RESTORE THEIR POTENTIAL: EXPLORING THE EXPANDED EFFECTS OF RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PROGRAMS IN SCHOOLS

Abstract

As restorative justice has become a commonality in various disciplines, it is important to gauge the effectiveness of policies and laws that promote this more modern approach to offender treatment. Michigan passed a law in 2016 requiring the use of restorative practices in all public secondary schools, and while research has proven such policies to be effective within the school settings, research has not been done to determine if there are any other benefits beyond the classroom. The study compares juvenile arrest rates using the difference in difference model, before and after the Michigan law was set in place, finding Michigan experienced a decrease in both juvenile property and violent crimes. Michigan’s arrest rates are also compared to its adjacent states, finding a more significant decline in both property and violent arrests in Michigan than its adjacent states. This study can be used to further promote the use of restorative justice in educational settings for adolescents.