Victims and offenders have the opportunity to communicate directly. Both parties have the opportunity to break down stereotypes, and to understand the motivations for and the impact of crime. Offenders have the opportunity to express remorse, to make restitution, and to generally assume responsibility. Information and understanding can be gained by both victim and offender. Incarceration is used sparingly.
Restitution is likely to be agreed upon and fulfilled.
Victim and offender are more likely to feel that the process handled them fairly than if they were to proceed through the traditional court system. Communities are empowered, and State intervention reduced. According to Bakker, restorative programs reduce the caseload handled by the formal court system, allowing more time to be devoted to cases that remain in court. Satisfaction levels are high. There is some evidence that restorative programs effectively reduce recidivism rates.