Restorative Justice

What it is …

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

0Often considered as an indigenous approach0Used strongly within youth justice (esp NZ) but also

used within processes of political redress and in education

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

Key Principles/Values

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

0Amends – all involved engage in generosity0Reintegration – addressing labels/stigma0 Inclusion – a shared hope for change and

transformation

Key Idea

0 It is about establishing community0 It is about honouring the space of the individual in

that community as one that has collective responsibility

0 It involves understanding the as group work has processes to enable integration and healing so does youth work and restorative work

So how can a youth worker create a restorative space?

Does it have a place in ALL youth work?

0Consider0 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?

0Consider0 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

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

Ultimately it is about HOPE