorative justice policies and practices have grown even more expensively in Europe. During 2006 we completed and published an evaluation report on the initial impact of victim offender mediation programs in 6 regions of the former Soviet Republic of the Ukraine. This provided an important contribution to development of more restorative principles of justice in a new transitional government that is developing a democratic society under the rule of law. This research has also continued to examine the impact of restorative justice in
hate crimes and political violence, both in America and abroad. The principal investigator presented his research at a restorative justice conference in Cape Town, South Africa. A journal article on the use of restorative dialogue in hates crimes was published, along with a journal article about an Israeli case study involving Arab youth and an Israeli women who was assaulted and nearly killed, all of whom found their participation in a restorative mediation/dialogue intervention to be critical in healing the wounds of criminal and political violence. Restorative justice dialogue is being found to have the potential for making a significant contribution to national healing in the wake of severe and entrenched political conflict and violence in some of the most highly conflictual areas of the world.
Impacts
In 2006, the most comprehensive critical review of the field was published in the Marquette University Law Review in an article by the Principal Investigator, entitled "Restorative justice in the 21st century: A social movement full of pitfalls and opportunities." Several lectures were given on this theme in a number of states. A large meta-analysis of the impact of victim offender mediation on offender recidivism was finalized and published in a leading journal in the field. Manuscripts on the growing impact of restorative justice are being prepared for publication (in 2007) in four book chapters and three journal articles. The Principal Investigator is scheduled to give key note addresses at two conferences and presentations of his research at four conferences in 2007. The past year focused on the objectives of: victim satisfaction with victim offender mediation and dialogue, both in non-violent property crimes and severely violent crimes; offender recidivism; and
continuing systemic impact of restorative justice policies and practices. This continues to represent the only on-going and multi-site assessment of mediation and dialogue in crimes of severe violence, a practice that is receiving broader policy support both within Minnesota and many other states. We have documented the only known cases of applying dialogue in the context of such highly volatile places as Northern Ireland and Israel/Palestine. During the coming years we will be documenting restorative justice initiatives in South Africa.
Publications
- Peterson Armour, M. & Umbreit, M.S. (2006). Victim forgiveness in restorative justice dialogue. Victims & Offenders: Journal of Evidenced-Based Policies and Practices, Vol. 1 (2): 123-140.
- Coates, R.B., Umbreit, M.S., & Vos, B. (2006). Responding to hate crimes through restorative justice dialogue. Contemporary Justice Review, Vol. 9(1): 7-21.
- Abrams, L. & Umbreit, M.S. (2006). Youthful offenders response to victim offender conferencing in Washington County, MN. Contemporary Justice Review.
- Umbreit, M.S., Vos, B. & Coates, R.B. (2005). Restorative justice dialogue: A review of evidence-based practice. Offender Programs Report, Vol.9(4): 49-56.
- Umbreit, M.S., Coates R.B. & Vos, B. (2006). Victim offender mediated dialogue: Three decades of practice and research. In P. Herman (Ed.), The Blackwell Handbook on Mediation : A Guide to Effective Negotiation. Blackwell Publishing. Pages 175-190.
- Umbreit, M.S. & Ritter, R. (2006). Arab offenders meet Jewish victim: Restorative family dialogue in Israel. Conflict Resolution Quarterly, Vol. 24(1): 99-109.
- Coates, R.B., Umbreit, M.S., Vos, B., & Brown, K. (2006). Facilitated dialogue on death row: Family members of murder victims and inmates share their experiences. In J. Acker and D. Karp (Eds.) Wounds That Do Not Bind: Victim-based Perspectives on the Death Penalty. Carolina Academic Press. Pages 349-375.
- Umbreit, M.S, (2006). Victim offender mediation: An evolving evidence-based practice. In D. Sullivan and L. Tift (Eds.) The Handbook of Restorative Justice. Pages 52-62.
- Umbreit, M.S. (2006). Mindfulness, deep listening, & stories: The spiritual core of peacemaking. ACR Journal.
- Bradshaw, W., Roseborough, D., & Umbreit, M.S. (2006). The effect of victim offender mediation on juvenile offender recidivism: A meta-analysis. Conflict Resolution Quarterly, Vol. 24(1): 87-98.
