October 30, 2009: New PRT Report On Restorative Justice

The Prison Reform Trust has just published Making Amends: restorative youth justice in Northern Ireland. The study shows that reoffending rates were much lower when offenders were involved in restorative justice schemes. Figures showed four in ten 10 to 17 year-olds committed another crime within a year, compared to 71% of those who had been locked up.

Nine out of 10 victims, most of whom came face to face with the criminal
who harmed them, backed the process.

The Prison Reform Trust called on ministers to consider implementing restorative justice schemes across England and Wales. Current schemes are limited to first time and minor offenders in some areas.

PRT director, Juliet Lyon, said:

"It's all too easy to say that nothing works with young offenders whereas we can learn from successful work in Northern Ireland that a structured system of restorative justice cuts youth crime and satisfies victims."

"Most people would support the idea of young people having to face up to
the harm they have done and working hard to make amends."

The report describes the case of "Peter", accused of assault, who comes
face to face with his victim, "Gary", who challenges him to change his
behaviour.

In another case, a 16-year-old who broke into and vandalised a church met the
vicar to hear about the impact of his crime. As a result, he donated money to charity and did 10 hours' voluntary
work inside the church fixing the damage.

Liberal Democrat justice spokesman David Howarth said:

"All the evidence shows that getting young offenders to face their victims works to cut crime. It forces people to face up to the consequences of their actions and has long been championed by the Liberal Democrats."

"The government must get over its obsession with sounding tough and do
what actually works to cut crime. A good start would be to make restorative justice processes available
across the country."

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