Enfield Youth Justice Service Achieves Registered Restorative Organisation Status
We are delighted to announce that the Enfield Youth Justice Service has officially been awarded Registered Restorative Organisation status by the Restorative Justice Council (RJC). This significant recognition underlines their unwavering commitment to integrating restorative justice practices throughout the organisation, meeting nationally recognised standards, and enhancing the support provided to children, young people, their families, and the wider community.
Reflecting on this achievement, Janet Evans, Referral Order, Restorative Justice and Victims Practice Lead at Enfield Youth Justice Service, expressed her heartfelt excitement.
“Absolutely ‘gassed’ as our children and young people would say. I was thrilled and felt quite euphoric – actually, a bit emotional. It has been a bit of a journey for me.”
The decision to apply for Registered Status stemmed from a desire to demonstrate the organisation’s dedication to restorative practices. Janet explained, “We feel it is important that we demonstrate we work restoratively across the organisation and that our processes are rigorously checked by a national body. This will show that other organisations and the community can have faith in our standards and the quality of restorative service they will receive.”
The registration process has also facilitated the development of several key areas within the service. Enfield Youth Justice Service has utilised this opportunity to enhance their restorative approaches strategy, with a focus on anti-racist practice, accountability, and evaluation. This comprehensive review aims to elevate training opportunities within the team, thereby reinforcing the foundation of restorative practices.
Jim Simon, Chief Executive of the Restorative Justice Council, offered his congratulations on this remarkable achievement, saying, “We are absolutely delighted that Enfield Youth Justice Service has been awarded Registered Restorative Organisation status. This recognition reflects their commitment to embedding restorative practice at every level of their work, ensuring that children and young people, families, and the wider community are supported to repair harm, rebuild trust, and create positive futures. Achieving this status is a testament to the dedication and passion of their team, and we are excited to see them continue strengthening their restorative journey.”
For organisations considering the path to registration, Janet has encouraging words: “Go for it! The process allows you to put a microscope on your restorative practice, the strategic input of your service, and your outcomes. The RJC provides a benchmark from which you can quality assure your practice and maintain good standards that are nationally recognised.”
The Enfield Youth Justice Service’s achievement is not just a milestone for the organisation but a step forward for restorative justice practices across their community. With this recognition, they continue to pave the way for healing, accountability, and positive transformations for the youth they serve.