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
Several important activities related to research on the impact of restorative justice have occurred in the areas of mediation/dialogue in property crimes, severely violent crimes, and political violence in highly conflicted countries. Further analysis of the use of victim offender mediation and dialogue in crimes of severe violence occurred at both a national and international level. An analysis of several capital cases from the state of Texas in which the prisoner met the surviving family member of the victim was conducted and a journal article is in the final stages of preparation. An overall analysis of the data that emerged from the previous years study of the development and use of this intervention in Texas and Ohio was finalized and accepted for publication in the International Review of Victimology. An article entitled 'Restorative Justice in the 21st Century: A Social Movement Full of Pitfalls and Opportunities' was accepted for publication in the Marquette
University Law Review. The impact of restorative justice and as the use of victim offender mediation and dialogue in crimes of severe violence upon the experience of forgiveness by victims was examined. In addition to a book chapter that was published in 2005, a related journal article was accepted for publication in 2006. Individual case studies of the use of victim offender mediation and dialogue in Northern Ireland (between an icon of the IRA movement and a surviving family member of a victim who was killed by a bombing) and in Israel (between Arab youth and an Israeli women who was assaulted and nearly killed) are providing preliminary data on how this mediation/dialogue intervention is beginning to be used in healing the wounds of political violence in two of the most entrenched conflicts. These initial case studies and the desire of people in these countries to use this intervention more widely has the potential for making a significant contribution to national healing in these
two highly conflictual areas of the world. An article related to a case in Israel/Palestine was accepted for publication in the Conflict Resolution Journal in 2006. Data from a new initiative to assess victim and offender satisfaction with victim offender mediation programs in 6 regions of the former Soviet Republic of the Ukraine was examined and the final report is under preparation. This will make an important contribution to development of more restorative principles of justice in a new transitional government that is developing a democratic society under the rule of law.
Impacts
The past year focused on the objectives of: victim satisfaction with victim offender mediation and dialogue, both in non-violent property crimes and severely violent crimes; offender recidivism; and continuing systemic impact of restorative justice policies and practices. This continues to represent the only on-going and multi-site assessment of mediation and dialogue in crimes of severe violence, a practice that is receiving broader policy support both within Minnesota and many other states. We have documented the only known cases of applying dialogue in the context of such highly volatile places as Northern Ireland and Israel/Palestine. The study in Ukraine will make an important contribution to the development of the rule of law in the previous Soviet Republic.
Publications
- Umbreit, M.S. & Ritter, R.(2005). Arab offenders meet Jewish victim: Restorative family dialogue in Israel. Conflict Resolution Journal.
- Umbreit, M.S., Vos, B., Coates, R.B. and Armour, M.(2005). Victims of Severe Violence in Mediated Dialogue with Offender: The Impact of the First Multi-site Study in the U.S. International Review of Victimology.
- Umbreit, M.S., Vos, B., & Coates, R.B. (2005). Restorative Justice in the 21st Century: A Social Movement Full of Opportunities and Pitfalls. Marquette University Law Review.
- Peterson-Armour, M. & Umbreit, M.S. (2005). The paradox of forgiveness in restorative justice. In E. Worthington (Ed.), Handbook of Forgiveness.
- Umbreit, M.S., Coates R.B. and Vos, B. (2005). Victim offender mediation: Evidence-based practice over three decades. In The Handbook on Dispute Resolution, Josey-Bass.
- Umbreit, M.S. (2005). Victim offender mediation in criminal and juvenile courts. In Judges Handbook on Alternative Dispute Resolution, American Bar Association.
- Umbreit, M.S., Coates R.B. and Vos, B. (2005). Restorative justice dialogue: A multi-dimensional, evidence-based practice theory. In Handbook of Restorative Justice. Willam Press.
