Victims

Restorative justice puts the victim of an offence at the heart of the youth justice system, where appropriate restorative justice can play an important role in reducing re-offending.

Restorative justice is not a soft option; many young people find it extremely difficult to face the consequences of their crimes. Research shows that most victims who participate in some form of restorative justice find it helpful and are satisfied with the outcome.

Victims are offered a range of opportunities to take part in the restorative justice process, these can include:
 

• Face to face meetings
• Mediation either face to face or shuttle mediation
• The victim can agree to receive a letter of apology or explanation
• Where appropriate the young person can form a specific task directly for the victim

If the victim does not want to be part of any restorative justice processes the young person will be given a number of hours of indirect reparation to make amends for their offence to complete in the community.

The Youth Offending Service welcomes suggestions for reparation tasks from the community that meet the following minimum criteria:
 

• It will benefit the local community
• It will not take paid work away from others
• No one will make a profit from the work
• It will be worthwhile and constructive