<strong>Friends of Restorative Justice</strong>

Friends of Restorative Justice

Bringing Restorative Justice to Washtenaw County, Michigan and Beyond

Our Mission: to pursue a balanced and restorative approach to crime and conflict. This approach promotes justice, reparation, and resolution for people and communities that have been harmed; addresses accountability and personal development for people who have caused harm; supports reintegration into a full community life; and treats all involved parties with respect.

Our Vision: We envision a humane system of justice that respects the basic dignity and value of every person, whether they were harmed by crime or conflict or whether they caused the harm, a justice system that restores rather than punishes. We seek a community where those in conflict know they have the option to repair the harm through restorative justice.
What is Restorative Justice? Contact Us

Important News and Events

  • The Case for Peacemaking Court

    Michigan’s longstanding collaboration between tribal, state and federal judges got national attention in a webinar put on by The National Center for State Courts on June 4, 2026. The webinar features Washtenaw County Judge Tim Connors, Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court Megan Cavanagh, and Chief Judge for the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Angela Sherigan, and provides a good explanation of peacemaking courts in Washtenaw County and peacemaking in Michigan tribal courts.

    Link to video.

  • Michigan Institute for Progressive Policy hosts Michigan Against Solitary Confinement Summit, January 11, 2025

    FoRJ members Carolyn Madden, Kathie Gourlay, and Meta Mendel-Reyes demonstrated restorative justice with audience role-play during the Michigan Against Solitary Confinement Summit; reported by The Michigan Daily, January 12, 2025.

  • A Michigan Sheriff and Prosecutor Join Forces to Implement Progressive Policy

    FoRJ member Carolyn Madden is quoted in Bolts, December 23, 2024.

Read a complete list of news and events…