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
During the past year, a number of important activities related to research on the impact of restorative justice have occurred in the areas of mediation/dialogue in severely violent crimes and political violence, assessing victim satisfaction with victim offender mediation/dialogue, and recidivism of offenders. Further analysis of the use of victim offender mediation and dialogue in crimes of severe violence occurred at both a national and international level. An analysis of several capital cases from the state of Texas in which the prisoner met the surviving family member of the victim was conducted and a book chapter and journal article are in the final stages of preparation. An overall analysis of the data that emerged from the previous years study of the development and use of this intervention in Texas and Ohio was finalized, with a journal article to be submitted in the next month. As the field of restorative justice continues to expand in nearly every state and
as the use of victim offender mediation and dialogue in crimes of severe violence is now developing in approximately 15 states, including Minnesota, the findings from this research provide helpful and much needed implications for policy development and practice in this emerging field. Individual case studies of the use of victim offender mediation and dialogue in Northern Ireland (between an icon of the IRA movement and a surviving family member of a victim who was killed by a bombing) and in Israel (between Arab youth and an Israeli women who was assaulted and nearly killed) are providing preliminary data on how this mediation/dialogue intervention is beginning to be used in healing the wounds of political violence in two of the most entrenched conflicts. These initial case studies and the desire of people in these countries to use this intervention more widely has the potential for making a significant contribution to national healing in these two highly conflictual areas of the
world. A new initiative to assess victim and offender satisfaction with victim offender mediation programs in 6 regions of the former Soviet Republic of the Ukraine was begun. This will make an important contribution to development of more restorative principles of justice in a new transitional government that is developing a democratic society under the rule of law. Further examination of offender recidivism occurred, with the findings from a large meta-analysis involving a sample of over 9,000 juvenile offenders, and an article that was published in December of 2003 in the Utah Law Review.
Impacts
The past year focused on the objectives of: victim satisfaction with victim offender mediation and dialogue, both in non-violent property crimes and severely violent crimes; offender recidivism; and continuing systemic impact of restorative justice policies and practices. This continues to represent the only on-going and multi-site assessment of mediation and dialogue in crimes of severe violence, a practice that is receiving broader policy support both within Minnesota and many other states. We have documented the only known cases of applying dialogue in the context of such highly volatile places as Northern Ireland and Israel/Palestine.
Publications
- Umbreit, M. S. Coates, R. B. and Vos, B. 2004. 'Victim offender mediation: Three decades of research and practice.' Conflict Resolution Journal, Vol.22 (1-2), pages 279-304.
- Umbreit, M. S. 2004. 'Victim offender mediation in juvenile and criminal cases.' In the Alternative Dispute Resolution Handbook for Judges Chicago: American Bar Association, pages 225-236.
- Umbreit, M.S., Coates, R.B. and Vos, B. 2004. `The Impact of victim offender mediation : Two decades of research.' , P. Kratcoski (Ed). Correctional Counseling and Treatment, pages 86-99.
- Lightfoot, E. & Umbreit, M.S. 2004. 'An analysis of statutory provisions for victim-offender mediation.' Criminal Justice Policy Review. Vol. 15 (4), pages 418-436.
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
During 2003, research focused on three primary areas. The first empirical study ever conducted in the United States on the use of mediated dialogue in severe violence cases was completed. This led to the preparation of an article that was accepted in a peer-reviewed journal, Contemporary Justice Review, for publication in 2004 and publication of a book by Criminal Justice Press entitled Facing Violence: The Path of Restorative Justice & Dialogue that came out in late 2003, as well as several other brief articles. Additional analysis of data and at least 2-3 publications will be forthcoming in the next year. Second, research on the impact of peacemaking circles in the South St. Paul area, both within their school system and within community settings was continued. An article in a scholarly journal has been accepted for publication in 2004. Third, examination of the impact of victim offender mediation on reduction in recidivism rates continued in several different
settings. An article was published in the Utah Law Review with colleagues from the University of Tennessee School of Social Work. Two additional articles were prepared on the impact of VOM and restorative justice on criminal repeating (recidivism). One was accepted for publication in Research in Social Work Practice. The other has been submitted to Crime and Delinquency Journal. Review and analysis of client satisfaction with restorative justice dialogue/mediation programs also continued, resulting in two journal articles accepted for publication (co-authored by colleagues in the SSW) in 2004, in Contemporary Justice Review and in Child and Adolescent Social Work Finally, an important article was prepared (with a colleague in the SSW) and accepted for publication in Criminal Justice Policy Review related to the systemic impact of restorative justice and victim offender mediation. This included a review of statutes in every state to determine the extent of policy support for
restorative justice through victim offender mediation. A total of 18 publications (see below) were completed and either published (10), submitted and accepted (7), or submitted and pending decision (1). This included: 11 articles in scholarly journals; 3 articles in professional journals; 3 book chapters: and 1 book. In addition to the publications listed below in section 43, the following publications were submitted and/or accepted for publication in 2003.
