Juvenile Justice in Oregon: Balanced and Restorative Justice in Action

• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1111/jfcj.12126
• Published date: 01 March 2019
• Author: Christina L. McMahan
• Date: 01 March 2019

Juvenile Justice in Oregon: Balanced and

Restorative Justice in Action

By Christina L. McMahan

ABSTRACT

The goals of Balanced and Restorative Justice (BARJ) are to hold juvenile

offenders meaningfully accountable, hear and empower crime victims and engage

communities both as stakeholders who have been negatively impacted and as advo-

cates to make things right for the crime victim, offender, and community. This arti-

cle examines how several Oregon juvenile justice agencies have put BARJ into action

over the last 25 years, highlighting specific examples of how several agencies have

made this the philosophical underpinning of their work. An overview of the philo-

sophical principles, values, and goals that drive this approach is also discussed.

Key words: Balanced and Restorative Justice, Restorative Justice, juvenile justice.

INTRODUCTION

Over the last 25 years, juvenile justice in Oregon has experienced many changes.

One of the drivers of change has been the infusion of the Balanced and Restorative Justice

(BARJ) framework into services, systems, and communities throughout Oregon. This

work has significantly changed the way the system and professionals within it work with

juveniles, as well as how crime victims are treated and how their rights are honored. It

has also transformed the perspective citizens have regarding justice involved young peo-

ple, as well as how juveniles envision their futures and roles in the community.

PRINCIPLES, VALUES, AND GOALS OF BALANCED AND

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE

The philosophical principles, values, and goals of BARJ are focused on support and

meaningful outcomes for all who have been impacted by crime including justice

Christina L. McMahan, J.D., is the director of the Clackamas County Juvenile Department in Ore-

gon. She obtained her Juris Doctor degree from Willamette University College of Law, as well as a Certifi-

cate in Dispute Resolution, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Management and Organizational Leadership

from George Fox University. Ms. McMahan has served as both a prosecutor in juvenile court and as a county

juvenile department director in Oregon’s juvenile justice system.

Juvenile and Family Court Journal 70, No. 1

©2019 National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges

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