IPRT advocates for consistency in national availability, use and operation of restorative justice options nationwide.
Restorative justice focuses on the harm when a crime has been committed, rather than looking at what laws or rules have been broken. Participation is on a voluntary basis.
In restorative justice, victims are given a chance to ask questions and to make the offender aware of the effect of their actions. The chance to receive an apology for the victim and gain forgiveness for the offender can have beneficial effects on both parties.
Restorative justice practices offer a more re-integrative approach to how we treat offenders, and community involvement can help to deal with the root causes of the criminal behaviour and reduce recidivism.
Restorative justice for children is provided for by statute for children by way of the Children Act 2001.
Restorative justice practices for adults in Ireland are provided by organisations such as Restorative Justice in the Community and Restorative Justice Services. For more about the practice and services, please visit their websites.
12th December 2016
The UK Ministry of Justice released an action plan in 2014 with the aim of making restorative justice practices available at all stages of the criminal justice system.
22nd March 2016
The Department of Justice and Equality has published the 'Annual Report of the Committee Appointed to Monitor the Effectiveness of the Diversion Programme 2014’.
31st December 2014
This Australian Institute of Criminology report describes the Australian approach to restorative justice.
22nd March 2014
The Department of Justice and Equality has published the 'Annual Report of the Committee Appointed to Monitor the Effectiveness of the Diversion Programme 2013’.
30th April 2010
This report from the European Forum for Restorative Justice sets out best practices and approaches to restorative justice in Europe.
30th June 2009
This report from June 2009 sets out the status of restorative justice in Ireland.
31st October 2005
Northern Ireland operates restorative justice practices in youth justice.
31st December 2004
New Zealand pioneered the use of restorative justice. The Families Act, 1989 introduced its use in Youth Justice. This Act made restorative justice practices mandatory, for all but the most serious offences such as murder and manslaughter, for juvenile offenders.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.