FOR THE LEAST OF US: COME, LET US REASON TOGETHER

FOR THE LEAST OF US
Challenging Churches and restoring families

RUMINATIONS

America's criminal justice system

Misguided

Crime is considered more an act upon the State than upon a victim, a violation justifying punishment

Victims are used more as witnesses for the State rather than assisted for their loss

Deprived of their careers, offenders are unlikely to find a suitable job. Payment of their restitution takes precedence over repayment to the victim

Ever escalating costs of present system

One in 32 adult currently under supervision

13 million incarcerated

Almost 1 million inmates released each year

$25,000 cost to imprison each inmate each year

$50,000 cost to imprison each inmate on death row each year

$600,000,000 cost of building another new prison

It's been a poor investment

A 70% recidivism rate is a failure rate

Taxpayer beware, the present system becomes more wasteful each year

Alternative models must be pursued in the interests of public safety, and the restoration of our communities, families and the human condition

Restorative Justice model

Based on accountability, competency development, and community safety

Requires admission of guilt, willingness to participate, ability to make reparation

Focus on

Restoration not retribution
Offender responsibility not guilt
Repentance and redirection
The debt to the victim not the state
The future not the past
Repair - not life-time punishment

Calls all parties—victims, offenders, communities and the government—to recognize the importance of repairing the harm caused by crime

Victim-offender mediation. Calls upon professions to facilitate restorative encounters

Reintegration. Provide means and opportunity to rejoin their communities as contributing members

COME LET US REASON TOGETHER" (ISAIAH 2)