What is Restorative Justice?
Restorative Justice is a way of addressing harm that keeps the decision making in the hands of those most impacted by the harm. The goal of a restorative justice process is that all involved will be better off at the end, thereby reducing the likelihood that harm will re-occur.
Why it matters
Our aspiration is systemic change - to transform how our community approaches harm, making restorative processes the norm rather than the exception.
CVCJ is the only organization providing RJ as a criminal diversion in our region.
The local cost of incarceration
Albemarle–Charlottesville Regional Jail (ACRJ), FY24
Cost per incarcerated person, per day
Cost per incarcerated person, per year
$198.30
$72,320
Total annual ACRJ operating expenses
$18M
Cost to community members
The cost of Restorative Justice at CVCJ
CVCJ data, 2026
Cost per case, per hour
Average cost (facilitator wages) of RJ case
$70.00
$2,500
Total annual CVCJ operating expenses
$350,000
Cost to RJ participants
$0
Without CVCJ, those who have experienced or committed harm face only two paths:
proceed through the punitive criminal legal system, or navigate alone without community support.
We offer a vital third option that centers healing over punishment, genuine accountability over compliance, and culturally relevant practices that honor the wisdom and needs of our diverse communities—while empowering individuals with greater agency over their own outcomes.
CVCJ Participant Feedback
Believe the agreement repairs the harm as much as possible
98.6%
Agree/
Strongly Agree
Experience
greater well-being
at the end of the process
98.6%
Agree/
Strongly Agree
Likelihood of recommending
restorative justice to others
9.1
out of 10
Books and Articles
Until We Reckon: Violence, Mass Incarceration, and a Road to Repair
-Danielle Sered
The Little Book of Race and Restorative Justice
-Fania Davis
Restorative Justice Map
Find Central Virginia Community Justice and other restorative justice organizations on this map of organizations, education institutions, and other entities across the United States that offer restorative justice services and resources.