Family Conference
A Family Conference is based on principles of restorative justice which, in essence, means healing the harm done to victims, while holding the offender accountable for his or her actions. The aim of the Family Conference is to divert the young person, who has accepted responsibility for their behaviour, from court, conviction and custody, and from committing further offences.
A Court ordered family conference takes place at the stage when a young person is charged with an offence and appears in Court:
- If the young person accepts responsibility, and
- The Court considers an action plan desirable, and
- The child and child’s family agree to participate, then
- The Court may direct the Probation and Welfare Service to arrange for the convening of a family conference.
The family conference is held no more than 28 days later.
Family Conference Process
The diagram above illustrates the phases of a Family Conference.
It involves the young person, members of his/her family, the victim and any other relevant people. It is organised and run by the Probation and Welfare Service. At the meeting, an opportunity is given to the young person and the victim to express their views, as well as family members, and others participating. No statement made or information obtained from the conference is admissible as evidence in court.
An action plan made as a result of the Family Conference may include:
- an apology to the victim
- financial or other reparation to any victim
- an initiatives within the child’s family and community that might help to prevent re-offending.
The action plan is then submitted to the Court for approval or amendment. The Court can order the young person to comply with the action plan and be supervised by the Probation and Welfare Service. The Court then adjourns the case for a period of up to six months, when a review takes place. If the Court is satisfied that the child complied with the plan, then the charge may be dismissed. If the child fails to comply with the plan, the probation officer can apply to have the case returned to Court and the Court can resume proceedings and progress to the next stage.
A Family Conference Information Pack is available to download from our publications section.
