The concept of restorative justice has emerged as an approach that incorporates offender accountability, victim assistance, public safety and crime prevention. In the restorative model, crime victims, the community and offenders are all considered clients of justice processes - including corrections - thus offering crime victims and the community more active, vital roles. The involvement and interests of these three client populations becomes core to the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of restorative justice programs and services.

Source: Vanspauwen, K., Robert, L., Aertsen, I., Parmentier, S. (2003), Restorative Justice and Restorative Detention. A selected and annotated bibliography. Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Faculteit Rechtsgeleerdheid, Onderzoeksgroep Penologie en Victimologie.