An anthology includes 14 previously unpublished papers exploring the potential of restorative justice to serve as an overarching vision for the juvenile justice system and outlining a research agenda for the concept's further development. Earlier drafts of the papers were originally presented at a conference held in Leuven, Belgium in 1997. An introduction is provided by editors Gordon Bazemore and Lode Walgrave.

Part 1, "Key Principles," begins with Barry C. Feld's reflections on alternative conceptions of juvenile justice. Bazemore and Walgrave offer an outline for systemic restorative justice-oriented reform of juvenile justice. The history of restorative justice is recounted by Elmar G.M. Weitekamp. John Braithwaite and Christine Parker equate restorative justice with what Braithwaite has previously called republican justice.

Part 2, "Process, Programs and Practices," begins with Walgrave's essay on community service as a cornerstone of restorative juvenile justice. Bazemore analyzes links between restorative justice and relational rehabilitation. The importance of protecting public safety role in a restorative juvenile justice system is highlighted by Susan Guarino-Ghezzi and Andrew Klein. How to avoid the marginalization of victim-offender mediation is Mark S. Umbreit's theme.

In Part 3, "Implementation Issues," a Canadian case study is presented by Curt Taylor Griffiths and Ray Corrado. Legal issues raised by restorative justice are assessed by Daniel W. Van Ness.

Part 4 is devoted to research issues. Klaus Sessar examines reality and myth concerning the public's punitive attitudes. Russ Immarigeon provides a review of the literature on restorative justice, juvenile offenders and crime victims. The impact of restorative interventions on juvenile offenders is analyzed by Mara Schiff. The editors conclude the volume with reflections on the future of restorative justice for juveniles.