“Evaluating Restorative Justice”

Source: (2002) Probation Journal. 48: 295-296.

This report seeks to satisfy the need to
evidence the impact of restorative justice,
by presenting the results of a 15-month
study into seven English schemes
currently in operation. The report aims to
identify the elements which constitute best
practice and are most effective in reducing
crime, while also being cost-effective. The
study included data and information
analysis, as well as interviews with
victims, offenders and staff. The authors
acknowledge that the short timescale of
the research impaired assessment of
reconviction rates, and the limited lifespan
of many of the schemes hindered analysis
at this stage. The research was conducted
at a time of transition when Youth
Offending Teams were being formed, and
its success criteria will be challenged as
overly reductive by some advocates of
restorative justice. Nevertheless, this study
offers some important indicators, which
should be integrated into service
development as restorative justice
becomes embedded in the Criminal Justice
System. (excerpt)