This document summarizes news from the Restorative Justice Consortium in spring 2009. It discusses the departure of the CEO and introduction of an acting CEO. It also previews upcoming projects including developing an occupational standard for restorative practices, a conference on becoming a restorative county, and regional meetings on accreditation for restorative practice. Finally, it notes the government's expressed interest in a new adult restorative justice strategy and the RJC's work with the Ministry of Justice on developing new restorative justice services.

1. Spring 2009
Resolution 32
News from the Restorative Justice Consortium
A New Dawn for Restorative Justice?
Government plans for a new adult strategy
Sycamore Tree
Victim awareness and Restorative Justice
Restorative Justice in Ireland
Challenges facing the National Commission
Company number:4199237
Charity number:1097969

2. Contents Introduction Welcoming and supporting people using
02 Introduction
W elcome to the Spring edition
of Resolution.
restorative practices across all sectors is
core to the role and remit of the RJC. During
April we'll be working with Skills for Justice
03 News in brief As many of you will know, our CEO Harriet
to develop a new National Occupational
Bailey left the RJC at the end of 2008 to
Standard that reflects these more informal
travel around the world.The Board and staff
and preventive uses of restorative practice;
04 Restorative Justice in Devon of the RJC have been working closely with
and our July Conference in Cardiff will be on
and Cornwall our very supportive funders to find the
Becoming a Restorative County - hearing
resources to appoint a successor to Harriet.
Interview: the new adult policy from people across the country who are
But in the meantime, the RJC Board has
already making this happen in their area,
asked me to step in as Acting CEO, on a
05 Sycamore Tree: and encouraging new areas to get on board.
temporary and voluntary basis, until we are
Victim awareness and able to appoint a permanent full-time
Restorative Justice It's also an exciting time for the RJC. Our
successor. I have been involved in the RJC
Membership Development Project, led by
for many years - first as a colleague when
06 Restorative Justice in Ireland John Pepin Associates, is now complete.The
leading the Home Office Restorative Justice
project has given us some really clear
Policy Team (2003 - 2005) and since 2006
07 Mediation is a joke feedback from you, our members, on our
as a Board member. It's a joy and a privilege
strengths and weaknesses and how you want
to be able to serve the organisation in this
Restorative Justice in Prison the RJC to develop in future - a summary of
new way at this challenging and exciting
the project findings and recommendations is
time for both the RJC and Restorative
08 Events on the RJC website (see also page 3). The
Justice nationally.
Board has already acted on many of these
recommendations, for example turning our
Editor’s note Along with all the Board, I was delighted to
Forum meetings into one-day Conference
see the recent references in Parliament to
Resolution is here to reflect Restorative events, and locating these during 2009
Restorative Justice, and in particular
Justice and Restorative Approaches in across the country. The events programme
Minister Shahid Malik's statement that " We
all their forms and developments.To this kicked off with our excellent January 2009
are working with stakeholders, including the
end we welcome your input and ideas. Conference on Restorative Justice in
Restorative Justice Consortium, to develop
Please get in touch if you would like to Prisons, held in Bullingdon Prison (see page
a victim-focused adult restorative justice
submit an article, have suggestions for a 7). Our Accreditation Project is also in full
strategy that will build on learning from
feature, ideas for what you would like swing and we will be sending out invitations
pilots." The RJC continues to meet with
covered, news of an event or would to attend three regional consultation
Ministry of Justice (MoJ) officials to put
simply like to share an experience with meetings on a Blueprint for Accreditation
the case for new RJ services, building on the
other readers. for restorative practice shortly. Overall, as
very strong results of the four MoJ research
the breadth of restorative practice and
reports on Restorative Justice. The
Cover picture ‘A Shropshire Scene’ restorative approaches grows and grows the
Government has recognised the stunning
contributed by Mark Fox - Fox IT. RJC is growing with it, both in terms of our
impact of Restorative Justice on victims,
membership and our vision for restorative
including quantified reductions in post-
Chris Igoe, Editor practices.
