Evaluation of Reentry-Based Restorative Justice: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This proposal seeks to study the impact a restorative justice program in a therapeutic community with a randomized controlled trial (RCT). The research team proposes to study the impact of Family Group Conferences (FGC) administered to residents of the Self-help Addiction Rehabilitation center in Macomb County (MI). Eligible offenders who volunteer, along with their families, for the program participate in a 1-3 hour counseling session that concludes with a restoration agreement where the offender plans to restore the harm caused by their behavior. Primary outcomes of interest are employment, housing, substance use, and recidivism. Data on these outcomes will be collected via a six-month post-release follow-up interview and through one year, post-release, of administrative data. Upon direction by NIJ, an additional comparison group of offenders who did not volunteer for the study will be added to the research design. This comparison group will allow the applicant to assess the possibility of bias introduced by using participants who self-select to the program. Note: This project contains a research and/or development component, as defined in applicable law,and complies with Part 200 Uniform Requirements - 2 CFR 200.210(a)(14). CA/NCF