July 2009

The Government's wide ranging consultation Engaging Communities in Criminal Justice asks the question of how the Government should publicise and encourage Restorative Justice.

"Q25) Restorative Justice has proved a positive experience for victims and can be effective in reducing re-offending. How could we publicise this and encourage community involvement in Restorative Justice projects, in particular as a service to victims?"

More information about the consultation is available at CJS Online the deadline for responses was the 31st July 2009.

The RJC response to the Engaging Communities in Criminal Justice green paper focuses on how – in the light of the Government’s research findings and the wealth of existing experience at local level - more victims, offenders and communities can be given access to Local Restorative Justice Services across England and Wales.

RJC renews its call for a Restorative Justice Act to establish a statutory base for Local Restorative Justice Services, a National Restorative Justice Agency to provide oversight and a statutory requirement for Restorative Justice to be considered and provided where appropriate in all cases involving a personal victim. Further RJC call for a wider cross-Government strategy encouraging the use of restorative practices in schools, care homes and work places and require requiring police forces to use restorative practices as part of their neighbourhood policing.

The RJC was pleased to receive the Criminal Justice Alliance’s endorsement of our response and thanks all our members who contributed to this consultation. The Criminal Justice Alliance response is available here.

RJC Response to Engaging Communities in Criminal Justice Green Paper 

June 2009

IPPR call for more Restorative Justice in a popular, preventative Youth Justice System

The Institute for Public Policy Research, the UK's leading progressive think tank, has recommended the Youth Justice System be reshaped to be tiered, preventative and diversionary including the introduction of Community Justice Panels, using Restorative Justice principles.

The report is supportive of Restorative Justice as a method of reducing reoffending and engaging victims & communities in a way that can be popular with the general public.

The IPPR Report Towards a Popular Preventative Youth Justice System is available at www.ippr.org.uk

April 2009

Centre for Social Justice calls for Restorative Justice Act

The Centre for Social Justice, a leading independent think-tank, established by Rt Hon. Ian Duncan-Smith MP, has called for an expansion of Restorative Justice conferencing, training of police in restorative disposals, a national Restorative Justice agency and a Restorative Justice Act.

In two recent publications, the Centre for Social Justice has backed Restorative Justice as core way in which both policing and prisons should be reformed. Political insiders indicate that the publications will be influential in shaping Conservative Party policy in any upcoming election.

A Force to be Reckoned With and Locked Up Potential are available at www.centreforsocialjustice.org.uk

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