Handbook on Restorative justice programmes

4.2 Programme design and 
implementation planning
For the sake of simplicity, this handbook is focussed on individual pro-
grammes. However, one should acknowledge that implementing restora-
tive justice within any given context is not simply a matter of creating a
new self-contained programme. Restorative justice can inform every
aspect of the criminal justice process and, when appropriate, build upon
traditional practices. 
At the programme design stage, proper and extensive consultations are
crucial. They can help all stakeholders develop a sense of ownership over
the new programmes and will ensure the legitimacy of proposed new
approaches in the eyes of the victims, the offenders, and all other impor-
tant stakeholders. The design phase involves a number of basic choices
that are better made on a consensus basis informed by up-to-date infor-
mation on best practices. These choices cannot be described here in any
detail, but they include the following:
앫 Type of programme and model (including decisions about the
appropriate setting, the types and levels of intervention, the relation-
ship between the programme and the criminal justice system, etc.).
In many instances, this may require an assessment of community
needs, strengths and challenges.
앫 The organization and location of the programme.
앫 Defining the outcome/agreement that will be sought through the
process and how compliance with that agreement will be monitored.
앫 Setting priorities.
앫 Securing the commitment of partners and stakeholders to refer cases
to the programme and determining the eligibility criteria for cases. 
앫 Determining the assessment method or process that will be used to
determine case eligibility for the programme.
앫 Providing the programme with a sound governance structure and
adequate leadership.
앫 Planning for the effective management of the programme.
앫 Costs forecasting, budgeting and addressing programme sustainabil-
ity issues. This includes anticipating cost-effectiveness questions. 
앫 The recruitment, training and role of volunteers.
앫 Recruitment and training of facilitators and other personnel.