traumatic stress symptoms, and their
E:chris@restorativejustice.org.uk Restorative Justice strategy will now be led
Thank you to all of you, our members, for
from the Victims and Witnesses Unit of the
Resolution is the quarterly your support through these tricky times
MoJ (see page 4). We welcome this, and
newsletter of the: without a full-time CEO. Your commitment
have been working closely with the new
to the RJC, willingness to contribute and
Restorative Justice Consortium organisation Why me? Victims for
passion for Restorative Jusitce keeps the
Albert Buildings Restorative Justice to gain recognition for
o r g a ni s a t io n
49 Queen Victoria Street the right of all victims of crime to
and restorative
London Restorative Justice. At the same time the
practice going
EC4N 4SA impact of Restorative Justice on reoffending
and growing
- the 27% drop in frequency found by the
T: 020 7653 1992 through thick
MoJ's own research, and the cost savings
F: 020 7653 1993 and thin.
this delivers for the Criminal Justice System
E: info@restorative justice.org.uk - should not be overlooked. So the RJC will
W: www.restorative justice.org.uk Lizzie Nelson
continue to argue for Restorative Justice
Acting CEO
Company number: 4199237 services to be delivered in ways that meet the
RJC
Charity number: 1097969 needs of everyone involved - victims,
offenders, their families and supporters, and
©2009 RJC the wider community.
Not to be reproduced without permission
These are exciting times for restorative
The articles in this newsletter practices with the mushrooming of Interested in making a contribution?
express the personal views of the restorative approaches in schools and the If you would like more information about
authors and do not necessarily widespread use by police forces of the new writing an article for Resolution please email
reflect the views of the RJC Youth Restorative Disposal (see page 4). info@restorativejustice.org.uk

3. 02 | 03
News in brief
RJC contributes to RJC Membership Development Survey
new adult Restorative At the heart of the Restorative Justice
Justice strategy Consortium (RJC) is our commitment to •An organisation with enthusiastic staff,
The Government are currently in the providing relevant services for, and quick to respond to enquiries.
process of developing their strategy for representing the views of, our members.To
adult Restorative Justice, in the light of do this better we sought views of members Challenges for the RJC
the Ministry of Justice research pilots on and non-members; our thanks to those •The RJC is a charity relying on voluntary
RJ, which showed such positive results for who responded. The following brief donations and grant-funding for 95% of its
victims and reoffending. Ministers have summary is based on their responses and a income. To become sustainable the RJC
repeatedly named the RJC as a key series of follow-up interviews. must reduce its reliance on voluntary
stakeholder in the development of the donations and needs to address the shortfall
strategy and we shall be watching to see if The Survey revealed; between the income from, and expenditure
our recommendations are acted upon. on, members.
• a varied profile of members and
supporters, active in many sectors of the • Widening its reach to groups that are not
The RJC is calling on all its members to criminal justice, mediation and education already involved, perhaps by broadening
show their support for Restorative Justice services at both local and central content.
by writing to their MP. Please act now at government level. • Furthering publicity and lobbying work to
this critical time in the development of • the RJC's crucial role as a central ensure government backing and increased
Restorative Justice. resource and networking hub, allowing public awareness.
people interested in different restorative • Locating events outside London.
Why Me approaches to contribute to the
development of the movement. Changes to Membership
This new organisation has employed its •Two categories of membership: Supporters
first member of staff. Sara Hall’s first • a high level of satisfaction with the RJC's
contribution to the development of who wish only to keep up to date with news
tasks as Why Me co-ordinator will include and developments; Membership for those
restorative practice; membership of RJC is
establishing Why Me as an independent considered "very useful". who require services to help develop practice
charity and developing the organisation’s and career progression.
relationships with victims who have • suggestions for improvements, the main
ones in the areas of development of • Revenue from membership will need to be
benefitted from or otherwise support increased to account for 10% of RJC
Restorative Justice. Restorative Justice, training and resources,
research, advocacy and events. income through increases in the pricing of
Individual and Organisational Membership.
