Handbook on Restorative justice programmes

From principles to practice: implementing restorative justice programmes
Funding for 
community-basd
processes
A judge who was involved in devel-
oping the practice highlighted as
follows the need for adequate fund-
ing for community-based processes: 
“When I shifted to supporting 
community-led processes, I expected
these processes to be carried fully
on the backs of volunteers.
Mistake. Community processes need
funding, training, and staff to be
effective. While volunteers must
lead the process, they cannot take
on all the responsibilities that come
with the work of circles. If volun-
teers are to step up and assume
significant responsibility, they need
staff, resources, and training.
Without this support, they’re
reduced to glorified gofers for jus-
tice professionals. Moreover, the
support must be significant: other-
wise circles and other similar com-
munity initiatives are set up to fail.”