Crime hurts victims, communities, and juvenile offenders and creates an obligation to make things right. All parties should be a part of the response to the crime, including the victim if he or she wishes, the community, and the juvenile offender. The victim's perspective is central to deciding how to repair the harm caused by the crime. Accountability for the juvenile offender means accepting responsibility and acting to repair the harm done. The community is responsible for the well-being of all its members, including both victims and offenders.
All human beings have dignity and worth.
Restoration or repairing the harm and rebuilding relationships in the community is the primary goal of juvenile justice. Results are measured by how much repair was done rather than by how much punishment was inflicted. Crime control cannot be achieved without active involvement of the community. Community involvement in preventing and controlling juvenile crime, improving neighborhoods, and strengthening the bonds among community members result in community protection. Through understanding the human impact of their behavior, accepting responsibility, expressing remorse, taking action to repair the damage, and developing their own capacities, juvenile offenders become fully integrated, respected members of the community.