For more information go to www.why-me.org The recommendations aim to build on the •Events will be charged for in order to
RJC's strengths, address the challenges recover the cost to the RJC of hosting the
Regional Conference that it faces and make the most of the event. Events will be open to all, with
Programme announced opportunities. members benefitting from a preferential rate.
Restorative Justice and Social Change: Developing the RJC
How Nonviolent Communication Strengths of the RJC
Contributes is the first of our quarterly •A neutral and independent umbrella body • Employment of a Development Officer to
conferences to be held outside of London, able to bring together different strands of develop our relationship with existing
practice and thought. members and reach out to new members and
in response to recommendations in our
supporters in all fields of restorative
recent membership review. • A central hub of expertise and practice.
knowledge of restorative practice, a good •Encourage members to help promote the
Our summer conference Becoming a reference point for practitioners, the media RJC and the benefits of joining. With a
Restorative County is also planned to be and the public. larger body of members and supporters the
held outside of the capital. • A respected advocate for Restorative RJC will be better able to represent the field
Justice, keeping Restorative Justice on the and influence policy.
News in full agenda of policy-makers and developing its
principles.
For a full round-up of all the latest news
make sure you receive our monthly E-
bulletin. This resource is available to all
members, and supporters and includes
About Us Restorative Justice can give victims the chance to tell offenders
the real impact of their crime, to get answers, receive an apology and move on with
information on events, vacancies and their lives. It holds offenders to account whilst giving them the chance to understand
resources. In the latest issue find out how the real impact of what they’ve done and to do something to repair the harm.
a minute-wielding pensioner has renewed
calls for Restorative Justice in Devon, Restorative principles are also being used successfully in schools, workplaces, care
what the Lib Dems say about Restorative homes, health services and communities without the labels of victim and offender .
Justice and what’s going on in Somerset,
Yorkshire and North America. The Restorative Justice Consortium is the national voice for Restorative Justice.We
provide information about Restorative Justice to the public; support and resource our
For your copy email members who deliver Restorative Justice, and promote the development and use of
info@restorativejustice.org.uk today. Restorative Justice.

4. Restorative Justice in Devon and Cornwall Interview:Policy Lead
National
Meet the
Few forces have as good a history as know) an excellent platform for for Restorative Justice
Devon and Cornwall Police when it Restorative Justice. RJC:Who are the OCJR?
comes to Restorative Justice, having
been involved in its development since Within the Devon and Cornwall Andrea Dias: The organisation reports to
the Justice Secretary, the Home Secretary
2001. When the Force was not selected Constabulary, as with some other forces,
and the Attorney General. Having
to trial the official pilot of the Youth the move from Sanctioned Detections to
trilateral status ensures a joined-up
Restorative Disposal, Chief Constable Public Satisfaction data and Positive
approach to criminal justice reform. The
Simon Otters gave the green light for the Outcomes provides frontline policing Victim and Witness Unit of the OCJR
force to pilot their own version. PC Phil resources the opportunity to utilise supports the delivery of services to victims
Skedgell brings us an update. Restorative Outcomes (including the of crime.
more complex full RJ Conference) as a
What is the OCJR's responsibility for
S ince my last update in Resolution performance measure.
Restorative Justice?
(edition 26, summer 2007) the use of
We are now using the Youth Restorative The Victim and Witness Unit is tasked with
RJ has increased significantly within
Disposal (YRD) as a means of raising the impetus for a more
many Police Forces within England and
encouraging Young People to consider victim-led approach to adult Restorative
Wales. As many of you will know, a
the effects of their offending behaviour - Justice with Local Criminal Justice
senior officer, Assistant Chief Constable Boards.
Gary Shewan (Cheshire) has been within a restorative environment - whilst
appointed as the Association of Chief enabling the force to be "measured" What are the benefits of placing RJ
Police Officers (ACPO) lead for within our new performance within the Victim and Witness Unit?
