What does restitution involve?

Restitution specifically refers to the process of repaying or compensating a victim for the damages or losses they have incurred as a result of a juvenile's actions. This concept is an important aspect of juvenile justice, as it emphasizes accountability and reconciliation between the offender and the victim. The goal of restitution is to restore the victim, to the extent possible, and to provide a sense of justice, making the offender aware of the impact of their actions.

While there are other consequences that can be imposed on a juvenile, such as fines, community service, and detention, these do not specifically address the principle of compensating the victim. Fines serve as a punishment, community service is a way to rehabilitate or contribute to society, and detention is a form of confinement; none of these options directly involve making amends to the victim. Restitution stands out as a restorative measure that seeks to alleviate the harm caused by the crime itself.