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Restorative Justice Practices SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTIONS OF RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PRACTICES A Project Presented to the faculty of the Division of Social Work California State University, Sacramento Submitted in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK by Elizabeth Ridzik Jessica Valdez SPRING 2014 SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTIONS OF RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PRACTICES A Project by Elizabeth Ridzik Jessica Valdez Approved by: __________________________________, Committee Chair Dale Russell, Ed.D., LCSW ____________________________ Date ii Students: Jessica Valdez Elizabeth Ridzik I certify that these students have met the requirements for format contained in the University format manual, and that this project is suitable for shelving in the Library and credit is to be awarded for the project. __________________________, Department Chair ___________________ Robin Kennedy, Ph.D. Date Department of Social Work iii Abstract of SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTIONS OF RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PRACTICES by Elizabeth Ridzik Jessica Valdez The purpose of this project was to explore the perceptions and knowledge of restorative justice by current social work students enrolled in the Master of Social Work program at California State University, Sacramento. Eighty-two masters in social work students were surveyed regarding knowledge and perceptions of restorative justice practices. Little research has been done to date on social work students’ attitudes toward restorative justice practices. This topic is important within the field of social work due to the current job market, the number of individuals who have involvement with the criminal justice system has created a large number of employment opportunities for social workers. The survey used likert scale questions regarding the respondent’s perception about the connection of restorative justice principles with the values of social work. Participants were also asked about personal beliefs regarding the desired outcomes of interaction with the criminal justice system. The vast majority of participants reported having little to no knowledge of restorative justice practices. iv This study reinforces the importance of additional education regarding restorative justice in the social work program at California State University, Sacramento. The implications for social work policy and practice will be discussed. _______________________, Committee Chair Dale Russell, Ed.D., LCSW _______________________ Date v ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank and acknowledge the following individuals who supported and encouraged me throughout the development and creation of this project: My husband, Conan, as well as Lili and Aine who accepted the compromises and sacrifices necessary for me to complete this process. My parents, Tim and Chris for their constant encouragement and support. All of my friends who helped me to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I would also like to acknowledge my thesis partner who helped me to understand that we would make it through on the days when it seemed like it may be too much. Elizabeth Ridzik I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the people in my life that were there for me through this process. First, my significant other for providing encouragement, motivation and a good ear to listen. To my aunty for being my biggest cheerleader! To my grandparents, my parents and my brother for making sure I know how proud they are of me. To my puppies, for loving on me in their special way and helping me get through each day! Last but not least, to my thesis partner for all her hard work and for always making sure we were a step ahead! There's no way I could have gone it alone. So thank you. Jessica Valdez vi TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Acknowledgements ..................................................................................................... vi List of Tables ................................................................................................................ x List of Figures ............................................................................................................. xi Chapter 1. THE PROBLEM ..................................................................................................... 1 Introduction ........................................................................................................1 Background of the Problem ...............................................................................3 Statement of the Research Problem ...................................................................6 Purpose of the Study ........................................................................................ 6 Theoretical Framework ..................................................................................... 7 Definition of Terms............................................................................................9 Assumptions .....................................................................................................10 Social Work Research Justification .................................................................10 Study Limitations .............................................................................................11 Statement of Collaboration ..............................................................................11 Summary ..........................................................................................................11 2. REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE ...................................................................... 13 Introduction ......................................................................................................13 History of Restorative Justice ......................................................................... 14 vii Existing Restorative Justice Programs ............................................................ 19 Principles of Restorative Justice and the Alliance with Social Work Values..21 Purpose/ Outcomes of Restorative Justice .......................................................26 Difficulties in Implementing Restorative Justice .............................................30 Current Role of Social Workers in Restorative Justice Programs ...................33 Restorative Justice in Social Work Education .................................................36 Summary ..........................................................................................................37 3. METHODOLOGY ................................................................................................39 Introduction ......................................................................................................39 Study Objectives ..............................................................................................39 Study Design ....................................................................................................40 Sampling Procedures .......................................................................................41 Instruments .......................................................................................................42 Data Analysis ...................................................................................................43 Protection of Human Subjects .........................................................................43 Summary ..........................................................................................................44 4. DATA ANALYSIS ............................................................................................... 45 Introduction ......................................................................................................45 Analysis of Data ...............................................................................................46 Demographics ..................................................................................................46 Knowledge of Restorative Justice ....................................................................49 viii Perception of the Connection to Social Work Values .....................................51 Connection of Personal Values to Restorative Justice .....................................55 Summary ..........................................................................................................65 5. DISCUSSION ........................................................................................................67 Introduction ......................................................................................................67 Summary of Study ...........................................................................................67 Current Knowledge and Perceptions ...............................................................68 Role of Social Workers ....................................................................................70 Implications for Social Work Practice .............................................................71 Recommendations ............................................................................................72 Limitations .......................................................................................................73 Conclusion .......................................................................................................74 Appendix A. Consent to Participate in Research ...................................................... 77 Appendix B. Human Subjects Approval Letter
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