08/14/2019
Restorative Justice Prison Internship
Repairing Harm Program: UMass Boston
The Repairing Harm Program at the Center for Peace, Democracy and Development (CPDD) at the University of Massachusetts Boston focuses on implementing restorative justice practices in the Massachusetts prison system. The program is currently being run at MCI Concord, MCI Shirley, and the Northeastern Correctional Center. Restorative justice practices encourage those who have caused harm to identify the underlying needs in their own lives that become the root causes for criminal behavior, take responsibility for that harm, encourage empathy through humanizing victims, and desist from further criminal behavior. The Repairing Harm curriculum is a journey from self-exploration and the identification of root causes of criminal behavior, to taking responsibility for harm, feeling compassion for victims and families, making amends where possible and finally finding meaning in the time of incarceration.
The Repairing Harm internship is really an apprenticeship in restorative justice practices in a prison context. Interns will gain facilitation experience, deepen their knowledge of restorative practices, and learn about the prison system. The course is 33 weeks, following a two semester schedule. Interns will participate in the fall semester with the option of continuing into the spring term. The Repairing Harm course is held once a week in all three prisons. Hours vary by institution but range from two to three hours a session plus processing time.
Internship responsibilities include some administrative responsibilities and research.
The Facilitation training offered in September, 2019 is strongly encouraged but is not a requirement for participation.
If you are interested in applying, please contact Daria Lyman to schedule an interview.
[email protected]
