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Greater Good: The Science of a Meaningful Life By Jill Suttie | June 9, 2015 The Insight Prison Project helps incarcerated men learn new emotional skills in order to succeed in and out of prison. But it can also help crime survivors. A dozen men sit in a circle. Some are old and some are young. A facilitator asks each one to check in with the group about how they are feeling emotionally, physically, or spiritually. Sometimes a man tears up with emotion as he talks. The others listen, offering nods of support or asking clarifying questions. It sounds like a typical men’s support group—until you know these men are all prisoners incarcerated at San Quentin Prison. This is a Victim Offender Education Group (or VOEG), an outgrowth of a movement that aims to help people who’ve committed crimes take responsibility for the harm they’ve caused others and to make amends to the victims of crime and their community. Operating within the criminal justice system as an alternative to punishment alone, these “restorative justice” programs help prove that personal transformation is possible, even for people who’ve committed the most serious crimes. To read the complete article 'Can Restorative Justice Help Prisoners to Heal?' on the Great Good website, please click here. 
36 Comments
Sharon Martinas
6/12/2019 01:51:59 pm
I wish the restorative justice process could replace the parole 12/9/2025 06:11:01 am
It sounds like a normal men's support group until you realize that all of the men are San Quentin Prison inmates. The process doesn’t just help the inmates to grow. It can also help the survivors. When you’re sitting across from a person who has pulled the trigger and ended another person’s life, and you are telling them about your child attending their father’s funeral, you see the impact on that man. 8/1/2024 06:22:36 am
A group facilitator invites everyone to share their emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being with the group. 9/17/2024 08:23:58 pm
Your advocacy to help these prisoners to heal is truly inspiring! 1/29/2025 12:11:28 pm
Restorative justice can provide prisoners with a chance for personal growth by addressing harm, fostering empathy, and supporting reintegration into society with accountability. 2/26/2025 02:18:55 am
Restorative justice focuses on accountability, empathy, and reconciliation, offering prisoners a chance to confront their actions and make amends. By fostering meaningful dialogue with victims, it can promote emotional healing and reduce recidivism. However, its effectiveness depends on individual willingness and the severity of the crime. Can this approach truly transform rehabilitation? 2/26/2025 12:29:45 pm
Profile on IPP by the greater good can restorative Justice help prisoners to heal with these help and there are people who know how to deal with it. When I saw the details, I got these services to know how it works. It gives amazing results. 3/10/2025 06:37:30 am
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Sometimes a man tears up with emotion as he talks. 3/29/2025 06:12:42 am
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Very inspiring to people who is deprived of liberty! 4/10/2025 12:23:58 am
Restorative justice programs like VOEG show how healing and accountability can create real change, even behind prison walls. 4/14/2025 06:34:55 am
Thank you for keeping us posted with great content. 5/17/2025 04:00:51 am
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Functioning inside the criminal justice system as an alternative to punishment alone, these "restorative justice" initiatives contribute to demonstrating that even those who have committed the most heinous crimes are capable of human reform. 7/3/2025 02:19:57 am
Inpatient care can be a life-saving option for those facing serious mental health challenges. Georgia seems to have a growing number of inpatient facilities—has anyone had experience with any they would recommend or avoid? 7/14/2025 02:42:31 pm
Any help to the prisoners for the better is highly appreciated! 8/12/2025 08:59:42 am
A man may occasionally cry when speaking out of emotion. The others pay attention, nodding encouragingly or seeking clarification. 9/17/2025 05:26:26 am
A man may occasionally cry when speaking out of emotion. The others pay attention, nodding encouragingly or seeking clarification. 9/29/2025 12:46:46 am
What a powerful piece! Thank you for highlighting this work and inspiring hope that change is possible. 11/7/2025 07:17:56 am
I wish parole might be replaced by the restorative justice procedure. 10/6/2025 10:58:12 am
This is such a powerful and moving piece. The work being done through the Insight Prison Project shows that real healing and accountability can take place when people are given the tools to face the emotional and spiritual consequences of their actions. Restorative justice isn’t about excusing crime—it’s about acknowledging harm, rebuilding empathy, and giving both offenders and survivors a path toward wholeness. 10/8/2025 06:33:09 pm
This is such an inspiring and moving story. The Insight Prison Project and programs like the Victim Offender Education Group show the power of empathy, accountability, and emotional growth even in the most difficult circumstances. It’s incredible to see incarcerated men learning to confront their past actions, express vulnerability, and begin the process of healing — not just for themselves, but for their victims and communities as well. Restorative justice initiatives like this remind us that real change often starts from within. 10/16/2025 05:57:51 pm
. Sometimes a man tears up with emotion as he talks. The others listen, offering nods of support or asking clarifying questions. 11/3/2025 06:00:17 am
Great post! I really enjoyed reading this—it’s full of helpful insights. 11/17/2025 01:28:24 pm
It is nice to read the details about the Profile on IPP by The Greater Good: Can Restorative Justice Help Prisoners to Heal, and it is the best for us to get the right solutions by using it to get the right issues that need to be addressed. It is the perfect way to get the right ideas and know how to plan, or it is before time. 11/19/2025 09:42:59 am
Great discussion! I feel like I’m part of a group brainstorming session. 11/28/2025 07:43:29 am
I’m glad I came across this post today—it made my morning! Leave a Reply. |
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