Impacts
The research conducted through this project continues to make a large difference through offering groundbreaking empirical research on new and untested restorative justice policies and practices. In multiple settings, this research has offered practical implications for policy and practice. At a time when the restorative justice movement continues to expand in Minnesota, throughout the country, and internationally, as evidenced by supportive resolutions passed by the European Council and the United Nations, this type of applied research provides a valuable service to the field and makes a major contribution to knowledge building. The research conducted in the past year has focused on: victim satisfaction; offender recidivism, systemic change, the impact of restorative justice dialogue in cases of severe violence, and the use of peacemaking circles in communities.
Publications
- Bradshaw, W., Umbreit, M.S., Coates, R.B. & Armour, M. 2003. 'Family Survivors of Homicide Meet the Offender: A Case Study in Mediated Dialogue.' Homicide Studies.
- Umbreit, M.S., Coates, R.B., & Vos, B. 2003. 'Restorative Versus Community Justice: Clarifying a Muddle or Generating Confusion.' Contemporary Justice Review.
- Bradshaw, W. & Umbreit, M.S. 2003. 'Assessing Satisfaction with Victim Services: The Development and Use of the Victim Satisfaction with Offender Dialogue Scale.' International Review of Victimology.
- Nugent W., Williams, M. & Umbreit, M.S. 2003. 'Participation in Victim-Offender Mediation and the Prevalence of Subsequent Delinquent Behavior: A Meta-Analysis.' Utah Law Review.
- Coates, R.B., Umbreit, M.S. and Vos, B. 2003. 'A Case Study of Developing a Systemic Approach Toward Restorative Justice in Washington County, MN.' VOMA Connection.
- Umbreit, M.S. 2003. 'Restorative Justice: What Does it Mean for Victims.' Perspectives.
- Umbreit, M.S., Vos, B., Coates, R.B., & Brown, K. 2003. 'Victims Offender Dialogue in Crimes of Severe Violence: A Multi-Site Study of Programs in Texas and Ohio.' VOMA Connection.
- Umbreit, M.S., Vos, B., Coates, R.B., & Brown, K. 2003. Facing Violence: The Path of Restorative Justice & Dialogue, Monsey, NY: Criminal Justice Press.
- Umbreit, M.S., Bradshaw, W. and Coates, R.B. 2003. Victims of severe violence in dialogue with offenders: Key principles, outcomes, and implications. In E. Weitekamp and H. Kerner(Eds.), Restorative Justice in Context: International Practice and Directions. Portland, OR: Willan Publishing.
- Umbreit, M.S. 2003. 'Restorative Justice.' In J. Dressler (Ed.) Encyclopedia of Crime and Justice. New York: Macmillan Reference.
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
A major analysis of the systemic change initiative in Washington County, Minnesota in which they moved their court services/probation department toward restorative justice principles and practices was completed during the past year. This represents the first known study in the country focusing on systemic change, rather than program effectiveness, in the growing field of restorative justice which is developing extensively throughout the United States and abroad. Key factors in how Washington County was able to refocus the mission of the agency, broaden services to crimes victims, increase involvement of community members, and strenghten offender accountability to repair the harm caused by their criminal behavior were identified, as well as critical issues the county is still facing. A second study completed during the past year was entitled: Youth offenders Speak About Restorative Justice: Implications for Future Progress. Although more than 50 studies have been
completed which examined the impact of restorative justice and victim offender mediation on client satisfaction, perceptions of fairness, restitution completion, and recidivism, little is known about the subjective experiences of youth offenders who take part in a face-to-face meeting with their victim through a restorative justice program. This study involved a intense qualitative case study of 7 offenders, 1 female and 6 males. Offenses ranged from 2 thefts, 1 mail tampering, 2 burglaries, 1 drunk-driving arrest, to 1 terrorist threat against a school. The major finding that emerged was that the meeting with the victim, while having a quite positive impact on the offender, was part of a larger package of experiences and interventions that the offender was involved in and taken together led to significant changes in their lives as measured by reduced further involvement in the courts and as expressed by their parents in terms of family behavior.
