Restorative justice

Restorative JusticeCritical Practice

Mini Lecture

Dr Fiona Beals

What it is …

0 A theory of justice based on principles of reconciliation and forgiveness

0 Often considered as an indigenous approach0 Used strongly within youth justice (esp NZ) but also

used within processes of political redress and in education

0 Ultimately it is about repairing the harm in ways that lead to transformation of a relationship or a community response to crime

Key Principles/Values

0 Encounter – a created opportunity to meet, share stories, express emotions, show understanding and come to an agreement

0 Amends – all involved engage in generosity0 Reintegration – addressing labels/stigma0 Inclusion – a shared hope for change and

transformation

Key Principles/Values

0 Encounter – a created opportunity to meet, share stories, express emotions, show understanding and come to an agreement

0 Amends – all involved engage in generosity0 Reintegration – addressing labels/stigma0 Inclusion – a shared hope for change and

transformation

Does it have a place in ALL youth work?

0 Consider0 We are a country based on a Treaty0 Injustice is a reality0 If we are seeing crime as an aspect of ‘strain’ theory …

then who is the victim when someone ‘retreats’

Does it have a place in ALL youth work?

0 Consider0 We are a country based on a Treaty0 Injustice is a reality0 If we are seeing crime as an aspect of ‘strain’ theory …

then who is the victim when someone ‘retreats’0 What does it mean for our young people 0 Coming back to the first – could there be a possible

connection between our negative statistics, a sociological understanding of youth development and restorative justice

David L Gustafson

0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GLsyk8cLY8&list=PLE541C3493059ADD6&index=11

Ultimately it is about HOPE