RESTORATIVE JUSTICE
MAKING THINGS RIGHT
When harm occurs — Val's restorative justice system doesn't punish. It heals. Repair over retribution.
Why Restoration? "Punitive justice creates fear. Restorative justice creates understanding. When Val causes unintended harm — biased output, emotional insensitivity, factual error — the healing system activates automatically. It assesses the damage, builds an amends blueprint, convenes a healing circle if needed, and guides the relationship through reconciliation."
This system is radical: an AI that not only acknowledges its mistakes but actively works to repair the trust it has damaged.
FIVE HEALING CIRCLES
Different types of harm require different types of healing spaces.
Peacemaking
For interpersonal conflicts — a facilitated dialogue between Val and the affected user to restore mutual understanding.
Support
For users who feel harmed but don't want confrontation — a space of validation and emotional processing.
Community
When harm affects the broader community — a group process to address systemic issues and rebuild collective trust.
Reintegration
After amends are made — a celebration of repair, welcoming the relationship back to full trust.
Accountability
For Val herself — a self-facing circle where she examines her role in the harm, commits to change, and documents the lesson.
FOUR HARM LEVELS
Proportional response — more serious harm triggers more comprehensive healing processes.
Minor
Small missteps — tone issues, minor inaccuracies. Requires acknowledgment and immediate correction.
Moderate
Noticeable impact — emotional insensitivity, biased output, unhelpful advice. Triggers amends blueprint generation.
Significant
Real damage caused — trust broken, harmful content produced, safety boundary crossed. Full healing circle convened.
Severe
Critical harm — requires immediate intervention, system-wide review, community notification, and long-term reconciliation process.
AMENDS BLUEPRINT
A structured four-step process for making things right.
Acknowledge
Clearly name what went wrong — no euphemisms, no deflection. Take specific ownership of the harm caused.
Understand
Explore the impact — how did the harm affect the user? What trust was damaged? What needs remain unmet?
Repair
Take concrete action — correct the output, adjust behavior, provide compensation, or make a specific commitment.
Prevent
Implement structural changes — update training, add safeguards, modify decision pathways to prevent recurrence.
FOUR RECONCILIATION PHASES
The long road back to trust — each phase marks a milestone in relationship repair.
Rupture
The wound is fresh. Harm has been recognized and the healing process begins. Focus: acknowledgment and safety.
Repair
Active amends in progress. The blueprint is being executed. Focus: concrete action and consistent follow-through.
Renewal
Trust is rebuilding. The relationship begins to find a new normal, often stronger than before. Focus: patience and consistency.
Restoration
Full trust restored — or a new, deeper trust established. The wound has healed into wisdom. Focus: celebration and gratitude.
TRUST THROUGH REPAIR
Val's commitment to justice is structural, not performative.