Restorative Justice Project Maine

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Restorative Justice Project Maine Our mission is to promote a justice that is community-based, repairs harm, and creates safety and wellbeing for all.

Our society's response to crime has largely been punitive, ignoring the victim's needs and the skills that offenders must have in order to avoid making destructive choices. Both the criminal justice system and, increasingly, our schools, focus on laws and rules that have been broken, rather than on the harm that has been suffered. This is an adversarial approach to crime, generating shame rather than remorse, forgiveness, healing, and reconciliation. The limitations and failures of this approach are evident in our country's high incarceration rates and vast numbers of repeat offenders. Finally, our ever-expanding prison system diverts money from other societal needs, including health care, education, and affordable housing. The Restorative Justice Project of the Midcoast addresses these issues by:

--Providing new alternatives that hold offenders accountable while avoiding court, jail, and suspension or expulsion from school.
--Providing caring, effective assistance to released offenders to promote healthy decision-making, reducing the likelihood of future offenses.
--Supporting enlightened systemic change in our educational and criminal justice systems.
--Creating community awareness of how crimes and other offenses affect victims and our broader society.

09/22/2026

An early look at correctional transformation in Maine shows promise. While there is more work to do, other states should consider adopting similar reforms for their own systems.

A promising collaboration between Bates College and !
09/21/2026

A promising collaboration between Bates College and !

This fall, in addition to the 552 first-year students and 13 transfer students, an additional five students enrolled in a few courses across campus: previously incarcerated women joined first-year seminars through the Reentry Sisters Alumni Scholar Program.

Hear voices from across the state weigh in on the rise of in Maine on this special episode of Maine Calling, ft. our o...
09/17/2026

Hear voices from across the state weigh in on the rise of in Maine on this special episode of Maine Calling, ft. our own Dr. Sarah Dyer, Director of Treatment Court Relations & Education. 📻

Why restorative justice is on the rise as an alternative to punishment by focusing on repairing harm

Thank you United Midcoast Charities for partnering with us to provide restorative reentry services in the Maine coastal ...
09/16/2026

Thank you United Midcoast Charities for partnering with us to provide restorative reentry services in the Maine coastal region!

09/16/2026

We are excited to share that Restorative Justice Project Maine will be featured on the Maine Public radio program Maine Calling today! 📻 Tune in at 11am. 💬 Join the conversation at https://www.mainepublic.org/show/maine-calling

RJP Maine was featured on WGME CBS 13 News, Portland news last night! 📺 Glad for the opportunity to raise awareness for ...
09/02/2026

RJP Maine was featured on WGME CBS 13 News, Portland news last night! 📺 Glad for the opportunity to raise awareness for restorative justice, in Biddeford and beyond.

BIDDEFORD, ME (WGME) - More teens across Maine accused of committing crimes will have the chance to pursue another path of justice and avoid criminal charges.

"Biddeford organizations have embraced RJP Maine and our work. We hope our presence can aid and contribute to what is al...
08/28/2026

"Biddeford organizations have embraced RJP Maine and our work. We hope our presence can aid and contribute to what is already being done.” – Amanda Brown, Restorative Justice Manager

Representatives of the non-profit, community-based organization say Biddeford will be a perfect location for their ongoing growth and work in southern Maine

Thank you to Waterfall Arts for hosting our team for a morning of art making!Amy was an amazing host for a time of creat...
08/25/2026

Thank you to Waterfall Arts for hosting our team for a morning of art making!

Amy was an amazing host for a time of creating, relating, and unhurried time together.

"It was inspiring to see how many people and organizations across the country are truly embodying the spirit of restorat...
08/19/2026

"It was inspiring to see how many people and organizations across the country are truly embodying the spirit of restorative practices, and are doing so with joy and resilience."

A delegation of RJP staff attended the NACRJ - National Association of Community & Restorative Justice conference this summer. Read their reflections on our blog: https://rjpmaine.org/newsletter/rjp-at-nacrj2026/

"In restorative circles, the five questions came to feel reliable and reassuring and occasionally revelatory, like breat...
08/18/2026

"In restorative circles, the five questions came to feel reliable and reassuring and occasionally revelatory, like breathing during meditation."

With gratitude to Rob Bywater for the many gifts he shared during his internship!

Rob Bywater, MSW Intern, reflects on learnings and takeaways from his time with Restorative Justice Project Maine.

Address

132 High Street
Belfast, ME
04915

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+12073382742

Website

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