Impacts
The study of systemic change toward restorative justice in Washington County is having a significant impact on other jurisdictions in Minnesota and other states undergoing similar change efforts. The report is being widely disseminated through the web-site of the Center for Restorative Justice & Pacemaking at the University of Minnesota. The study of the subjective experience of offenders is being used to help train community volunteers in the program.
Publications
- No publications for year 2002.
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Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
Client satisfaction with restorative justice through victim offender mediation and dialogue has been measured for victims and offenders in two interventions. First, 197 victims who participated in victim offender mediation programs in two counties of Minnesota and two counties in California were surveyed. This followed development of the first Victim Satisfaction with Offender Dialogue Scale, based on psychometric principles. The average scale score for the total sample was 32.74 which indicates that on the whole crime victims were generally satisfied with the mediated dialogue with their offender. The mean scores for each county were: Dakota County, MN = 33.14; Washington County, MN = 32.29; Orange County, CA = 31.34; Los Angeles County, CA = 33.29. Twenty-three percent of the respondents were male and seventy-seven percent were female. The average age of respondents was 39 and eighty-nine percent of the cases involved property offenses and eleven percent of the
cases involved crimes against persons. Second, an exploratory study was initiated to examine an entirely new restorative justice practice referred to as peacemaking circles. Peacemaking circles draw upon traditional ways of responding to community conflict that are widely used among Native Americans and many other cultures. They have been adapted to western culture and attempt to facilitate dialogue among victims, offenders, family members, and other community members. This study uses a qualitative approach to describe the incorporation of restorative justice or peacemaking circles in South Saint Paul. The study was designed with the assistance of the South St. Paul Restorative Justice Council and Dakota County Community Corrections. The purpose was to describe the nature of circle work and how participants perceived the impact of circle on themselves, their community, and the formal justice system. A total of sixty two individuals were interviewed. These included fifteen
victims/family members, fifteen offenders/family members, eight circle keepers, seventeen community representatives, and seven individuals who worked within the formal justice system. Thirteen circles were observed. Victim and offender satisfaction with peacemaking circles in South St.Paul was measured. A total of 35 cases were examined and 75% of respondents indicated satisfaction with this new restorative justice intervention. A great deal of qualitative data was collected in regard to various stakeholders perceptions of the value of peacemaking circles within the criminal justice system.
Impacts
The research is examining the degree to which the experience of justice is perceived as more meaningful, fair and satisfying for both crime victims and young offenders. It is looking at client satisfaction with restorative justice through victim offender mediation and dialogue in several counties of Minnesota. A primary research question is to what extent are victims of crime satisfied with the meeting with their offender through a mediation process.
Publications
- Umbreit, M. S., Coates, R.B. and Vos, B. (2001). Peacemaking circles: The impact of community involvement. Perspectives Journal of the American Parole and Probation Association. Vol. 36, No.1: 36-40.
- Umbreit, M. S. and Bradshaw, W. (2001). Victim satisfaction with offender dialogue scale: The impact upon victims in four programs. A monograph published by University of Minnesota, Center for Restorative Justice & Peacemaking, St. Paul.
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Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00
Outputs
Evaluation of restorative justice initiatives in several counties of Minnesota has begun. While the most extensive evaluation work is going on in Dakota and Washington counties, focusing upon the impact of victim offender dialogue through peacemaking circles and the impact of cognitive skills training and victim empathy development for offenders, data from several other counties related to victim satisfaction with restitution services is being reviewed as well. It is anticipated that a full report on the impact of peacemaking circles and victim satisfaction with restitution services will be completed by the next report period one year from now.
Impacts
The research is examining the degree to which the experience of justice is perceived as more meaningful, fair and satisfying for both crime victims and young offenders. It is looking at client satisfaction with retorative justice through victim offender mediation and dialogue in several counties of Minnesota. A primary research question is to what extent are victims of crime satisfied with the meeting with their offender through a mediation process.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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