This website is the result of an email exchange between Ben Furman and Lorenn Walker. Lorenn initiated contact with Ben after reading his book "Solution Talk" and the two quickly realized that they share an interest in combining the principles of restorative justice and solution-focused therapy. Lorenn was inspired by the "Sorry letter" a multilingual computer program designed by Ben for schools which is located at the Steps of Responsibility website (see link on the left). Lorenn suggested that a similar program, which would incorporate additional features of restorative justice, be offered for adults. What follows is the brainchild of their cooperation.
When we published this website in October 2009 we decided to invite our colleagues and other interested people to offer comments and suggestions to continue to improve the Apology letter. Your highly valued feedack can be addressed to either of us. We are grateful for all of you who are willing to contribute to the further development of this website.
Ben is a psychiatrist and teacher of solution-focused therapy at Helsinki Brief Therapy Institute in Finland and has developed together with his colleague Tapani Ahola a constructive alternative to punishing children and teenagers called “The Steps of Responsibility” which correlates with the principles of restorative justice.
Lorenn is a health educator from the island of O'ahu in Hawai'i. She designs programs using public health approaches to help organizations and individuals, including those who have been hurt by crime, substance abuse, incarceration, and poverty. She is also an active researcher and trainer in restorative justice, a lawyer and former deputy attorney general for the state of Hawai'i.