Victim Support: The SORI Programme and Restorative Justice

From the article by Own Sharp on info 4 security:

The arrival of the coalition Government in Westminster has prompted some fierce debate about the future of the criminal justice system and the rehabilitation of offenders.

There has been talk about a ‘rehabilitation revolution’ to cut reoffending, while the role of short sentences has been questioned as part of a sentencing review which will report next month.

As part of this debate, ministers have expressed an interest in restorative justice which we at Victim Support believe could benefit victims, cut reconvictions and, as a result, save the taxpayer money.

It’s a concept that has been put into practice in Wales and other parts of the UK, and gives victims the chance to tell offenders the real impact of their crime, to derive answers to their questions and to receive an apology.

In addition, it helps many victims get on with their lives while giving offenders an understanding of the real impact of what they have done, as well as a chance to do something to repair the harm.

Sep 20, 2010 Country:England&Wales, Region: Europe, Other, Victim, Prison

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Restorative justice is not just saying 'Sorry'

Martin Wright's letter to the editor that didn't get published:

Mark Johnson’s critique gives a chance to correct some common misconceptions about restorative justice (‘Apologising to victims will not reduce reoffending rates’, SocietyGuardian, 18 August).  It is not about dragging offenders to see their victims, telling them to say “sorry”, nor making them do menial tasks wearing conspicuous clothing.  It does not humiliate offenders (provided it is done properly, of course);  they are enabled to show that they can do something useful and be valued for it. 

It lets victims explain, and offenders understand, the damaging effects of their actions (and in some cases, such as fights, both have been at fault in some ways).  Both are asked questions like ‘What happened?’ ‘Who was affected?’ ‘What do you think and feel about it?’ and ‘What needs to be done to make things better?’  Victims often ask for an apology and/or reparation, but what most of them want is answers to questions and  action to make a repeat less likely.  This could mean that the offender makes reparation by co-operating with whatever support he or she needs, programmes such as anger management, drug treatment or vocational skills.

Sep 13, 2010 Country:England&Wales, Apology, Offender, Correspondent:Martin Wright, Region: Europe

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“Beyond All Belief” — Restorative Practices at St Edmund’s Primary School, Norfolk, UK

from the article by Lisa Cook posted on iirp.com:

This is what restorative practices looks like at St Edmund’s [for children 3 to 11 years old]:

When the children come in each morning they are quick to sort themselves into a circle. They are keen to get started. The class teacher starts off with a greeting. This is passed around the circle and varies depending on the age of the children.

Sep 07, 2010 School, Country:England&Wales, Story, Region: Europe

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