Restorative justice information packs

The Restorative Justice Council has published four information packs to help criminal justice professionals to make greater use of restorative justice within their work. 

Restorative justice gives victims the chance to meet or communicate with their offenders to explain the real impact of the crime - it empowers victims by giving them a voice. It also holds offenders to account for what they have done and helps them to take responsibility and make amends. Government research demonstrates that restorative justice provides an 85% victim satisfaction rate, and a 14% reduction in the frequency of reoffending.

The evidence for restorative justice is clear and its use across the criminal justice system is growing. We want more victims and offenders to be offered the chance to take part in a restorative justice process and more criminal justice workers to understand the benefits it can bring. This is why the RJC has now published four information packs aimed at giving an overview of how restorative justice can be used within specific areas of the criminal justice system.

The packs include useful information on the process and frequently asked questions. They also feature case studies of victims and offenders who have taken part in restorative justice, demonstrating the impact it can have in reducing reoffending and improving victims’ lives.

The series consists of information packs for magistrates, youth offending workers, police and probation workers. The packs have been developed with the help of the Ministry of Justice as well as a number of other agencies.

All four packs are useful for those new to the concept of restorative justice as well as those already implementing it within their work who want to read about innovation within restorative justice.