What is the ultimate goal of the reparation agreement in restorative justice practices?

The ultimate goal of the reparation agreement in restorative justice practices is to restore harm done in the community. Restorative justice focuses on repairing the relationships that have been damaged as a result of criminal behavior. This involves acknowledging the impact of the offense not only on the individual victim but also on the broader community.

Through a reparation agreement, offenders are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions and to understand the effects those actions have beyond just the legal consequences. The aim is to engage them in meaningful reparative actions that benefit the community and address the underlying issues that led to the offense, fostering healing for both the victim and the community as a whole. This comprehensive approach contrasts with merely assigning blame, providing compensation, or imposing sanctions, which do not holistically address the harm caused and often fail to facilitate true resolution and healing.