restorative justice

• this refers to an approach that seeks to repair harm by providing an opportunity for those harmed and those who take responsibility for the harm to communicate about, and address their needs in the aftermath of the crime
• practitioners should aim to ensure that any harm caused to the victim or the offender has been repaired
• it is essential that participants come to restorative justice of their own free will and practitioners must be neutral so that no one feels disadvantaged or discriminated against
• practitioners should carry out, risk assessments to ensure the safety of all parties, and should be appropriately trained
• The process is available to anyone who has experienced harm or conflict, and it must be done with the consent of all parties
• The practitioner needs to be ability to conduct an often highly emotional process in a neutral and measured way
• The victim and offender are invited to a meeting and the process of restorative justice is explained. The practitioner asked the offender to apologize for the actions and the victim will explain the impact on them. They then agree a plan for rehabilitation.
• usefulness


  Most useful in violent property crimes where the victim is most readily identifiable

  Offenders who take restorative justice are less likely to re-offend at a 14% reduction

  It delivers considerable financial serving as it was calculated that there was a $185 million in savings over a two year period
• effectiveness


  There is some flexibility to have the program is administered, so it has multiple ranging applications

  It depends on the extent to which the offender feels remorse as some may agree just to avoid prison
• practicality


  The meeting is likely to be emotional so a skilled individual is needed.

  High dropout rate