Claire de Mézerville López welcomes political scientist, Daniel Rios Moreno, to the Restorative Works! Podcast.

 

Daniel speaks with us about his role in intervening and diverting youths from the criminal justice system in Bogotá, Colombia. His team uses restorative methods to increase safety in response to violent action committed by youth in detention centers and schools. Daniel’s team addresses acts of violence, not by increasing surveillance, but by tapping into what the youth find value in. Doing so creates interpersonal connection between staff and youth and increases safety by helping them respect the space they occupy.

 

Daniel also addresses the skepticism and criticisms of utilizing restorative methods in response to violent crime, citing dramatic reduction in rates of re-offending once youth have made contact with his team. The results have led to the expansion of his team, their reach, and their expertise. His work reminds us that safety and protection does not always come in the form of punitive measures, but instead through honoring what communities hold dear.

 

Daniel is a contractor for the Direction of Adolescent Criminal Responsibility in Bogotá, Colombia’s Office of Safety, Coexistence, and Justice. Daniel works for the city government as part of the Juvenile Restorative Justice Program. His work with schools addresses situations of violence involving adolescents and diverts them from the criminal justice system when possible. Daniel is multilingual and earned a postgraduate degree in Management of Non-Governmental Organizations in Argentina. He is currently working towards his Master of Science in Restorative Practices at the IIRP.

 

Tune in to learn more about Daniel’s work with youth in Bogotá and his approach to interacting with young offenders.