Restorative Justice

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About Restorative Justice

What is Restorative Justice?

Restorative Justice is an approach to dealing with conflicts (offences) where the involvement of the victim is as important as that of the offender.  

The Youth Justice Board defines the aims or outcomes of Restorative Justice as follows:-

• victim satisfaction – reducing the fear of the victim and ensuring they feel ‘paid back’ for the harm that has been done to them;
• engagement with the young person – to ensure that they are aware of the consequences of their actions, have the opportunity to make reparation and agree a plan for their restoration in the community;
• creation of community capital – increasing public confidence in the criminal justice system.

The basic principles include:

• putting things right and healing relationships, thereby giving high satisfaction to victims and reducing reoffending;
• ensuring that those directly affected by crime are involved in the process and that their wishes are given careful consideration;
• making positive outcomes for victim and community valid objectives, alongside changes in behaviour and attitude of the young person;
• addressing and being sensitive to particular cultural and special needs and be based on anti-discriminatory practice, with an understanding and respect for the diversity of different communities.

Where appropriate the victim and offender may meet in a controlled environment giving both parties the opportunity to explain the consequences to themselves of the offence.  Often the offender will make an apology and sometimes undertake to try and repair the harm caused.  When the victim does not wish to participate the officer making contact will communicate the victims feelings and wishes concerning the case to the offender.  Other significant adults or other people affected by the crime may be invited to attend, in order to let the offender understand the effect their actions have had.  Again, the offender may offer to apologise and sometimes make reparation.

The Three R's of Restorative Justice are:

• Making the Offender take Responsibility
• Allowing Reintegration of the Offender
• Encouraging Reparation

More Information?

For more information visit the Restorative Justice page of the Youth  Justice Board where you will find the publications:

• The Government's July 2003 consultation document "Restorative Justice: the Government's Strategy" (858kb .pdf)
• The Board's publication "Key Elements of Effective Practice: Restorative Justice" (295kb .pdf)

See also our Reparation page

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Page last reviewed 13th January 2006