Guide to restorative justice aims to ensure consistent delivery
A guide aimed at securing the delivery of consistent and victim focused restorative justice processes has been published by Scottish ministers.
Intended for restorative justice practitioners, facilitators and justice service providers, and potentially of use to those referring to restorative justice services, the guide is issued under s 5 of the Victims and Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2014 and is also in line with the EU Victims' Rights Directive.
Restorative justice is a process of independent, facilitated contact between a victim and a person who has caused them harm through the commission of an offence. It gives victims the chance to explain the impact the crime has had on their lives, and the offender an opportunity to consider the impact of their crime and take responsibility for it, with the aim of reducing the likelihood of reoffending. It is always a voluntary process and the needs of the victim are "imperative".
The guide sets out the key principles, the requirements for service providers and facilitators, and appropriate steps in conducting a restorative justice process.
Justice Secretary Michael Matheson described restorative justice as “a particularly powerful tool when used to address the behaviour of young people who can learn so much from dialogue with those harmed by their actions, potentially leading to a route out of crime and the revolving door of the justice system. It also gives victims of crime an opportunity to communicate the impact on their lives and to regain some control”.
Tom Halpin, chief executive of Sacro, added: “For practitioners, facilitators and providers of services, the guidance is consistent and comprehensive in establishing best practice and core principles. For referrers, the guidance provides a greater understanding of the principles, effectiveness and value of restorative justice services.”