TRANSFORMATIVE JUSTICE INSTITUTE

Transformative Justice is the foundation of our work. 

 Transformative Justice is justice for all.

At the Transformative Justice Institute, we envision a healthy, vibrant and equitable community where individuals inherently practice self-governance and we view all people through a holistic lens of equality,  humanity and possibility. Our practices include discovering the root causes of harm, exploring authentic communication, radical self-reflection, accountability and inclusivity, regardless of a person’s past or present circumstance. Transformative Justice is an out-growth of the Restorative Justice movement which is a philosophy supporting an emerging paradigm in the criminal justice system with a more humanistic response to addressing harm and the impact of crime. Restorative Justice understands the importance of including the community in the equation of healing and accountability. Transformative Justice works to not just restore individuals, but to transform them in the process of their own healing journey.

 At the Transformative Justice Institute, we understand that true justice is a whole community endeavor and works to bring the practices of reparation, accountability and relationship building into the community at large, not just the criminal justice system. Transformative Justice understands the connectedness between all people and the importance of collapsing the “us and them” mentality (in any scenario) in an effort to support a greater sense of safety, connectedness, wholeness and a sense of belonging for each individual in their community.

Transformative Justice takes in to account an individual’s psychological, emotional and physical well-being as well as historical impacts. The importance of bringing awareness to all aspects of the self, developing skills of critical self-reflection and reframing possibilities, individuals can transform into a “new normal”. We believe that all of society is impacted not just by crime but any breakdown in relationships, whether this be in families, businesses or communities. Through this lens, we understand that in a healthy, thriving community, all members play a role in restoring and supporting the transformation of individuals to be their very best, as every individual contributes to the collective whole of their community.

Transformative Justice is the foundation of our work

What is Transformative Justice?

 At the Transformative Justice Institute, we envision a healthy, vibrant and equitable community where individuals inherently practice self-governance and we view all people through a holistic lens of equality,  humanity, and possibility. Our practices include discovering the root causes of harm, exploring authentic communication, radical self-reflection, accountability, and inclusivity, regardless of a person’s past or present circumstance.

Transformative Justice is an outgrowth of the Restorative Justice movement which is a philosophy supporting an emerging paradigm in the criminal justice system with a more humanistic response to addressing harm and the impact of crime. Restorative Justice understands the importance of including the community in the equation of healing and accountability.  Transformative Justice works to not just restore individuals but to transform them in the process of their own healing journey.

FOUNDER

Rochelle Edwards MS, LMFT, Founder of the Transformative Justice Institute, is a psychotherapist, restorative justice practitioner, trauma informed care specialist, visionary, baker and peace maker. She integrates 20 years of experience working in the criminal justice system and three decades of work as a humanistic psychotherapist in this collaborative community offering which is a culmination of all of her work.