Description and Process Overview

This topic provides an overview of the restorative justice process.

Description

Restorative justice involves those affected by an offence, in a process that:

• focuses on the needs of victims
• encourages responsibility by offenders, and
• allows relevant parties to work towards addressing causes and consequences, restoration and healing.

How it works

The offender and the victim, with their support people, are invited to meet in a supportive and safe environment. It is important that:

• participation is voluntary
• the process is fair and safe
• participants are well prepared, and
• expectations are realistic.

Process

When an offender pleads guilty, a district court judge may make a referral to the restorative justice coordinator who will make an initial investigation to see if a conference is possible.

The coordinator selects an appropriate facilitation provider group, who will appoint a trained and approved facilitator to investigate the conference option.

A conference will be convened if the victim and the offender are willing and there is potential for a constructive outcome.

If a conference is held, the judge will receive a report reflecting the nature and outcome of the conference for consideration when sentencing the offender.