Community and Restorative Justice. environment. This also provides Young The research findings from the Ministry of
People with an opportunity to avoid a Justice funded pilot projects highlighted
The Home Office has also relaxed the criminal record for their first offence the positive impact of some Restorative
measurement of Police Forces’ (assuming a number of other conditions Justice models on victims (particularly the
'Sanctioned Detection' rates. This has are met) and provides an excellent conferencing model). Our aim is to help
been a restrictive practice historically opportunity for learning. victims have a voice in the Criminal
because Restorative Justice was not a Justice System and Restorative Justice is
formally recognised measure.Thus there Whilst still in its infancy, the YRD does a good way of doing this. If delivered
was no incentive for the Police Service finally provide victims of crime with a effectively it can also help increase their
much greater voice within the formal confidence in the system whilst addressing
to use Restorative Justice, as there was
Criminal Justice setting. It is also our reoffending.
no performance reason for doing this.
hope that this youth disposal can also be What work is the Victim and Witness Unit
This change in performance regime has replicated within the adult setting doing on Restorative Justice at present?
now enabled forces to respond more (imaginatively we may call it an Adult
We are currently having discussions with a
freely to the needs of their communities, Restorative Disposal!).
range of partners on a future strategy for
rather than detection rates. At the time adult Restorative Justice (including
of this relaxation, Forces are now In relation to the YRD, some of the ACPO, the Restorative Justice Consortium
measured by the Home Office public feedback from victims involved in the and third sector victim services like Victim
satisfaction data - providing (as we all process has been fantastic. One elderly Support). There is already a lot of good
lady in Cornwall was so impressed at work underway and some areas already
being able to meet the offender that she see Restorative Justice as a key criminal
didn't want any reparation (although justice tool. We intend to work with the
she did receive an apology). Another 3 Local Criminal Justice Boards to scope
youths that damaged a wall in a school existing provision across the country and
assisted in re-building the wall. highlight best practice. Our aim is to raise
the impetus of adult Restorative Justice by
The mainstreaming of the use of highlighting its benefits as a positive
Restorative Justice also comes with service for victims.
genuine concerns and issues over
effective monitoring to ensure that 'true' Andrea Dias is the Restorative Justice
Restorative Justice is being used - rather Policy Lead at the Office of Criminal
than another process under the guise of Justice Reform.
being restorative. Thus far, those
The Restorative Justice Consortium is
concerns have not been realised within
calling on all our members to act now at
our Force.
this crucial time in the development of the
Government’s adult Restorative Justice
PC 4412 Phil Skedgell strategy.
Force Restorative Justice Support
Officer,Territorial Policing Department Please show your support for Restorative
Photo provided by Devon
Devon & Cornwall Constabulary Police Justice by writing to your local MP
& Cornwall Constabularly philip.skedgell@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk through www.theyworkforyou.com

5. 04 | 05
Sycamore Tree: Victim awareness and Restorative Justice
Anne Mason is a Consultant at Sycamore
Tree, an intensive programme running in
prisons across the country. Sycamore Tree
brings together unconnected victims and
offenders with the aim of raising victim
awareness among prisoners whilst
providing victims with an opportunity to
share their stories and gain insights into
the behaviour of offenders. We look
forward to hearing about the stories and
people involved in the programme in a
future edition of Resolution, but first Anne
informs us about the programme itself.
P rison Fellowship International (PFI)
is the world's largest and most extensive
criminal justice ministry - a global Volunteers at a training event
association of over 100 national Prison
Fellowship organisations. PFI's Centre for The name 'Sycamore Tree' is taken from objectives, measurable learning outcomes,
Justice and Reconciliation promotes the New Testament Bible story of and professional standards.
