Summary
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The aim of this study was to understand the effects of a Victim Awareness Class implemented in Santa Clara County, California. This Victim Awareness Class was the result of the implementation of the Balanced and Restorative Justice Model which brings youth offenders, victims, and community members together to repair harm resulting from a crime, restore relationships, and re-integrate victims and offenders into the community. To help guide this research, two key research questions were posed: 1) to what extent does the victim awareness class affect participating youth offenders, victim speakers and class facilitators in regards to youth offender accountability, youth offender competency development, and public safety?; and 2) What are the learning opportunities for the victim awareness class? To address these research questions, a quasi-experimental design using a pre-post test (Interpersonal Reactivity Index) for youth offenders (N=26) completed a Class Satisfaction Questionnaire. Furthermore, semi-structured interviews were conducted with youth offenders (N=41), Victim Speakers (N=5), and Class Facilitators (N=11). (author’s abstract)
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