RESTORATIVE JUSTICE CERTIFICATE

A certificate in Restorative Justice is desirable as more and more police departments, departments of corrections, and prosecutor’s offices are utilizing restorative justice principles and practices as part of their efforts to deal with the impact that crime, violence, violation, trauma, and vicarious trauma have on individuals and the community at large. Law enforcement officers can be subject to immense stress on the job. Many people do not realize how dangerous and traumatic a law enforcement officer’s job can be. If not given the ability to process their trauma, officers may progressively lose flexibility and humanity on the job.

While more law enforcement officers are now receiving training on how to de-escalate conflicts, much of the training may not go deep enough in responding to the effects on the officers of prior trauma. With adequate education and training in recognizing and managing trauma, law enforcement officers can move towards rehumanizing the self and “the Other” – a major goal of restorative justice. Trauma education within a restorative justice context will improve the lives of law enforcement officers, their families, and communities – among whom trauma is widespread.

Students with a trauma-informed Restorative Justice certificate will stand out from their peers and be able to cast a wider net when seeking job opportunities.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Develop an understanding of trauma via a restorative justice lens

• Analyze the research on trauma-informed restorative justice practices

• Develop an understanding of a restorative justice trauma-sensitive approach to interrupting racial disparities

• Develop facilitation skills to become a restorative justice practitioner

• Develop a deep appreciation and understanding of the history of restorative justice