restorative justice initiatives that work to Zacchaeus, a thieving tax collector who
heal broken relationships, repair the made amends to his victims and Alongside anecdotal feedback a
damage done by crime and restore the community. The programme is faith based psychometric questionnaire called Crime
offender to a meaningful role in society. but it is not faith promoting. Sycamore Pics II is used to measure changes in each
Tree is offered to all faiths and people with prisoners' attitudes after taking part in
Sycamore Tree was developed by PFI and no faith. If interest in Christianity is Sycamore Tree. An evaluation of more than
first run in Houston (USA), then in New expressed as a result of the programme, 2,000 Crime Pics questionnaires was
Zealand. It was first run in England and the offender is told they can explore their conducted by Sheffield Hallam University
Wales at HMP The Mount in 1998 and has interest through the Chaplaincy and Alpha and indicates that the programme reduces
since expanded to run in 34 prisons of all courses. attitudes that are known to be conducive to
security categories, with more than offending behaviour.
12,000 offenders having taken part since "I am entirely committed to the
its start. Sycamore Tree course… the benefits Additionally Prison Fellowship has recently
commissioned a research project,
are evident with regard to reducing
Sycamore Tree is an in-prison programme supervised by Professor Lawrence Sherman
re-offending and properly resettling of Cambridge University, to demonstrate
run over 6 sessions (usually one per week)
that aims to challenge prisoners' attitudes offenders." Prison Governor Sycamore Tree's effect on reducing
to offending behaviour; raise awareness of reoffending. At the heart of this project will
the impact of crime on victims and Sycamore Tree was awarded accredited be a randomised control trial, which will
communities; and teach the principles and status by OCN (Open College Network) in rigorously compare recidivism of adult male
application of Restorative Justice. 2003, and Prison Fellowship is an OCN participants and non-participants. The
Sycamore Tree seeks to provide offenders approved centre of learning. Accreditation project will measure the frequency and
with an opportunity to make an informed by an external body such as OCN validates severity of re-offending of the offenders
choice to change their lives. the programme with clear aims and within one year and also two years of
release. The research will provide evidence
for Prison Fellowship and significant
policy-makers of the economic and human
value of this programme.
The future holds three key challenges for
Prison Fellowship and Sycamore Tree to
address: continued and sustainable funding,
compliance with the accreditation
requirements of Prison Service Order 4350
'Effective Regime Interventions' and the
recruitment, training and support of
volunteer tutors, victims and group
facilitators to present the programme.
Prison Fellowship England and Wales was
formed in 1979 as a Christian faith-based
voluntary sector organisation to restore all
those affected by crime.
www.sycamoretree.org.uk
Sycamore Tree, Birmingham 01621 843232

6. Restorative Justice in Ireland: Challenges facing the National Commission
he National Commission on Two Restorative Justice pilot programmes option", if it were used for serious
T
.......Restorative Justice was established deal with adult offenders at the court stage. offences. It will be important to balance
in March 2007 to examine Restorative The Nenagh Community Reparation the public interest in the distribution of
Justice and to make recommendations as Project offers an additional option to the proportionate punishment and general
to its future direction in Ireland. The Court for persons who plead guilty to, or are deterrence against the growing consensus
Commission has published an interim found guilty of, criminal offences.The focus amongst academics and practitioners that
report to date and a final report is due is primarily on community reparation, as restorative interventions can be applied to
mid 2009. opposed to mediation. Project records of certain types of serious offences.
cases referred between 1999 and 2007 • The danger that Restorative
The Current Situation: show very positive results but further Justice alternatives will supplement
Restorative Justice at Juvenile Level research is needed for full evaluation. rather than replace existing procedures.
