Handbook on Restorative justice programmes

HANDBOOK ON RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PROGRAMMES

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chapter 4
From principles to practice: implementing restorative justice programmes
Lessons learned about programme development
The experience of restorative justice programme development is
that it is best when:
1. Programmes are be developed on a collaborative basis, involving where
appropriate, criminal justice agencies, social service agencies, non-govern-
mental organizations, community associations, and the private sector. In
the absence of collaborative arrangements, it is likely that difficulties will
be experienced in securing referrals from the police, gaining the support
of the prosecutor’s office, and other required supports.
2.  Effective communication strategy is used to create an organizational
environment that is amenable to incorporating and/or collaborating in the
development of restorative justice practices and to educate the commu-
nity about this approach.
3.  Consultation takes place with stakeholder groups and advocacy groups
in the community.
4.  There is clear agreement on the criteria to be used in referring clients
to restorative justice programmes. 
5. The victims of crime, including women who are victims of violence and
persons from other “vulnerable groups”, are given a true choice as to
whether to participate in a restorative justice process. This is the notion
of “informed choice” and includes specific requirements for confidential-
ity, presentation of the advantages and disadvantages of the restorative
process versus the conventional justice system, information on the right to
obtain legal advice and to have legal representation at any stage of the
process, the support resources that are available, and access to the facil-
itator’s credentials.
6.  Training standards and oversight of volunteers, facilitators and media-
tors have been developed and agreed upon. 
7.  An evaluative component is incorporated into every restorative justice
programme.
8. Careful thought has been given to the resources required to sustain the
programmes. In the case of low income countries, consideration is given
to what can be done with little or no additional resources, building upon
existing capacities.
input in the development of new strategies and to build upon existing
processes that have the potential to become restorative in approach and
outcome. As well, these professional and community members must 
be encouraged to develop a personal sense of ownership over the new
programmes. Proper planning of such initiatives usually includes careful
preparation of every step of their implementation process and the devel-
opment of a strategy for their monitoring and evaluation.

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