REAL STORIES FROM 2025

Before you begin, take a moment to slow down and read with curiosity. The stories in this flipbook share real experiences of harm, accountability, and healing through Restorative Justice (what is Restorative Justice?). As you turn each page, you’ll encounter different perspectives and paths toward repair. There are no perfect answers here—only opportunities to listen, reflect, and imagine what justice can look like when relationships and community are at the center.  

Click the image below to read through the flipbook:

As you reflect on these stories, consider these questions: 

• Whose perspective stood out to you the most, and what did you learn from hearing their story?  

• What does this story show about how harm can be repaired rather than punished?  

• What is one idea from this story you’d want to try in real life?  

• What part of Restorative Justice do you want to understand more deeply after reading this flipbook? 

Meaningful accountability creates community safety because it focuses on responsibility, repair, and growth, rather than fear or punishment. When people are held accountable in ways that require them to understand the harm they caused, listen to those impacted, and take concrete steps to repair that harm, it reduces the likelihood of repeat harm.  

This kind of accountability also builds trust and connection within the community. People feel safer when they know harm will be addressed honestly, voices will be heard, and solutions will involve the whole community.

If you would like to hear more stories like this, check out the Restorative Story section on our blog: https://www.cys-la.org/our-blog/categories/restorative-justice