Restorative Justice exists on a statutory It will be important not to focus exclusively
The Tallaght Restorative Justice Service on offenders who would not ordinarily be
basis for juveniles as per The Children Act offers either offender reparation or dealt with in the formal process, as this
2001. The Act is the most significant victim/offender mediation. Cases are court- would deny the potential of targeting
diversionary strategy for juveniles in referred at the pre-sentencing stage at the individuals within the criminal justice
conflict with the law and its objective is to discretion of the Judge and the Court system who could benefit from a restorative
prevent young people from committing remains in charge of the process at all intervention.
further offences. This Act provides a times.
legislative basis for the Garda Youth Conclusion
Diversion Programme to facilitate Major considerations for the Commission
restorative cautioning and conferencing. Our present criminal justice system is
A second programme provides family • The assumption that the rate of heavily reliant on custodial remedies, and
conferencing for court-referred cases offender recidivism is the primary while "get tough" rhetoric may have public
involving the Probation Service. measurement of the success or failure of appeal, it is difficult to ignore the fact that
Restorative Justice. Such a narrow focus approximately 25% of inmates are back in
The Youth Diversion Programme is used for assessing the merits of Restorative prison within a year, and 50% re-offend
for a wide variety of offences, from the Justice fails to take into account its many within four years. In addition to the
most serious, such as robbery and other aims and objectives, such as victim exorbitant costs of custody, the very high
assaults, to those of a less serious nature, satisfaction, its potential to redress the rate of recidivism amongst those released
such as under-age drinking and minor harm caused by crime, and its ability to give should be persuasive authority to explore
thefts. It uses a package of interventions those directly affected a voice in the process other methods and remedies.
designed to challenge juveniles' offending of reconciliation. It is imperative that
behaviour by engaging the support of the policy-makers retain a sense of balance However, it is paramount that Restorative
offender's family and the extended between the crime reduction potential and Justice is not "oversold" in terms of its
community. the other major benefits offered by ability to reduce recidivism. Restorative
Restorative Justice initiatives. Justice is not solely about reducing re-
Under the second programme, the Court • How Restorative Justice can be offending rates, but has many objectives
may direct the Probation Service to incorporated into the existing criminal which can benefit victims, offenders, and
arrange a family conference prior to justice system. In theory, Restorative society at large.
sentencing.The Court can then approve or Justice could be located anywhere inside or
amend any agreed action plan and order outside the criminal justice system. It can be argued that Restorative Justice
compliance; where no plan is agreed the However there is no single blueprint for delivers a more humanistic and efficient
Court may formulate one, or resume building a restorative system and the way of dealing with victims and offenders.
prosecution proceedings. This is also the Commission will need to acknowledge this. It holds the promise of restoring a victim's
case where the Court is dissatisfied with • Whether or not Restorative material and emotional loss, safety,
the plan. Justice needs a legislative basis to damaged relationships, dignity and self-
function consistently. The lack of a legal respect. It also has the potential to reduce
Restorative practices, in a school setting, framework should not necessarily be the use of custodial sanctions, by offering
are also operated in some areas. detrimental to the success of Restorative an additional sentencing disposal and
Justice, however, enshrining Restorative diversionary option to the judiciary.
Restorative Justice at Adult Level Justice in legislation would promote
predictability, certainty of use, legitimacy, The Commission has much to consider over
There is no corresponding statutory basis the coming months and in the current
for Restorative Justice at adult level but and uniformity of application.
economic climate it is hoped that the
there is scope for the prosecution • The range of offences and types potential of Restorative Justice within our
authorities to divert cases from court of offenders most appropriate for a society is not lost on our policymakers.
under the Garda Adult Cautioning restorative intervention. Attention should
Scheme. be paid to the evidence-based research Martin Haverty has worked as lead
which has shown that Restorative Justice
researcher with the National Commission
The scheme, which is not currently can be more effective with more, rather
on Restorative Justice, and his new website
grounded in Restorative Justice principles, than less, serious crimes. This suggests that
there is little basis for the view that www.restorativejusticeonline.ie is in
is aimed at low level crimes. While it may development.
