Restorative Justice
Restorative Justice is a way of dealing with victims and offenders by focusing on the harm arising from crime and resolving the underlying problems which caused it. It also focuses on finding ways that offenders can make things right for victims and others affected by crime. Restorative justice involves communities and victims directly, and one example of this in practice is a Family Conference.
Family Conference
A Family Conference is organised and run by the Probation Service at the direction of the Court, in cases involving young offenders. The family conference is a meeting between the victim(s), young person’s family and the relevant others, to discuss the offence and its effects. The meeting explores ways in which the offender can be held accountable, take responsibility for their behaviour, and where possible, to put things right.
Further guidance on What a Family Conference means for the Victim is available from the publications section.
