Training in restorative justice and therapeutic jurisprudence

Introduction

This Triangular Cooperation Initiative, supported by the ADELANTE Window, brought together judicial institutions and academic actors from Latin America and Europe to strengthen Restorative Justice and Therapeutic Jurisprudence as tools for more inclusive and effective judicial systems. It aimed to consolidate knowledge, methodologies, and experiences to support vulnerable groups and promote alternative approaches to justice.

Led by the Judiciary of Costa Rica, a regional pioneer in restorative justice, the Initiative included the State Centre for Mediation, Conciliation and Restorative Justice of the State of Mexico, the Judiciary of Paraguay, and the Judiciary of the Dominican Republic. Academic contributions came from the Universidad de Vigo and the Universidad de Santiago de Compostela (Spain), whose expertise supported the systematisation and dissemination of key lessons.

Through cross-sectoral training, an international conference, and a dedicated publication, the initiative helped institutionalise innovative justice practices and laid a foundation for regional replication and future collaboration. It directly contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 16 on access to justice and the rule of law, and SDG 5 on gender equality.

Objectives

The Initiative aimed to strengthen the capacities of partner members to design, implement, and consolidate restorative processes, leveraging technology to improve access for vulnerable populations.

Project activities

• A preparatory workshop on best practices in restorative justice and therapeutic jurisprudence.
• Planning, development, and delivery of the International Conference on Restorative Justice and Therapeutic Jurisprudence, held in hybrid format in Costa Rica.
• Collaboration with a professional consultant to guide content development and organisation of all activities.
• Production of a publication compiling key insights, methods, and case studies for regional dissemination.

Expected results

The Initiative significantly enhanced institutional and professional capacity in restorative justice and therapeutic jurisprudence across Latin America and Europe. Through the workshop and conference, participating institutions shared experiences and developed a unified framework for advancing these approaches.

The hybrid conference drew over 490 direct beneficiaries, including judges, civil servants, academics, and civil society actors, reflecting the topic’s broad relevance. It also raised public awareness and fostered policy dialogue on inclusive justice practices.

A key output was a comprehensive publication featuring conference proceedings, best practices, and case studies. Widely disseminated, it has been adopted as a reference by partner institutions and integrated into academic curricula, inspiring similar initiatives in other countries.

Additionally, the initiative strengthened a sustainable regional network of judicial collaboration, including the integration of new partners such as the Judiciary of the Dominican Republic and expanded cooperation at regional and sub-regional levels. The knowledge generated continues to inform institutional reforms and supports ongoing engagement in high-level regional forums such as the Ibero-American Congress on Therapeutic Justice.

Implementing partners

State Centre for Mediation, Conciliation and Restorative Justice of the Judiciary of the State of Mexico – Beneficiary

Judiciary of Costa Rica – First Provider

Judiciary of Paraguay – Beneficiary

Universidad de Vigo (Spain) – Second Provider

Universidad de Santiago de Compostela (Spain) – Second Provider

 Judiciary of the Dominican Republic - Collaborating entity