have potential to encompass a restorative Restorative Justice interventions are only
dimension, such a move is susceptible to appropriate for first time and juvenile
offenders, or less serious offences. This article is a summary of Martin’s full
"net widening", targeting individuals who paper which is available at
would not ordinarily have come within the • The danger that Restorative www.restorativejustice.org.uk/?Resources
criminal justice system. Justice could be perceived as a "soft

7. 06 | 07
Mediation is a joke! Conflict resolution in Burkina Faso
It is in keeping with the restorative face of inhospitable conditions. In some ethnic groups the wife has a joking
principles of inclusivity and respect that When conflicts do arise they are handled by relationship with her husband's brother (if
Restorative Justice has been so inspired elected chiefs of families and villages (each any) or a prescribed cousin (and the
and influenced by anthropological with about 100-300 people) who act as husband with his wife's sister, grandparents
observations around the world - most mediators. Women are present as advisers, with grandchildren, and so on). They make
famously by the approaches to conflict children as learners. This method is flowery jokes with each other, not too
resolution of the Maori and the indigenous supplemented by the remarkable tradition strongly, with satirical elements. If for
peoples of North America. Here Dr Martin of 'joking relationships' which the clans, example the wife cannot resolve problems
Wright relates the practices of the West ethnic groups, and districts have with each with her husband on her own, she asks her
African country Burkina Faso and other. A visitor may be surprised to see two joking partner for help. With the husband
discovers that joking can be a serious men arguing loudly in the street and present, she enacts a humorous scene,
approach to conflict resolution. gesticulating, from time to time breaking dressed up in metaphors, about the joys of
out into laughter about stereotypes of each married life, her own feelings and needs,
T here is much scope for conflict in one other's ethnic group (but not about with scattered references to any marital
of the poorest countries of the world, with mothers, physical handicaps or sexuality), tensions. The brother-in-law listens
61 ethnic groups and 8 large language and then parting with good wishes for their attentively, jokes with her about everyday
families. Burkina Faso (known as Upper families and ethnic groups. life, and drops in some ideas about handling
Volta until 1983) is a mainly rural West the conflict. It is important not to blame the
African country about thee times the size of There are numerous stories about how this husband or show him up. He acts as if he
Austria, with a population of 1.2 million. Its system originated, telling for example about wasn't listening; so he keeps his dignity
major religions are Christian, Muslim and a times when men quarrelled and were ready while hearing his wife's feelings and needs.
natural religion in which the other two are to go to war over trivial matters. The clever
seen as living equally 'under the roof' of the forefathers put a stop to this lust for With ever-increasing westernisation the
highest existence, DO (God). This religious fighting by introducing the joking enormous cultural and emotional richness
perspective stresses that their ancestors relationships. They exist in practically all of these traditions is threatened; but the
wish them to live together with consent, co- social groupings, and between ethnic groups African renaissance proposed by the South
operation and harmony, and may be linked however small. Now even children learn African president Thabo Mbeki is being felt.
to the lack of religious conflict there. It how to do it. Diversity is seen as enriching,
appears to have survived the colonial legal to be contained, not feared. Real conflicts Summarised by Martin Wright from two
system introduced in 1919, partly perhaps are generally prevented by being turned into articles by Sonja Steixner in Perspektive
because of the need to co-operate in the comic, verbal ones. Mediation (Vienna), 2007 (3) and 2008 (3)
Restorative Justice in Prison HMP Bullingdon RJC January Event Report
The RJC held its first event of 2009, day’s presentations were delivered. The introduction of Restorative Justice recorded
Restorative Justice in Prison, in the heart of Restorative Justice conferences held at a 19% reduction in violence.
Her Majesty's Prison Bullingdon Bullingdon were part of the Ministry of
(pictured). Peter Patrick, RJC Chair, Justice research sample which indicated a Presentations followed from SORI and
opened the event, recognising the important 33% reduction in the frequency of Sycamore Tree (see page 5), two prison- based
contribution RJC events have made to the reoffending by prisoners. Geoff and Julie interventions, which teach restorative
development of the Restorative Justice shared with us the lessons they have learnt principles and bring together victims and
movement by nurturing the sharing of ideas as a manager and as a practitioner in the offenders of similar, though unconnected,
and best practice. The day’s first seven years since that first conference. crimes to raise victim awareness with
presentation by Geoff Emerson & Julie offenders. We also learnt about pioneering
Tartakover of Thames Valley Restorative Vicky O'Dea, former Governor of Ashfield restorative work being done to divert offenders
Justice Service (RJS) was a shining Young Offenders Institute, delivered a from custody by West Yorkshire Probation
example of this. vibrant presentation on how, the embracing Service and closed with group discussion and
of restorative practice helped to transform reflection on the day's presentations.
