Handbook on Restorative justice programmes

The use of restorative approaches
14 
Pranis, Stuart, and Wedge, 2003, p. 128.

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Circle sentencing pursues several objectives, including addressing the
needs of communities, victims, offenders and their families through a
process of reconciliation, restitution and reparation. A fundamental prin-
ciple of circle sentencing is that the sentence is less important than the
process used to arrive at an outcome or a sentence. Because a consensus
around an outcome is desired and valued, members of the circle are all
playing an active role in facilitating a healing process. The circle itself is
often involved in monitoring the compliance of the offender with the
agreed upon outcome and in providing him or her with continued support
after the sentence has been pronounced.
Circle sentencing is an example of how the principles of restorative justice
can be applied within a holistic framework in which justice system person-
nel share power and authority with community members. In contrast to
the formal and often adversarial approach to justice, circle sentencing 
can help: 
앫 reacquaint individuals, families and communities with problem-
solving skills;
앫 rebuild relationships within communities;
앫 promote awareness and respect for values and the lives of others;
앫 address the needs and interests of all parties, including the victim;
앫 focus action on causes, not just symptoms, of problems;