Abstract

GOMEZ, Diana Carolina; SUAREZ, Omar  and  CHAUX, Enrique. Formative evaluation of two interventions inspired by restorative principles in detention centers. Rev. Crim. [online]. 2018, vol.60, n.2, pp.41-58. ISSN 1794-3108.

Restorative justice is based on principles which constitute an opportunity with great transformative potential for victims and aggressors alike; although it is not clear yet how to tap that potential. Two formative evaluation of intervention are presented here for individuals held in detention because they have committed offences. Seven adolescents participated in study 1 and five adults took part in study 2, all of whom were men. The intervention in study I consisted of 10 session of 1 hour, which included an anger management module adapted from the EQUIP program and a reparation for damage module. The intervention of study 2 involved six sessions which were exclusively targeted for the reparation of damage. The interventions incorporated role plays that simulate a possible meeting of the participants, their aggression victims and letters to the victims that would not be sent. The study found a high level of participants’ satisfaction and involvement; they demonstrated empathy for their victims and willingness for repairing the damage as well as an increase in their anger management report. These studies show that, in detention centers, it is posible to take advantage of the transformative potential of restorative principles even without conducting meetings with the victims.

Keywords : Damages reparation; correctional facilities; jails; aggressions; education in the treatment.

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