"[A]n evidence-based description of the history, practices, and future of restorative dialoguethat is informed by the values and principles of law, social work and spirituality. This is animpressive achievement."Daniel W. Van NessPrison Fellowship International, Washington, DC"I know of no other book that provides such a complete review of the various and emergingrestorative practices and the phenomenal growth of this movement worldwide."David Karp, PhDSkidmore College"The combination of two outstanding and widely recognized restorative justice practitionersand authors has produced a text that is destined to be a major resource."Katherine Van Wormer, PhDUniversity of Northern IowaThis book provides a comprehensive foundation for understanding restorative justice andits application worldwide to numerous social issues. Backed by reviews of empiricalresearch and case examples, the authors describe the core restorative justice practicesincluding victim-offender mediation, family group conferencing, and peacemaking circlesas well as cultural considerations, emerging variations in a wide variety of settings, and thecrucial role of the facilitator. Together, authors Umbreit and Armour bring the latest empiricalresearch and clinical wisdom to those invested in the research and practice of restorative justice.Key topics:¿ Spiritual components of restorative justice¿ Victim-offender mediation¿ Family group conferencing¿ Peacemaking circles¿ Victim-offender dialogue in crimes of severe violence¿ Dimensions of culture in restorative justice¿ Humanistic mediation¿ Application to domestic violence, higher education, and incarceration

Preface