Many kinds of restorative justice processes are used to resolve alternative measures/extrajudicial sanctions referrals. Some of the most common types include:
- Victim-offender mediation, in which the victim and the accused person meet with a trained facilitator.
- Community justice forums or youth justice forums, in which the victim(s), the accused person(s), and other community members who are relevant to the case meet with a trained facilitator. The facilitator uses a script during the meeting.
- Community justice conferences, which can occur with adult accused persons. The victim(s) and the accused person(s) meet with a trained facilitator and additional professionals and community members who are relevant to the case.
- Family group conferences, which can occur when the accused is a young person. The victim(s) and the accused person(s) meet with a trained facilitator and additional professionals and community members who are relevant to the case. Unlike community justice forums and youth justice forums, scripts are not used.
“Circles” are a generic name for processes to resolve a conflict or issue between an offender, a victim, and/or community members. Circles usually involve the accused, the victim, a facilitator and a wide range of individuals such as family supporters, community members, professionals and others. The people who participate and the procedures vary.