Restorative justice allows the offender to make amends to their victim and the community. We put support in place so victims can meet with their offender to explain the real impact of the crime. Victims of crime who decide to take part will have their needs and wishes taken into account and will be fully supported in any choices they make. Participation in the process is completely voluntary.
There are several methods of restorative justice.
Victim–offender mediation
The victim and offender, helped by an independent person, communicate with one another. This may be by direct meeting or, if preferred by either the victim or the offender, indirectly with the third person acting as go between in a shuttle mediation. Questions may be asked, information exchanged and an agreement reached.
Restorative conferencing
Supporters, as well as victim and offender, meet together in a conference run by a trained person. At the end, agreements are made that set out what the offender will do to deal with the harm done.
Family group conferencing
The young person who has offended meets with members of his or her extended family, and possibly representatives of agencies, for example social services and schools. They work together to identify what has happened, and how the family will support the young person to put it right.
Referral order youth offender panels
Young offenders and their parents meet with trained community volunteer panel members to discuss the offence and its consequences, and to agree a contract to repair the harm and address the causes of offending behaviour. Victims are invited to attend or have their views put before the panel if they prefer.