Barriers and Facilitators to Implementing Restorative Justice in Nebraska

Although the codification of restorative justice processes has increased in the United States, the implementation of these processes has been limited and piecemeal. This article considers barriers and facilitators of implementing restorative justice programs in the context of juvenile justice, from the perspective of individuals tasked with implementation in Nebraska—a state with a robust community mediation system providing restorative justice processes. We interviewed 11 persons currently or formerly employed by community mediation centers in Nebraska in positions coordinating restorative justice programs. Interviewees represented all six Nebraska mediation centers. Using thematic analysis, we identified themes for both barriers and facilitators for implementing restorative justice programs throughout the state. The barriers to implementing restorative justice reflected six distinct, but sometimes overlapping, themes: awareness of restorative justice; attitudes about restorative justice; lack of necessary resources; process issues; lack of trust in “the system” or centers; and policy barriers. The analysis also identified eight distinct themes associated with facilitators of restorative justice: support from a “champion”; outreach efforts; trust and relationship building; demonstrating that restorative justice is effective; collaboration; maintaining necessary funding; local community-driven implementation; and state government-driven implementation. We consider the implications of these findings for the implementation of restorative justice processes in Nebraska and beyond.