LEWISTON — Bates College hosted a conference earlier this week aimed at exploring alternative approaches to crime and punishment.
Restorative justice is an emerging concept that focuses equally on the needs of the victim and others affected by wrongdoing as well as the needs of the offender. The aim is to resolve the issue at hand while heading off future wrongdoing.
The site of the daylong conference was chosen by the Bath-based Restorative Justice Institute, in part because Bates students and faculty have helped with research on the subject, said Patricia Kimball, executive director of the nonprofit organization.
Bates also was picked because the school is shifting its student disciplinary system to adopt more of a restorative justice approach, Assistant Dean of Students Carl Steidel said. That approach could serve as an alternative to a formal disciplinary process, while still holding wrongdoers accountable, he said. In fact, restorative justice only works when the perpetrators take responsibility for their actions, he said.
Kimball, who organized the Second Annual Restorative Justice Think Tank, said last year’s event focused on the possibilities for restorative justice in Maine. This year’s event, attended by more than 150 people, explored what is happening in Maine.
Four presentations in the morning session highlighted programs in Maine aimed at restorative justice, including a pilot project in the Midcoast that promotes fundamental change in the justice system and schools. It examines responses to crime and wrongdoing, seeks renewal and safety for the community, support and healing for the victims and accountability and reintegration for the offenders.
Maine Inside Out, a group that collaborates in theater with those who are incarcerated and formerly incarcerated, presented a performance by seven men at Longcreek Youth Development Center in South Portland. The 12-minute piece follows a character through life as he encounters a series of punishments for various infractions. A question and answer session with audience members followed.
The performance depicts traditional and conventional forms of discipline found in our society and exposes their flaws, said Tessy Seward, a writer, performer and director with the group.
Another presenter showcased at the conference talked about a program that works with adult offenders.
In the afternoon, workshop topics included the role of faith-based organizations, community planning, re-entry programs and systemic change.
“It was pretty varied,” she said.
Students from Lewiston High School attended the conference, as did students from Yarmouth, who talked about a program at their school, Kimball said.
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