Giving Compass' Take:
- Mae Nagusky discusses how peer-led restorative justice classes at Vermont's only women's prison are sparking personal growth and dialogue about empathy.
- How can similar peer-led restorative justice classes be implemented in prisons across the country? How might these classes help reduce recidivism?
- Learn more about key issues in criminal justice and how you can help.
- Search our Guide to Good for nonprofits focused on criminal justice in your area.
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Vermont's only women's prison has had restorative justice classes for the past three years. It’s a process that focuses on the offender repairing the harm caused by their actions, and uses dialogue and empathy rather than punishment.
Last year, a retired University of Vermont professor got incarcerated women set up to run the restorative justice classes themselves.
Vermont Department of Corrections officials say the restorative justice classes are an effort to give incarcerated women tools to navigate conflicts — and hopefully stay out of prison when they eventually leave.
Peer-Led Restorative Justice Classes Encourage Self-Reflection and Growth
Mae Nagusky: I’m at Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility sitting in a well-lit, pretty big room, in a metal and plastic chair, surrounded by about 15 incarcerated people. Most of the people have a drink — water, soda, chocolate milk — and about five of them have their notebook with them.
Each of the restorative justice classes start with a question.
Speaker: OK, our question today is one thing that is different about yourself since you got here.
Mae Nagusky: The restorative justice classes meet every Monday for an hour. The curriculum includes readings and group discussions surrounding hypothetical situations. One example was, "Let's say your cellmate was smoking cigarettes. How are you going to respond?”
Through these conversations, the women learn new restorative justice concepts and navigate nuanced problems together.
Speaker 3: Hurt people hurt people.
Amanda Conant: I love that. “Hurt people hurt people.” I really like that.
Mae Nagusky: One aspect of restorative justice is about people examining how their actions caused harm, and taking responsibility for what they did.
Speaker 3: I can't ask for help because I don't know how to. So me acting out is asking for help.
Amanda Conant: I think you recognizing that is huge, because I know in the beginning, before the class started, you were having a little bit of trouble, but I have seen so much growth in you throughout these restorative justice classes, and it’s not just because of the class — it's you as a person, so kudos to you.
Read the full article about peer-led restorative justice classes by Mae Nagusky at Vermont Public Radio.