Resumen de XII. Restorative Reentry Planning Circles for Imprisoned People
A reentry planning process using restorative justice and solution-focused brief therapy was developed in Hawai’i. The circle process is goal oriented and strength based. It is based on John Braithwaite’s suggested transition planning process to assist youth in preparing for emancipation (Braithwaite, 2004). Insoo Kim Berg, co-founder of solution-focused brief therapy, helped develop the reentry circle model. The purpose of the circle is for victim healing and for an imprisoned individual to make amends and reconcile with loved ones harmed by their behavior and incarceration. The circles also assist imprisoned individuals to construct and affirm “a meaningful story to redeem themselves” necessary for continued desistance (Maruna, 2006, 55). Supporters of the imprisoned person, including love dones and at least one prison staff person, attend the circle. A written reentry plan is developed at the circle, and provided later to the participants. Circle participants, not exclusively experts or professionals, develop the circle plan. Recidivism results three years after release from prison show imprisoned people who had a circle were less likely to repeat crime compared to those who applied for circles, but did not receive one, and also compared to Hawai‘i’s state average recidivism rates.
