This report highlights several existing successful restorative justice programs in Texasand offers recommendations based on effective restorative practices in other jurisdictions.Because crime is first and foremost an offense against the victim – victims shouldbe provided with enhanced restitution, greater input in sentencing, and a mechanism forsecuring prosecution when local prosecutors decline to act.With the state’s prisons approaching capacity with 150,000 inmates and more than half amillion Texans on parole or probation, the key to reducing long-term incarceration andsupervision costs is lowering the recidivism rate through initiatives such as victim-offender interaction programsthat emphasize accountability and penance.