In an enlightening and thought-provoking presentation, Jonathan Clayton delved deep into the implementation and impact of the Restorative Justice and Victim Offender Dialogue Process in correctional facilities over the past 21 years. Addressing a packed audience, Clayton described the stark realities faced by incarcerated individuals, many of whom have committed heinous crimes that have forever altered the lives of their victims and the wider community.
The central tenet of Clayton’s program is the 70-hour process with groups of 28 offenders. This comprehensive approach stresses key concepts of responsibility, truth, remorse, and accountability. The transformative nature of Restorative Justice, especially for incarcerated individuals, was evident in Clayton’s examples. This process goes beyond mere acknowledgment; it involves the offenders meeting their real victims or their families, establishing a dialogue that is both harrowing and healing.
One of the most captivating aspects of Clayton’s presentation was his reference to the work of Dr. David Lykken, a psychologist who pinpointed specific behavioral traits – aggressiveness, fearlessness, and sensation-seeking – often found in individuals who have committed crimes. These behaviors, as per Dr. Lykken’s research, stem from factors like poor parenting, the absence of fathers or positive male role models, and inadequate maternal care. Astonishingly, 90% of the offenders Clayton has worked with came from such backgrounds, leading them to commit profoundly evil acts.
However, instead of presenting this as an immutable fate, Clayton highlighted the power of understanding and addressing these roots. The process begins by exploring the childhood experiences of these offenders, tracing the origins of their criminal behavior. While Clayton was quick to stress that understanding these roots doesn’t excuse the crimes, it provides a lens through which one can begin to address the underlying pain and trauma. This, in turn, allows the offenders to truly grasp the pain they’ve inflicted upon their victims.
Perhaps the most poignant part of the presentation came on the second day when victims of crime were invited to share their heart-wrenching experiences. This six-hour session was filled with raw emotion, as some victims were present in person, while others had their testimonials played through one-minute clips. By confronting the consequences of their actions face-to-face, the offenders were provided a chance to genuinely empathize, understand, and hopefully, take steps towards true remorse and redemption.
Clayton’s initiative doesn’t stop with the offenders and victims. Recognizing the ripple effects of crime, he also incorporated family members of the incarcerated, underscoring the broader societal implications and the potential for collective healing.
Jonathan Clayton’s presentation was more than just a recounting of a program; it was a call to action, a plea for understanding, and a demonstration of the power of redemption. Through the lens of Restorative Justice, he showcased that even in the darkest corners of human behavior, there lies a potential for understanding, remorse, and ultimately, healing.
