Dealing with offending behaviour: Restoration Justice programmes

Restorative Justice Programmes- seeks to achieve justice by reparing the harm done by an offender rather than punishing them. The process usually (not always) involves communication with the victim. The offender may simply give payment as reparation (no communication). More offten the offender might write a letter to a victim or there may be an interaction between offender and victim, for example video conferencing or a face-to-face meeting between victim and offender in the presence of an impartial facilitator. Offenders are often offered restorative justice as an option instead of a prision sentence if the victim has agreed.

Aim of restorative justice- Has the potential to address two key aims of custodial sentencing: Rehabilitaion of offenders so they don't re-offend and atonement of wrongdoing. Rehabilitation of offenders- The victim has an opportunity to explain the real impact of the crime and this enables…