Thames Valley RJS held their first Ashfield into an award-winning model of
Restorative Justice conference back in best practice. A Youth Justice Board A detailed transcript of the event is available
2001 in a room just next door to where the evaluation of Ashfield following the at www.restorativejustice.org.uk/?Events

8. Events
08
For up-to-date information on RJ events go to: www.restorativejustice.org.uk/?Events
European Forum for Aim Project
Restorative Justice AIM WEEK
“Restorative Justice and Date: Monday 13th – Friday 17th July
Restorative Practices – Are they Venue:Carolina Way, Salford
the same?” and “Building Social AIM week is designed to share with
Support for Restorative Justice” delegates materials and training, as
RJC Spring Conference Date:Wednesday 3rd June – 5th June
well as providing delegates working
with children and young people who
Restorative Justice and Social Leuven, Belgium display sexually harmful behaviour
Change: How Nonviolent and their families with the opportunity
Run in conjunction with the Forum's to share practice issues and network.
Communication Contributes AGM over this three day period.These
Date: Monday 20th April seminars will deal with core issues for Workshops include Sexually harmful
Time: 10.45am - 4.15pm Restorative Justice and provide an behaviour and Restorative Justice –
Venue:The Pierian Centre, Bristol opportunity to meet colleagues from can there be a link? Wednesday 15th
all over Europe working in the field. July, £90.
This conference will explore how
Nonviolent Communication can help us: Summer School - Towards For more information and programme
Critical Restorative Justice email aimproject@msn.com
• Be more fluent in the needs of others
and produce more positive outcomes. Practices
• Encourage others to cooperate, Date: Monday 20th – 24th July
Hull Centre For
without coercion or manipulation. Barcelona, Spain Restorative Practices
• Develop restorative conversations Hull: The Riverside Community
enabling social agendas to be addressed The summer school is aimed at
trainers, practitioners, volunteers, A Restorative Practices Conference
Presenters are experts in the above researchers and programme managers Date:Monday 15th June 9:30am - 3:30pm
fields and include Paul Crosland RJC, in victim-offender mediation and other Venue:The Freedom Centre, Hull
Founder of Mediation Support & Restorative Justice practices.
We are delighted to invite all
Freelender.org and Paul Baker colleagues working with children,
Independent conflict consultant, For more information on all these
European Forum for Restorative young people and families to attend
practitioner & therapist. this multi-disciplinary conference.
Justice events please visit
This event - on the skills, ethos and www.euforumrj.org • Learn about successful Restorative
practical application of Nonviolent Practice strategies that build and
Communication in generating This events listing is strengthen communities
responsibility and social change - costs
just £25 for members and £50 for non-
not exhaustive • Participate in multi-disciplinary
workshops led by leading practioners.
members and supporters of the RJC. For a full list of events • Network with colleagues
For information and booking contact
on Restorative Justice
call 020 7653 1992 or email and related fields Attendance costs £115 per delegate,
for more information email
admin@restorativejustice.org.uk please visit HCRPadmin@goodwin-centre.org
www.restorativejustice.org.uk
Join the RJC
If you believe in Restorative Justice, join the Restorative Justice Consortium and help support our work.
Members benefit from free copies of Resolution, monthly emails about the latest Restorative Justice news
and events, free entry to our regular Forums and further discounts on all our events as well as the
opportunity to place articles and advertise on the RJC website.
We rely on our membership to help us promote the use of Restorative Justice and your support will help us
do even more.
Join us now by downloading an application form from www.restorativejustice.org.uk/?Membership
or call the RJC on 020 7653 1992 to sign up by phone or for more information.