Who We Are

Welcome to Ibarji.org, the official website of the Illinois Balanced and Restorative Justice Project (IBARJ). We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting restorative justice practices throughout Illinois. Our mission is to create a fairer, more balanced justice system that fosters accountability, healing, and community involvement.

At IBARJ, we believe that justice goes beyond punishment. Our approach seeks to repair harm, restore relationships, and empower individuals affected by conflict—whether they are victims, offenders, or community members. By fostering dialogue and accountability, we help build safer, more connected communities across Illinois.

Our Mission

Our mission is to advance restorative justice principles in Illinois by providing education, resources, and advocacy for individuals, communities, and institutions seeking alternative approaches to conflict resolution. We work to:

• Promote Healing – Encouraging a justice system that prioritizes healing over punishment.
• Empower Communities – Supporting schools, neighborhoods, and organizations in implementing restorative justice programs.
• Reduce Recidivism – Helping offenders take responsibility for their actions and reintegrate into society.
• Support Victims – Providing victims with a voice in the justice process, ensuring their needs are addressed.
• Advocate for Policy Change – Working with policymakers to integrate restorative justice into Illinois’ legal framework.

What is Restorative Justice?

Restorative justice is a transformative approach to justice that shifts the focus from punishment to healing and accountability. Instead of simply penalizing offenders, restorative justice:

• Brings victims, offenders, and community members together for meaningful dialogue.
• Encourages offenders to take accountability for their actions and make amends.
• Helps victims feel heard, supported, and empowered in their healing process.
• Strengthens community bonds by fostering understanding and reconciliation.

Restorative justice is commonly used in criminal justice, schools, workplaces, and community settings to resolve disputes, reduce conflicts, and promote fairness.

Our Programs & Services

At IBARJ, we offer a range of programs and services designed to implement and support restorative justice practices throughout Illinois.

1. Restorative Justice Training & Education

We provide comprehensive training for professionals, educators, law enforcement, and community leaders interested in incorporating restorative justice into their work. Our training covers:

• Restorative justice principles and practices
• Conflict resolution techniques
• Mediation and circle facilitation
• Trauma-informed approaches

2. Youth & School-Based Restorative Programs

We work with schools and juvenile justice programs to reduce suspensions, expulsions, and juvenile incarceration rates. By implementing restorative circles, peer mediation, and conflict resolution programs, we help create positive learning environments and reduce disciplinary actions.

3. Community-Based Restorative Circles

Our restorative circles bring together individuals involved in conflicts—whether in neighborhoods, workplaces, or justice settings—to engage in open dialogue, seek solutions, and promote healing.

4. Victim-Offender Mediation

This program allows victims and offenders to engage in a structured dialogue that fosters accountability and closure. Offenders have the opportunity to take responsibility for their actions, while victims have a chance to express how the crime impacted them.

5. Policy & Advocacy Work

We collaborate with lawmakers, courts, and community leaders to advocate for policy changes that incorporate restorative justice principles into Illinois’ legal system. Our goal is to reduce mass incarceration and promote alternative sentencing options.

Why Choose Restorative Justice?

Restorative justice offers a more effective and humane approach to resolving conflicts. Unlike traditional punitive systems, which often result in re-offending and community division, restorative justice focuses on:

✔ Repairing harm instead of inflicting punishment
✔ Giving victims a voice in the justice process
✔ Reintegrating offenders into society as accountable citizens
✔ Reducing court costs & incarceration rates
✔ Strengthening community bonds & trust

Numerous studies show that restorative justice practices reduce recidivism, increase victim satisfaction, and foster long-term social harmony.

Join Our Movement

We invite individuals, schools, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations to join us in creating a more just and compassionate Illinois. You can get involved by:

✔ Attending our training workshops
✔ Implementing restorative practices in your organization
✔ Volunteering as a restorative justice facilitator
✔ Supporting our advocacy efforts
✔ Donating to help expand our programs

Contact Us

We’d love to hear from you! If you have any questions or want to learn more about our restorative justice initiatives, please reach out:

📍 Illinois Balanced and Restorative Justice (IBARJ)
🌐 Website: ibarji.org
📧 Email: info@ibarji.org
📞 Phone: +1 412-581-6739

Together, we can build a fairer and more compassionate justice system for Illinois. Join us today!