Implementation of Solution-Focused Skills in a Hawai'i Prison

Abstract

This two-pronged pilot program was designed to decrease inmate recidivism while involving victims of criminal offenses to participate in reconciliation with the offenders and their victims. This program uses solution-focused (SF) and restorative justice (RJ) approaches. Even though SF and RJ approaches originated from two different fields, they both offer man useful tools to achieve the goals of this pilot project. This program is designed to offer both offenders and their victims the opportunity to forge better relationships with a better future whenever possible. The result is a self-directed healing process that restores the dignity of both victims and offenders, and others who may have suffered harm from the criminal behaviors. This process bypasses the involvement of lawyers, judges, and juries, thus focusing on repairing the harm after wrongdoing occurs, away from the criminal justice system that is built on blame and retribution.