New information pack on Restorative justice in custodial settings available now
In the wake of David Cameron’s speech on prison reform, the Restorative Justice Council (RJC) has published an information pack on restorative justice in custodial settings. The pack is aimed at making high quality restorative justice more widely available.
Endorsed by the National Offender Management Service and the Prison Reform Trust, the pack contains contributions from voluntary sector restorative justice delivery providers and a number of custodial establishments across the country.
The RJC has delivered this new resource to every prison and YOI in England and Wales to help them recognise the benefits of restorative justice and support delivery.
The pack outlines two potential delivery models – building capacity within the prison and creating a supportive environment to enable external agencies deliver restorative justice on their behalf. It also covers frequently asked questions on restorative justice in custodial settings and includes articles on how effective partnership working with voluntary sector providers can support delivery.
The RJC’s chief executive officer Jon Collins said: “The Prime Minister’s proposals for greater autonomy for governors and for prisons to be focused on rehabilitation provide an excellent opportunity for restorative justice to take further hold in the prison system.
“If prison governors want to reduce reoffending while promoting the interests of victims in the justice system, it is vital that they ensure restorative justice is available.
“Restorative approaches can also be used within prisons as a method of conflict resolution, both between prisoners and between prisoners and staff. It can help to make prisons safer and to create a more positive environment.
“The RJC’s information pack outlines how prisons can deliver restorative justice both as an effective rehabilitative intervention and as a conflict resolution strategy, and discusses how to ensure it is done safely and to a high standard. We’re very grateful to all who contributed.”
The pack is available to download here.