Restorative Justice Programmes

Restorative justice

A process where offender and victim communicate to repair harm caused by the crime.

Focus on healing

Shifts focus from punishment to repairing relationships and acknowledging harm.

Restorative Justice Council

UK body promoting safe, evidence-based restorative practice.

Victim–offender meeting

A supervised meeting where victim explains impact and offender takes responsibility.

Key feature: offender responsibility

Offender must accept guilt before programme begins.

Communication forms

Can include face-to-face meetings, letters, video messages or third-party mediation.

Aims of restorative justice

Rehabilitation of offender, atonement for wrongdoing and victim empowerment.

Rehabilitation of offender

Offender gains insight into consequences, reducing reoffending.

Atonement for wrongdoing

Offender apologises, compensates or makes symbolic reparation.

Victim empowerment

Victim gains closure, can ask questions and express feelings.

Restitution

Offender may provide financial compensation or community service.

Flexible approach

Programmes tailored to crime type, harm caused and victim needs.

Strength: high victim satisfaction

Victims report high satisfaction from being heard and receiving apology.

Sherman & Strang review

Restorative justice reduced reoffending more than custodial sentences for some crimes.

Strength: cost-effective

Cheaper than prison; saves money for justice system.

Strength: reduces recidivism

Particularly effective for youth and property offenders.

Strength: addresses emotional harm

Provides healing not available through traditional sentencing.

Limitation: not suitable for all crimes

Not appropriate for dangerous or unremorseful offenders.

Limitation: requires offender cooperation

Offender must admit guilt; may refuse involvement.

Limitation: victim distress

Risk of psychological harm if victim feels intimidated or unsafe.

Safety concern

Measures must ensure victim protection during meetings.

Limitation: mixed reoffending outcomes

Not equally effective across all offender types.

Limitation: soft option perception

Public may feel restorative justice is too lenient.

Comparison with custodial sentencing

RJ focuses on healing, prisons focus on punishment and deterrence.

Restorative justice reintegration

Aims to reintegrate offender back into society rather than isolate them.

Community restorative justice

Offender works with community to repair broader social harm.

Holistic justice

Addresses social, emotional and interpersonal consequences of crime.

Ethical consideration

Must ensure victim choice and emotional wellbeing.

Programme facilitator role

Skilled mediator ensures respectful, safe and productive dialogue.