RESTORATIVE JUSTICE
A process through which parties with a stake in a specific offence collectively resolve how to deal with the aftermath of the offence and its implications for the future- Crown Prosecution Service (2023)
What is Restorative Justice?
Restorative justice is an approach which aims to deal with the harm caused by crimes and other conflicts. This can involve bringing together victims and offenders to talk and communicate what happened and why. This is believed to help the offender fit back into society after committing a crime and is believed to help deter crime. It is a completely voluntary process and will only happen with the permission of the participants.
Aims
There are 3 main aims of Restorative Justice which are commonly stated to be:
- Victim Satisfaction: Reduce fear of the victim and ensure they feel compensated and paid back for the harm that was done to them.
- Engagement with the perpetrator: Perpetrators are made aware of the consequences of their actions and have the opportunity to repair what they did. Can agree to a restoration plan for the community/individuals harmed by their actions.
- Creation of community capital: Increase public confidence in the Criminal Justice System by delivering a response to anti-social behaviour.
Further information can be found at: Crown Prosecution Service (2023) Restorative Justice. Available at: https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/restorative-justice#:~:text=Restorative%20justice%20(RJ)%20has%20been,its%20implications%20for%20the%20future.
Restorative Justice
Restorative justice has been found, by government research, to have helped 85% of victims who have participated. As it has helped them to recover from the crime by meeting the person who harmed them. Additionally, restorative justice has reduced reoffending by 14% which might not seem like a lot but is a great step in reducing reoffending.
78% of victims who participated in the restorative justice approach stated they would recommend it to others in their situation.
For every £1 spent on restorative justice, the criminal justice actually saves around £8 because of the reduction of reconviction for each offender that participates in the process of restorative justice.
However, more research needs to be done to fully see the effectiveness of restorative justice as not much has been conducted yet.
Statistics found on:
- https://restorativejustice.org.uk/resources/moj-evaluation-restorative-justice
- https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201617/cmselect/cmjust/164/164.pdf<br>
Restorative Practice (incorporating Restorative Justice Services) Policy Framework
This policy framework is to ensure offender managers and victim liaison officers understand their professional responsibilities in the referral and suitability assessment process for the engagement of restorative justice services. Supporting regional commissioning of these services, ensuring it provides positive outcomes to victims, offenders and the wider public.
Find more information on : https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/restorative-practice-incorporating-restorative-justice-services-policy-framework